Need a reference for a good body shop

50Commodore
50Commodore Member
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I have had my 1950 Commodore in a local body shop for almost 1 1/2 years and they have not made any progress on my car at all. Every time I go there I get the same old excuses and get promises of work to be done on the car "in a couple of days".



What I am looking for is a reference to a reputable, dependable shop in the So Calif area that does good, clean work. The car needs to be stripped, blasted, body work completed and painted. I had to wait 30 years to get this car and I would like tp get this car on the road again in a big way.



Thanks for your help!



Dan

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Frustrating isnt it. We have a local shop here in Pa. that is the same way. He has done 2 33 Terraplane 8s and a 1919 Essex for me in the last 4 years, All turned out fantastic, with hardly any, if any bondo in them. Problem is he is busy, because he is that good. There is usually a reason why. Discuss it with him..
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Dan,



    I have a buddy who owns Sterling Auto collision in Lomita, Ca. He does high line cars like BMW's and Mercedes, etc. He is typically more expensive but he does the best work. Ask for Lars and tell him Niels sent you. Phone is (310)325-4425.
  • 50Commodore
    50Commodore Member
    Tom,



    Oh man, is it frustrating ..and how! I know the shop where mine is at does good work. I have seen several of his cars and they are first rate. However, what seems to be happening is that since he is a 1 man operation he has a lot of friends he does favors for and works things in for trade. Yep, he does the Porsches, Beemers, Vettes and the like but there's a point when it gets beyond being reasonable. My money isn't worth any less than any of the other folks out there and I guess he keeps postponing mine because I haven't let him know straight up how I feel and because he has his "buddies" that he does jobs for to appease them. Okay, that's my soapbox and I'll get off of it now.

    Niels, I will call Sterling on Monday which is my next day off and see what they say. If I can get a firm, definite, will start on date and can see their work I will feel much better!



    Thank you very much for the replies! Any other references are much appreciated!



    Dan
  • hdsn49
    hdsn49 Senior Contributor
    Dan,



    In 1995 I brought my 49 Brougham to a restoration shop in Derby CT. They had the car for 6 years. They did all the body work on the car and them disassembled it for paint. They called me in 2001 to tell me that they had filed for bankrupcy and come pick up the car. I went done with a car trailor and a box truck to pick up the car in pieces. They had lost several parts and told me that they would replace them. They never did



    To make things worse when I brought the car to a second restoration shop for paint they showed me that all the body work was poorly done and they had to redo everything.That cost me about 1 1/2 times as much as I had already paid.



    My words of advice to you are carefully check out any shop and be there all the time to check on their work. Be a pain, watch everything they do and make sure its done to your satisfaction.



    Ed



    PS. The shop in Derby CT reopened under another name with the same owner. If I ever see him at a car show I am going to !!!!!!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Lars has been in business for many, many years and is a big operation. The last thing he would want is a car sitting idle in his shop. I grew up with the guy so I wouldn't recommend him unless I knew him and his shops work. There are alot of variables on what you want so the pricing is between you and him. Regardless, get a couple shops to choose from. Niels
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Yes, if the guy has had your car for a year and a half he isn't running a body shop he is running a parking garage. If you have the money and are willing to pay he should be doing the work. Pull it out and go to a bigger outfit like Niels suggests I find if you want the work done right you have to either do it yourself or go to a outfit that will give you an estimate, a time line and stick to it. If the guy is putting work in front of yours then thats the sign to move on.
  • 50Commodore
    50Commodore Member
    Ed



    Your experience is exactly what I would never want to happen and why I was trying to keep as much of the work done by shops close to where I live so I can keep a watchful eye on the project.



    I know with this forum there are plenty of members who have been involved with restorations of Hudsons that have more experience or knowledge of reputable shops that I might have success with. I certainly want to do things the right way...once.

    After I call Sterling, I will make the trip to their shop in person before I commit.



    If any others out there have anu other recommendations, I'd certainly like to hear about them.



    Thank you,



    Dan
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Dan, while this forum is an excellent place to solicit opinions on good shops in your area, another way is to ask the members of your local H-E-T Chapter or AACA Region (if you belong to one). That way, not only can you hear about shops that do a good job, but you can actually see the bodywork done by these companies, firsthand. Nothing like a local old-car network for recommendations on good local shops!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Dan, If You Are In So Cal, Stop By Vintage Coach And Discuss Your Problem, Maybe I Can Help, Bill Albright, Fontana,,ca Ph 909 823 9168
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