How to find a decent bodyshop?

[goldar]

I've got some rust repair and paintwork that needs doing to my classic. How do I go about finding the 'right' bodyshop?

[Llew]

I find it to be very difficult and stressful having paintwork done because I am so fussy. If I have a car painted I personally strip it and deliver the car to the bodyshop as a shell and then make no bones about my expectations - Right down to paint manufacturer, what colour the primer needs to be etc.

I have it delivered back to me and rebuild it myself with new rubbers, trim clips and any other appropriate parts... All sourced from the main dealer where possible (Porsche are very good at still selling trim, other makes not so much). Obviously this is not always a practical approach.

Where in the country are you? I'd make a list of your requirements and then manage the job with regular visits to ensure they are working to your spec...

[goldar]

I'm in South London. What I want is the job done properly. But how do I know if they're worth their salt?

[Summit_Detailing]

Speak to a couple of Detailer's local to you for recommendations, they/we wouldn't use or recommend anyone who doesn't do a proper job.

Cheers,

Chris

[goldar]

Why detailers specifically?

[Summit_Detailing]

goldar said:

Why detailers specifically?

Because I'd like to think our standards are higher than joe public so would be particularly fussy about the end result and thus wouldn't recommend a bodyshop whose main focus is on knocking out average work for insurance companies, left, right and centre.

[goldar]

But a detailer would only see the paint finish. What expertise does a detailer have in rust repair?

[andburg]

Turn up speak to the proprietor and ask to look at the current jobs and just completed jobs.

Go back a week later for another chat with the ones you like and reinspect.

[Demelitia]

goldar said:

But a detailer would only see the paint finish. What expertise does a detailer have in rust repair?

Who else do you know that has to try get car paint looking it’s best, repeatedly over long periods of time, who also doesn’t have a vested interest in lying about the quality of a paint job?
A detailer will be up close and personal with paint and repairs all the time, inspecting them in minute….detail.
They’ll be using paint gauges and have to have a good idea about the quality of the finish before they go anywhere near it with compound, especially if there’s any inkling it may not be from the factory.

It seems like a good route to take, to me.

[Belle427]

Try to find one that is known to have a good reputation, feedback etc.
It is difficult though sometimes, local Facebook groups or car groups can help sometimes.