So my black hole for money (73 bay camper) is in need of a new bodyshop / paintshop to complete its restoration and rescuing from its current state. The situation is that the van was a 'side project' for a body shop for the last few years; however, it seems he had too many side projects and its had a very piecemeal 'restoration' which some bits basically in final paint and other some bits still requiring metal cutting out welding in. He's now closing the business due to ill health and I have to find a home for it by end of September be it another body shop or temporary storage.
Im sure there must be a few classic car/ vw enthusiasts on here who have work done (well if you have had a classic vw you definitely will have!) who can recommend a good bodyshop / paintshop that has experience of this kinda restoration work. Preferably ones you have actually used and have had a good experience of and are trustworthy!
Thanks in advance.
No personal experience of them yet (I'm keeping an eye on what they're up to for the time my '64 Squareback is ready for some work), but Retro Restoration in Brownhills just north of Birmingham seem to do some great work.
ETA: the website is here: http://www.retro-resto.co.uk/ and there are fairly regular updates on their Facebook page
Greg at Southam Bodies in, err, surprisingly, Southam, had a brilliant rep in the automotive circles I move in. He won't be the cheapest, that's for sure, but all the work I've seen done by him is seriously good, and the only bad thing I've heard it's regarding the price.but imho with bodywork you very much get what you pay for. If you want a cheap lash up then don't bother getting a quote.
Probably one of your best bets is looking at Central England Automotive near Shrewsbury. It's owned by an old friend of mine who used to be the president of the VW owners club. They specialize in all things VAG plus Porsches. He often posts projects they have completed on FB and the cars look stunning. Take a look on their FB page.
My '72 doormobile went to Johnson autoworks they're on Instagram possibly Facebook as well. Also mountain bikers.
Thanks for the recommendations, I think the trouble I'm going to have especially with places like Retro-resto and Southam Bodies etc who work to a very high standard is that they are not going to trust the work that has already been done and I'm going to have to have a lot redone.
My ’72 doormobile went to Johnson autoworks they’re on Instagram possibly Facebook as well. Also mountain bikers.
How did it come out? I'm in the West Midlands so Leicester is a bit of a trek but I'm looking at all options currently.
might be a bit of a trek, but I've been following Cheshire Camper Repairs on FB and their work looks good.
Near Banbury.
This is a good mate of mines business, does everything properly. No bodging or filling, has body shop, spray shop, does full engine rebuilds, everything really. Also does vintage 911’s beautifully.
Edit- not sure why the post looks like that /\