Where to start ?
02-04-2008, 07:00 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 1
Where to start ?
Hi
I am new to this site and was hoping to someone might have an idea for me. About three years ago I purchased a 67 convertible. I drove it on a daily basis for about a year before I parked it. It is a pretty standard Six with an auto transmission. It runs pretty well but needs some major body work including new floor pans and major rust repair on the lower part of both rear quarters. My question, as someone that has zero training or experience in auto body repair is, are there any shops in the New York City area that specialize in reparing classic cars ? and are there any places that allow customers to work along with the mechanics? I would really like to do some of the work myself but wouldn't even know where to start.
I am new to this site and was hoping to someone might have an idea for me. About three years ago I purchased a 67 convertible. I drove it on a daily basis for about a year before I parked it. It is a pretty standard Six with an auto transmission. It runs pretty well but needs some major body work including new floor pans and major rust repair on the lower part of both rear quarters. My question, as someone that has zero training or experience in auto body repair is, are there any shops in the New York City area that specialize in reparing classic cars ? and are there any places that allow customers to work along with the mechanics? I would really like to do some of the work myself but wouldn't even know where to start.
02-04-2008, 07:17 PM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 923
RE: Where to start ?
not sure about the shops in your area. If you want to try it, post an ad on craigslist asking ppl what body shops they have used for their classics. It seems like a longshot but I tried it in my area for a mechanic and got about 20 responses.
You will have a hard time finding a shop that will let you work with the mechanic legally. Insurance companies usually do not even allow non-employees in the 'car bay' and they certainly do not let people work with them. That said, I have heard of places where you rent a bay and a mechanic will help you along, but you have to do most of the work. They will be pretty expensive tho to cover everything plus the expensive insurance. Another option would be a small "mom and pop" kind of shop that if you get to know the owner they will help you out.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
You will have a hard time finding a shop that will let you work with the mechanic legally. Insurance companies usually do not even allow non-employees in the 'car bay' and they certainly do not let people work with them. That said, I have heard of places where you rent a bay and a mechanic will help you along, but you have to do most of the work. They will be pretty expensive tho to cover everything plus the expensive insurance. Another option would be a small "mom and pop" kind of shop that if you get to know the owner they will help you out.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
02-05-2008, 03:10 AM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Delaware(US) & Nova Scotia(Canada)
Posts: 2,035
RE: Where to start ?
Join a local mustang or classic car club and start talking to them. Quite often you'll find members who will help others in the club with things just like this. The chances of finding a local shop that would allow you to work on the car is very slim due to insurance restrictions as stated above. Could also try your local high schools or community collages as they often have a body shop and if they need a new project could assist you. Taking the car to a body shop and having everything done for you will cost a lot of cash because of the labor. Try the local clubs and schools and start talking to friends in case they know a body guy who could help out.
Have fun and welcome to the forums!
Have fun and welcome to the forums!
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