205 Gti Friendly Bodyshop...?

[Ray-Vonn 0]

Can anyone recommend a good bodyshop that are not just going to look at my GTI as a piece of old french rubbish?

 

I'm based in London, but will take it anywhere as I just want the best job and I want it looked after by someone with a bit of enthusiasm and respect, rather than some of the scum-monkeys that you get.....

 

BIt of background, it is a genuine non-sunroof 1991 Skip Brown GTI-S 1.9 with twin carbs, Quaife LSD, oil cooler, etc etc. I've owned the car almost since new (its now done 44k) and it has never had any paint or bodywork or anything.... until some taxi driver that could hardly speak English, decided to put a big dent in the rear qtr panel and door.

 

As there were a few scratches, stone chips etc, I thought I would seize the opportunity to get the damage fixed and the whole car resprayed - but where to take it????

 

Thanks

 

Lee

[McDude 33]

I know a good one in Essex (have done loads of work for me) but that is a bit far from you in Bucks

[Batfink 201]

I can get it done. A mate is a one man band spray painter in the unit across from me. Thats Aylesbury, Bucks.

Are you wanting the panels replaced or can the damage be bashed out? Are you going to strip the car yourself or will it require all of that to be done?

Drop me a pm.

[Phil H 16]

A.P Griffiths in Wolverton. Does the main dealers cars in the area and loves the 205 GTI.

[Ray-Vonn 0]

Thanks guys, I'm back in the UK on Friday so will make contact with the above to see what's what.

 

Cheers

[johnsimister 10]

Robin Dalwood at Westcott, between Aylesbury and Bicester, is a top body man and former bodyshop manager of Autofarm, the Porsche 911 specialist. He's just finishing off some refurbishment of my 205 as I write. He is meticulous about removing trim instead of masking it up, and preparing everything properly. He's already resprayed my 1959 Mini and 1989 Eunos Roadster. Not expensive for the high standard of work he produces. Likes competition cars too, and races a Clio. And he understands the importance of originality. He manages to make cars look like they haven't had any bodywork done to them but have simply never deteriorated in the first place. Tel 01296 655574.

 

Hope that helps

 

John

[Ray-Vonn 0]

John, thank you. He sounds like exactly the guy I'm looking for!

 

I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again, Lee

[Lynden 2]

Ray-Vonn - did you have any luck with the bodywork repairs? My 1988 1.9 GTI is beginning to get a bit rusty around the rear arches and a couple of other places. I've had a go at bodywork myself in the past but am short on time and facilities at the moment, so I'm looking for a bodyshop or similar that's not going to be too pricey but will do a good job. Ideally not too far from North London.

 

Anyone know what typical hourly rates are for bodywork / paint these days?

 

Any suggestions welcome.

Edited November 3, 2012 by Lynden