Finding a shop to do bodywork/paint?
 

I've come to the point of finally realizing that if I want my car repaired and painted, I'm going to have to send it out. Even though I am capable of doing the work/paint myself, I just do not have the time anymore. The car that I'm referring to is my 1988 Trans Am GTA Notchback.

I do know it wont be cheap or even a fast turn around. I just want it done right. I'd like to say there is no budget but it must be within reason. $50K is ridiculous, but 20k may be logical and justified, I don't know. Until a real eyes-on estimate is done, no one can know the cost/extent of the work needed.

There are a few sections, about 4, needing rust repair(door, kick panels, quarter). All are areas varying between 4-10 inches in size. Also, fenders would get replaced with new, hood and front bumper would be replaced with good condition used oem parts, and the damaged tail panel would get straightened or replaced(I have a donor tail panel section). Then the whole car would need to be sanded, some sections down to metal due to previous bodywork, and then bodyworked and repainted. The hatch would also need minor attention due to being SMC( Sheet molded composite - similar to fiberglass but not exactly). I would still be doing all the mechanical and interior work myself, eventually.

Now I do know that the cost of repairs will quickly surpass the value of the car. I am OK with that. I have been wanting this car since I was 16, and it took me 2 decades to finally get one. I do not ever plan on selling this car.

With all that being said, how do I go about finding a competent shop to do the work? I've honestly been thinking about contacting DRS Automotive in Norfolk VA, aka "FantomWorks" from TV. But I also know there must be some more local reputable shops that could also assist me. I've also thought about contacting Paul at RPM but not sure if he is too busy or booked up.

Contact Paul. He knows 3rd gens and can probably hook you up since you don't need it "tomorrow."

Surprised you didn't recommend Showcase

Alan at All Time Auto, he has even started to get into the resto game

The talent is definitely there, but they really aren't a "resto" type of shop as far as I know. I've never even taken them anything that needed tons of body work before painting.

I just remembered a local body shop that was recommended to me a few weeks ago. Its in bergenfield nj. Supposedly the owner still has a passion for cars. I just have to see how he is with fixing smc(almost need a corvette specialty shop). The problem with 95% of body shops is that they just want insurance jobs. A place I've dealt with a few times admitted that. They did PDR on my camaro and a insurance job on my wifes car when it was rear ended. But last year when I brought the Gta by, he said they don't do stuff like that.

I'd get on Paul's waiting list, the paint he did on my old CBR was perfect. I've also never seen their work in person but Hawks Thirdgen does all the things you'd want. Some of their builds look perfect. I'm guessing you could ship it down and up and do all the business over the phone.

Paul check out Paradigm Auto Resto right in sparkill.

Paul@RPM

Rich's in Emerson did my Cadi when it was hit. work came out awesome, front bumper and entire driver side. however it was an insurance job lol

Thats who said they wouldn't do my gta. Lol. But for insurance stuff I go there.

Paul @ RPM

I wonder if i should contact Paul@rpm. I think someone, i forget who, mentioned him.

Paul @ RPM. 'Nuff said!!!

I just emailed paul@rpm.
If he's willing to take it on, the next step will be to go over the car in person to get a rough estimate.

Cool beans!

You're looking at a couple year waitlist for Paul, I was just at his shop last week.

My buddy owns Plaid Motors in Lyndhurst and does a lot of restorations (including his own 52 Hudson and 51 Chevy pickup). He also painted my boat.

My buddy down the street can handle it but I'd go in person to get a feel for things and a time frame. Transmaro93 works at surfside collision in Brick, his boss likes doing old cars and race cars and can definitely churn out nice work. I think you have to decide what level of finish you are after to get an idea of budget and also what shop you'll end up at. I'm sure you know but do you best to stick with oem parts, aftermarket is never as good and the time/materials to get the fit/finish can exceed the price difference when the option is there.

Second this. We grappled for (what felt like) forever with my aftermarket ram air hood. Purchasing OEM is the way the go.

Paul @ RPM