Bodyshop recommendation for paint

[Schnoz]

Hi all,

The forum looks very different since I last logged in... it's been a while.

I'm looking for a bodyshop recommendation please. My E30 has been treated to replacement arches, sills and floor sections and is now ready for paint. The only problem is actually getting anyone bothered to quote for it.

The car is a rolling shell and the welding has been done to a high standard by a respected specialist. However, it needs dressing and preparing for paint, then the sides repainted and blended with the bonnet, roof and boot. Basically a full repaint if that's what it takes. It needs to be right as it's potentially quite a nice car, being a two-door chrome bumper 323i. I would then take the car back as a painted rolling shell.

I'm not naïve when it comes to old cars and I know what work is involved in quality bodywork, and am happy to pay for quality work. But I'm not a cashpoint and I'm not willing to leave myself open to really vague estimates and one liner emails when we're talking about quite a lot of money. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect confirmation of what's included in a quote. It's quite frustrating because if I could find someone worthwhile I have other work required on other cars. Cash waiting but nobody interested in taking it!

So, recommendations please. I'm in central Derbyshire but willing to travel a reasonable distance for someone who actually wants the work and knows what they are doing.

Thanks.

[Satan]

Have you thought about shipping it abroad?

[flybynite]

I'm not naïve when it comes to old cars and I know what work is involved in quality bodywork, and am happy to pay for quality work. But I'm not a cashpoint and I'm not willing to leave myself open to really vague estimates and one liner emails when we're talking about quite a lot of money. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect confirmation of what's included in a quote. It's quite frustrating because if I could find someone worthwhile I have other work required on other cars. Cash waiting but nobody interested in taking it!

I'm in the same boat. I'm 'Darn Saarf' but still have the same problem here. No-one I am speaking to is filling me with confidence.

Luckily I'm in no rush so I'll just carry on looking. If I don't find anyone by the time I get there I'll just do them myself and add them to the dozen or so cars I have re-sprayed. Things have changed in 30 years but not that much, flatting primer still sucks.

[Blanca]

Check out Dan Giddings (bobbybrow) of euro-nova forum, he is a top man and straight as a die.

I sent him a link.

[Satan]

Also ask DanThe as he must have contacts.

[Blanca]

Also ask DanThe as he must have contacts.

I asked Dan and he said to get in touch, be pleased to help
www.custombodyrepair.co.uk (Tamworth)

Only 25 miles via Burton.

[Schnoz]

That's really helpful and I'll send him an e-mail now, thanks.

[Sanchez]

From info.

Mark Leitch @ E30street in central Scotland.
Barry sheward @ bmr south London. (Doesn’t paint but mr e30 south England)
Just e30z in Birmingham.

All can be found on Facebook.

[longanders]

Hi all!

Thank you also for above hints.
BMR looks great, will def contact them for future engine works.

Can anyone recommend body shops any near or in London?

I got '91 325 and would like to get some preventive rust spot work done and straightening the front valance.
I would be great to have a body shop who understands E30s. Like Schotz said, its hard to trawl through the jungle of online quotes and random bodyshops.

Cheers!

[LondonTom]

Hi all!

Thank you also for above hints.
BMR looks great, will def contact them for future engine works.

Can anyone recommend body shops any near or in London?

I got '91 325 and would like to get some preventive rust spot work done and straightening the front valance.
I would be great to have a body shop who understands E30s. Like Schotz said, its hard to trawl through the jungle of online quotes and random bodyshops.

Cheers!

https://spikesvintagerestoration.com/