Bodyshop/Restoration in Beds/Bucks/Herts + Avg Cost?

Hi All,

I am looking to start stripping the new Mk1 as soon as the weather clears up, ready for a full body bare metal respray and repair where neccesary.

Couple of questions:-

Can anybody recommend a good bodyshop in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Hertfordshire who could do the work? Any samples/pics of work would be great.

Roughly, what sort of cost am I looking at for a full bare metal respray (disregarding any repair work) if I strip the car but the bodyshop preps it? I will be removing the engine to have the engine bay redone and it will be in the same colour.

Note to Mods:
I did post this in the bodywork section but think it should be in here, feel free to close my other thread.

you have a PM.

but..

1 - i wouldn't do a full bare metal unless you got serious ££££ to spend as you'll really need to get it dipped, welded, panel replaced, acid etched, skimmed and then take it to the body shop for paint… major £££

2 - I think it would be better for you to remove the engine and all other trim bits. then spend ages cleaning all the crap out of the engine bay (this takes ages.. lots of GUNK degreaser and steam cleaner/pressure washer). then remove all cables you can, wrap bin bags and duck tape around the rest.

3 - get some reels of red scotch cloth and rub the entire car down so that you've removed the shine. if you go through to the white primer that's fine but don't go any further!

the primer on these golfs is a good thickness anyway, so if you bare metaled it you'd not be putting on as think a coat… so why bother?!

4 - look at your PM's and take it from there.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the PM and your responses.

I don't think I will bother with the bare metal after all.  My budget is around £2-2.5k max so I doubt this will be sufficient for the work required, and as you say what's the point.  I might need to factor in replacement panels as it is.

I am going to strip absolutely everything off the car I can.  I will remove the engine as I want to give that a good tidy as well so will clean the engine bay ready for paint.

Thanks again.

wouldnt recomend doing either of these if your thinking of taking it for a profesional respray.

then remove all cables you can, wrap bin bags and duck tape around the rest.

3 - get some reels of red scotch cloth and rub the entire car down so that you've removed the shine. if you go through to the white primer that's fine but don't go any further!

just take off as much as you can, leave it rolling and clean it up as much as you can.

should get an half decent repaint as long as theres little rot for 2.5k

Well I took the golf to a local restoration place yesterday.

£3k = Me stripping the car and them fitting new wings, sills, front panel, bonnet, prep and paint.

or

£4k = As above but they do all the removal, prep, paint and refit of everything.  Will waxoyl everything as well.  Car will be basically as new.

They are currently restoring a daimler and rolls royce, have done a mk1 before as well.

I am very tempted by the second option. I don't have masses of time and for a few weekends overtime could cover the additional cost.

Sounds about right for agood job,that's the Sort of figures I would be charging

You have a PM dude

look on custom exotics mate they on web scott
is the owner with his brother and they sprayed my caddy
he is a good mate and will look after u they in harlow