66Sunfire

Looking for a recommendation for shop to repair or replace the front clip on 1966 Roadster. Would really prefer someone local to Central Indiana. Doesn't need to be "NCRS" shop, just need reliable quality work. Thanks

66jack

First off...Welcome to the Forum....

I cannot help you with a shop for obvious reasons, but, and this is "just a suggestion" if you find someone to RR the clip...don't let them take your "original clip" unless they offer you some good $$$ in return for labor...

66Sunfire

Thank you Jack! I have no body repair skills at all. Can do some mechanical work. Some have advised i'm better off to 'replace than repair'. I would hope to repair, we shall see. I will take good care of the original panels. Thanks again for your advice

Lotsacubes

Seth Wood, Lucky's Restorations of Athens, AL, is moving his business to Indiana. He has moved much of his equipment to Indiana to be near family. His workmanship and attention to detail is exceptional. Hate to see him leave the area. His cell/text is 256-694-1752. I think he and his wife are NCRS judges FWIW.

MikeM

Here is a very reputable shop in southern Indiana, on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River and Louisville.

http://www.corvetterestoration.com/1index.shtml

This one in Louisville. Well respected.


http://www.huntandknight.com/

MikeM

Where is this guy moving to?

66Sunfire

Thanks Lotsacubes, I will contact Seth

Frankie the Fink

Define "front clip"; is it the hood surround ? from the wheel arches forward ? just the nose/header bar piece ? or what ?

66Sunfire

Thanks Mike! I will take a look at those links!

66Sunfire

Hood surround and fenders (doors forward) Thanks!

Frankie the Fink

Everything then...got it...thanks!

Procrastination Racing

A lot of people get sucked into the idea that they HAVE to replace the entire front end. Then a year or so after, paint pops all over, they notice it isn't straight, and so on. And that is after they paint $5000 for a front end, several thousand to replace it, and $5000 to paint.

All because a corner was banged or a parking light pod was knocked off.

Put some pictures of your problem and get some great advice here before you do anything silly like spend money you don't need to.

Frankie the Fink

You can have this job done a 1/2 dozen ways depending on the damage. I've seen too many "over the wheel arches" glue jobs that I could see from 25 feet... Some inexperienced shops will screw up the horizontal belt-line ridge at the front of the car and try to make it straight (they actually droop a bit)..

Of the two major repro panel vendors one did have an issue with paint lifting after a while, long since solved if you believe the NCRS web site.

If you get a good shop with a good reputation, they should guide you through the process without ripping you off. Ask to see some of their work, talk to owners they've worked with and decide early on if you want an NCRS-level repair with original pieces, repro panels or something else... The cost can vary widely...

Have no compunction about walking away if you don't hear the things you want to hear...

66Sunfire

Thanks, I will post some pictures soon. I don't have detailed pic of the damage, but will get some soon

Lotsacubes

Lucky's Restorations (Seth) is moving to Evansville, IN

MikeM

Thanks.

MikeM

You could also check with Brett Henderson in Pendleton, Indiana. He is on this forum as Vette Daddy.

If he can't help, I'd bet he can recommend someone close.

66Sunfire

Here's some pics

66jack

Just asking...

Cant the body shop just clean up/out the bondo re-lay the bad glass...glass in the bondo areas 'correctly' and then put on a 'gel coat' over the front end vs RR a new front clip...

66Sunfire

Long story, but this body shop is a client of mine and they are not a restoration shop. Owner and I go way back yada yada. They are busy making money on every day collision repairs, I get it!... I was told by another friend that repaired and painted corvettes (back in the day, since retired to FL) that a front clip would be the way to go. I don't know, certainly I would rather repair than replace. just looking for some one in central Indiana to get it ready for paint! Thanks for all the replies!