Body work estimates?

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Jan 26, 2007 | 10:29 PM

raider21

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 376

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From: Va

Body work estimates?

Any body shop guys out there that can give me an estimate to put all the fiberglass back together on the front end of a 71? It's a potential project that I may purchase, but body work is over my head. The guy has most of the fiberglass for the front end, but it's all in pieces.

appreciate any estimates.

Raider

Jan 27, 2007 | 04:04 AM

Oldguard 7

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 2,337

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From: Norfolk VA

Im surprised that no one has answered this question. I cannot tell you also. I do know that many forum members have done this themselves and will chime in once they see this thread.

Jan 27, 2007 | 08:20 AM

jnb5101

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: charlotte north carolina

i was quoted $4000 to set a front clip on my 70. that was for labor and supplies only ( not the fiberglass parts). he also said he would only do the job if original style parts were used, not the one-piece units. he said it takes him about 40 hours. guess there's going to be some fiberglassing in my future!

Jan 27, 2007 | 09:39 AM

wombvette

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Joined: Jan 2000

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From: New Hill NC

If you have new GM or equivalent parts the old crash manual gives about 50 hours. But, that figure includes transferring all of the little things, brackets, seals etc. like you would do on a turn key job. If all you want to do is hang and finish the glass the figure is not that high. I have been doing this stuff for more than 35 years and can beat the book by a long shot. I would say the 4000 figure is a little stiff to the tune of 100 per hour. I would think the labor would be about half of that plus the parts and supplies. Supplies depend on the type of glass, but would be no more than 300.

Jan 27, 2007 | 12:20 PM

big_G

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Joined: Jul 2005

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From: Austin Texas

$2,000 + materials if their are no major fit problems. Does not include leveling or repairing defects in the new clip.

Jan 27, 2007 | 04:52 PM

raider21

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 376

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From: Va

Thanks fellas, appreciate the info. This is a big project that has potential, but depends on how low I can get the purchase price.

Would it be better to purchase a one piece clip or have the pieces put together with bonding strips?

The one piece clips are either $1K or $3K depending on manufacturer.

Thanks again for the education.

Jan 27, 2007 | 06:33 PM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 8,918

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From: New Hill NC

If you are going for a completely original looking job, especially the details on the underside, you should either buy one of the assembled fronts, or have a good body person build it from parts on the car. By doing this you should be able to pass any scrutiny. The aftermarket PM fronts will be in the $4000 range plus installation. Labor about $1000. If you just want it to look like a Corvette on the outside, but are not concerned about whether someone can tell on the underside, then the one piece hand laid are OK. Parts price of about $1500 plus the same $1000 labor.