Newb needs body shop advice

BeadHead · 05-16-2012, 10:47 PM

Well, I've taken the plunge and have my first 'European' car - 2001 540i/6 sport.

And the first thing it needs is new paint.

Recommendations? I'm in Orleans if it matters...

Thanks for any advice!

(And while I'm begging for help - any east-ish indie mechanics you like?)

zarbat007 · 05-16-2012, 11:07 PM

2 bodyshops I would recommend:

Otto's collision center
Keith's collision center

MaxBell · 05-17-2012, 03:19 AM

If you are looking for quality, I'd contact Northeast Performance and Automotive at 149 Bentley.

They have restored a friend's 1987 Monte Carlo SS to show room condition. They've got a 1971 Challenger and a 1969 Camero in the shop as 10k+ full body off restorations.

They are older men, but extremely experienced in prep, paint, wet sanding and polishing.

sb_600 · 05-17-2012, 09:52 AM

JR Autobody on Jamie Street.

Canadian Tire Carling (Service manager has a body-shop background)

Philboski · 05-17-2012, 01:40 PM

Why does the car need new paint? Perhaps there are cheaper ways around the issue.

BeadHead · 05-17-2012, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys.

@Philboski - it might not need all new... but I suspect it will. It's had work done (poorly) before, and there a number of chips all over the car that someone tried to fix up with either a paint pencil or a bottle of WhiteOut. It's one of those cars that looks great from 10 feet - but is a mess up close.

I've also been told that Greg at Oil Trell does nice work. He's been doing paint work for members of the Porsche club. Also, Mart's Autobody out in Crysler seems to get a lot of favourable mention on the bmwcco boards.