any good resto shops?

[lpm02ss]

does anyone know of any good resto shops? I am trying to find one that can do pretty much everything from start to finish... i am just an amateur and want a professional job..

[archemedes]

there was one up in brown city not sure if he's still there, the owners name is Rick Swoish (can't remember the name of the shop) I worked there when I went to body school we did a superbird that won a few awards, and a couple of cars at gm tech center

[Fuego396]

The guys who are working on my car are as good as anyone on the west coast (or planet earth!) but expensive!!!! If your vision and budget demand the best:

McLaren Vehicle Development (yep THAT McLaren)
11700 Belden Court
Livonia, MI 48150

(734) 422-4611

Tom Berkery is the Operations Manager you want to contact to discuss your project and their availibility.

Good Luck!

1st Gen

[Insomnya3AM]

Motor City Steel is a great shop. Heard nothing but good.

Or me. I'll bondo/rattlecan it and use a bottle of seafoam. We'll get you up to speed.

[TSTONE]

Motor City Steel is a great shop. Heard nothing but good.

I work next door to them (at a Chevy dealership Service center) and am currently having them pull my motor for some engine work. They are what they advertise - "A new - ultra clean facility", Tne best thing for me aside from very competitive rates (actually better than what I could get in my own shop) was the fact that while(3wks) my motor is at another local shop they are storing my vehicle in their indoor storage area at no additional charge. My vehicle doesn't need any body work but if it did I wouldn't hesitate to have them do it

[shiftinda93z]

My neighbor owns American Auto and Restoration... This guy has laid the most beautiful black paint I've ever seen on a cuda. He does cars, trucks, boats, etc. Excellent work! Don't hesitate to call and talk to him.

Rich Ridga
Phone: (989) 921-0708

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

I've got a couple of rules for shops (any shop) that works on my car (yeah, I'm kinda anal retentive):

1. Must be local to where I live. I want to be able to get there quickly if there are any issues or questions. Trying to do this over the phone can be problematic and expensive if the lines of communication get blurred and you can't get there to review a problem.

2. Must work on other similar cars. I don't want to get my car in there and have them say "wow, we've never seen one of these". They need to know the car and potential problem areas.

3. They must agree to store the car inside...no exceptions.

4. I need to take a full tour (sometimes 2) around the facility to see what they have for equipment and what they're currently working on. If all I see is insurance work, I'm going somewhere else. If the equipment isn't up to date, I'm going somewhere else. Don't be afraid to ask what type of certifications the employees have, and which ones will be working on your car.

5. Make sure they will do the resto the way YOU want it done. Too many shops will dictate what they think should be done. This is your car and your money, and if the shop cannot understand your budget and requirements, find somewhere else.

While this list will quickly eliminate 95% of the shops in your area, you will find a shop (or shops, if you're not afraid to coordinate the work and move the vehicle yourself) that will suit your needs.

Just a few thoughts...good luck.

[CollinsAutomotive]

does anyone know of any good resto shops? I am trying to find one that can do pretty much everything from start to finish... i am just an amateur and want a professional job..

the big question in selecting a shop is what are your expectations?? are you 100 point concours restoring or are you building a driver a showcar a hot rod a street rod a drag car etc ?? answer those questions and you will easily be able to narrow it down to a handful of shops that serve your needs.

Once you select a shop Ask questions and provide input. Alot of the problems customers have is that they do not communicate enough of the detial information.If you are unsure of how you want things done then look around at other cars or other work being done at the shop. Most shops miss this crucial step.

Get pictures illustrations etc of how you want things done. If a shop has a sound reason not to do something there could be a good reason. Most things astetic however are are subject to opinion unless a fuel line is to close to a heat source etc.

Just some thoughts and fualts i have seen with customers, cars and shops over the years.

[bri2203]

I work at Masterworks Automotive In Madison Heights. We mainly work on GM products mainly corvettes. Altho we have done a 70 hemi challenger, 65 mustang, and now doing a 70 boss 302 mustang. We do everything from oil changes to full frame off restorations including paint. If you would like more info send me a PM or visit mwauto.com.

[skar]

Sean I take it you will do upgrades and mods on old f-bodys also
Les

the big question in selecting a shop is what are your expectations?? are you 100 point concours restoring or are you building a driver a showcar a hot rod a street rod a drag car etc ?? answer those questions and you will easily be able to narrow it down to a handful of shops that serve your needs.

Once you select a shop Ask questions and provide input. Alot of the problems customers have is that they do not communicate enough of the detial information.If you are unsure of how you want things done then look around at other cars or other work being done at the shop. Most shops miss this crucial step.

Get pictures illustrations etc of how you want things done. If a shop has a sound reason not to do something there could be a good reason. Most things astetic however are are subject to opinion unless a fuel line is to close to a heat source etc.

Just some thoughts and fualts i have seen with customers, cars and shops over the years.

[newfx11]

I used to work at a resto shop called Racer's. They are located in Richmond, right at Gratiot and Palms rd. They do full frame up restorations and do a good job, and they do exactly what you tell them to, from what color you want your firewall to be to what rims you want, etc. #727-4069 I believe.

[skar]

Motor City Steel is a great shop. Heard nothing but good.

Or me. I'll bondo/rattlecan it and use a bottle of seafoam. We'll get you up to speed.

I was told they are moving? Some love them Others hate them!

Time will tell.

[TSTONE]

I was told they are moving? Some love them Others hate them!

Time will tell.

Yep - they moved - over to Martin Rd. I think they also changed thier name to Motor City STEAL .

[skar]

Yep - they moved - over to Martin Rd. I think they also changed thier name to Motor City STEAL .

LOL