paint and body work

[rx7922]

those of you that took your car in to a body shop to do paint and body work, how much did they charge you?

I got a quote from a local body shop here in gilroy, ca and they quoted me 25k

[JohnK]

PM sent

[mrmustang]

those of you that took your car in to a body shop to do paint and body work, how much did they charge you?

I got a quote from a local body shop here in gilroy, ca and they quoted me 25k

Have you checked with Jeff "Da Bat" Miller 951-676-0191 for a price?
Ken Pike perhaps?
Jeff Miller?


Bill S.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Have you checked with Jeff "Da Bat" Miller 951-676-0191 for a price?
Ken Pike perhaps?
Jeff Miller?


Bill S.

Ken's Custom Auto Body in Marysville. He's done literally hundreds of these cars. (530) 671-7250

Miller is hanging it up :(

Jeff

[MSumners]

Had quotes from 10k to over 40k and some that wanted a blank check at 6-8k per week. Ended up shipping across country to Kens (listed above). Turned out perfect and if he does Coupes will likely do the same for my current build. Wasn’t the cheapest but reasonable and even with shipping cheaper than local.

[Lidodrip]

I had quotes from $8k to $50k. The majority of them fell in the $10k-13k range.

James

[Tbev]

Most body shops want nothing to do with our cars because they are fiberglass and take too much time to get them to look right. So they will quote you very high prices in hopes you go elsewhere and then if you still decide to go with them they will make a lot of $ for work they really don't want to do. I would go with whichever one is closest to you that was previously mentioned in this thread as they all specialize in these cars and know what they are doing. I was originally planning on using Jeff Kleiner, but then when I looked into the shipping costs the total price ended up being about the same as Metal Morphous, which is in the next town over from me. Both specialize in these cars and both do outstanding work.

[juddster]

I had mine done by Jeff Miller. $9,500 for an MK4 with stripes. He may be retired though. When I picked mine up in July he said he had about 9 cars left before he retired. It will be hard to beat that price for the type of work he does. Very happy with mine. A lot of money, but totally worth it. I would have had Ken Pike do it if I couldn't have gotten in with Jeff before retirement. Ken Pike is not to far from you.

[skidd]

I was quoted $15k by one shop. $25 by another. With some guidance by daBat, I did it myself instead.

[GoDadGo]

I had my pal Sammy do the body work.
Jeff Kleiner told us what to do and how to do it.
The Sam-Man would only accept $800.00 for his 16 hours.
My buddy Ernie then shot the car at his body shop for only $5,000.00.
We still have not buffed the car because we never got around to it after Ernie passed.
I spent about $200.00 for supplies and which included Rage Gold, Fiberglass and Fibertech.
These cars can be done for a reasonable price if you know the right people that are real car enthusiast.

You be the judge:
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

Ernie's Obituary:
https://obits.nola.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/ernest-chassaniol-obituary?id=22007180

NOTE:...If I build another car I'll ask Jeff Kleiner if he'd be willing to put me on his waiting list as soon as I order the kit.

[Alan_C]

those of you that took your car in to a body shop to do paint and body work, how much did they charge you?

I got a quote from a local body shop here in gilroy, ca and they quoted me 25k

You need to call Jeff Miller in Temecula. Now we are talking 2014 prices, but Jeff did the body work and paint with stripes for $6500. Even if his cost has doubled, you would be far ahead to trailer the car down to Jeff.

[Stangarang]

I went to three shops locally here in Indiana. And the average was around $6,500 for me to do the bodywork, and them paint. And $16,000 for them to do it.
Michael

[first time builder]

Sammy did all the bodywork in 16 Hours ?

[Jeff Kleiner]

I went to three shops locally here in Indiana. And the average was around $6,500 for me to do the bodywork, and them paint. And $16,000 for them to do it.
Michael

Curious where you went because you didn’t come here.

:)

Jeff

[kirby]

Jeff - How far out are you? still trying to decide if I am doing bodywork and paint or if someone else is.

[Stangarang]

Curious where you went because you didn’t come here.

:)

Jeff

Jeff do you do paint and body work? I'm still undecided on how I am going to go.

[rx7922]

is there a thread on paint and body work, i know there is a bunch of videos on youtube, but i wanted to be able to read something

[Higgybulin]

is there a thread on paint and body work, i know there is a bunch of videos on youtube, but i wanted to be able to read something

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?44680-Carl-s-and-Phil-s-Mk4-Body-Work-and-Paint

[CW_MI]

In doing my research before I buy a kit, and trying to add up somewhat of what I think the budget will be, I got to the paint and body work. Some of the prices I got, really took the wind out of my sails. The number I had in my head was around $12k. What I got were $20k to $25k. And this wasn't for a "show" quality paint job, just a nice two stage with wet sand and polishing. Something I can drive, and not freak out when it gets a stone chip.

Now, that was just talking with a few people locally. Hopefully, when the time comes I can get it closer to that $12k mark.

[edwardb]

In doing my research before I buy a kit, and trying to add up somewhat of what I think the budget will be, I got to the paint and body work. Some of the prices I got, really took the wind out of my sails. The number I had in my head was around $12k. What I got were $20k to $25k. And this wasn't for a "show" quality paint job, just a nice two stage with wet sand and polishing. Something I can drive, and not freak out when it gets a stone chip.

Now, that was just talking with a few people locally. Hopefully, when the time comes I can get it closer to that $12k mark.

Chick with Phil at New Reflections. Currently in Howell, MI but moving to a new shop in the area. (517) 404-2225. He's painted a bunch of these including my first one. Another forum member's just got finished. I think his price will be in the ballpark of what you're looking for and he does nice work. Another option is to get on Jeff Kleiner's list in Bloomington, IN. But not until you have your kit and have a better idea of the timeline. You're right, the numbers are all over the map. I know from experience.

[Jeff Kleiner]

... Hopefully, when the time comes I can get it closer to that $12k mark...

Kind of going to depend on "when the time comes". Up until 2 years ago I was telling my customers that unless they got into some of the exotic colors materials would run $1,500-1,800. All of those prices have pretty much doubled in the past two years and I now advise that materials alone (cleaners, fillers, primers, sealers, paint and clear) will almost certainly hit $3,000. And they aren't coming down! Case in point...for years Slick Sand high build polyester primer ran $95-$100 per gallon. Today it's over $250...and every roadster requires 2. Everything else has gone up similarly. I've done a few roadsters where the color alone was >$3,000/gallon :eek:

Jeff

[rich grsc]

Hey Jeff, I can pick you up some John Deere green enamel for about $50 a gallon.:rolleyes:

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hey Jeff, I can pick you up some John Deere green enamel for about $50 a gallon.:rolleyes:

Pick up a quart of yellow while you're at it. Plus a couple of 3/8 nap rollers and a 2" foam brush :)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201058&d=1589222219

Cheers,
Jeff

[CW_MI]

Kind of going to depend on "when the time comes". Up until 2 years ago I was telling my customers that unless they got into some of the exotic colors materials would run $1,500-1,800. All of those prices have pretty much doubled in the past two years and I now advise that materials alone (cleaners, fillers, primers, sealers, paint and clear) will almost certainly hit $3,000. And they aren't coming down! Case in point...for years Slick Sand high build polyester primer ran $95-$100 per gallon. Today it's over $250...and every roadster requires 2. Everything else has gone up similarly. I've done a few roadsters where the color alone was >$3,000/gallon :eek:

Jeff

That is what I've been told...the materials alone just keep going up. It's crazy.
And I'm in no way trying to offend anyone that has this skill set. It's just some of these numbers are shocking. Although, when all laid out, and one can see the cost of materials, hours involved, overhead, etc. it makes more sense.

On some of the restorations my friends have done, and I could be wrong, but if my memory is right, body work and paint they had upwards of 500 hours or more.

[CW_MI]

Chick with Phil at New Reflections. Currently in Howell, MI but moving to a new shop in the area. (517) 404-2225. He's painted a bunch of these including my first one. Another forum member's just got finished. I think his price will be in the ballpark of what you're looking for and he does nice work. Another option is to get on Jeff Kleiner's list in Bloomington, IN. But not until you have your kit and have a better idea of the timeline. You're right, the numbers are all over the map. I know from experience.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm thinking someone familiar with these, would be the way to go.

[Jeff Kleiner]

...It's just some of these numbers are shocking...

Some of those shocking numbers are saying "I'm not interested in doing it unless you're willing to pay stupid money." I can assure you that even at today's material costs it is very possible to get one done for less than $12k by an experienced FFR body & paint specialist ;)

Jeff

[MaxVmo]

Any recommendations for Phoenix/northern AZ?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Any recommendations for Phoenix/northern AZ?

Ken Pike as I mentioned in post #4.

Jeff

[rthomas98]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm thinking someone familiar with these, would be the way to go.

Hey, That someone is me LOL. Yes I second using Phil at new reflections. I go pick my body up tomorrow actually. PM me and I give some details on the cost and what to expect. Here is the teaser pick he sent me yesterday before I get it tomorrow and yes the pricing is very reasonable.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201069&d=1719537133

[GoDadGo]

Some of those shocking numbers are saying "I'm not interested in doing it unless you're willing to pay stupid money." I can assure you that even at today's material costs it is very possible to get one done for less than $12k by an experienced FFR body & paint specialist ;)

Jeff

I'll say it again, if I build another Factory Five, I'll be reaching out to you Sir Jeffski to paint it.
Ernie's gone, but you are still painting strong!
Stay Healthy Mr. K!

[toadster]

agreed - call Ken :) he's done over 1,000 cobras now :)

Marysville isn't crazy far from Gilroy...

[MaxVmo]

That will be my first call. Thanks for the tip.

[CW_MI]

Some of those shocking numbers are saying "I'm not interested in doing it unless you're willing to pay stupid money." I can assure you that even at today's material costs it is very possible to get one done for less than $12k by an experienced FFR body & paint specialist ;)

Jeff

Yeah, I agree. We just went through that on a small bathroom renovation. We got some quotes for $18k and $20k....then found someone that wanted to do it, we will probably have $7500 into it. I just wish people would say, I'm not interested instead of throwing out some over the top price.

[CW_MI]

Hey, That someone is me LOL. Yes I second using Phil at new reflections. I go pick my body up tomorrow actually. PM me and I give some details on the cost and what to expect. Here is the teaser pick he sent me yesterday before I get it tomorrow and yes the pricing is very reasonable.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201069&d=1719537133

I will definitely PM you. And that color !!! Wow...that is going to look awesome.

[dherrenbruck]

Some of those shocking numbers are saying "I'm not interested in doing it unless you're willing to pay stupid money." I can assure you that even at today's material costs it is very possible to get one done for less than $12k by an experienced FFR body & paint specialist ;)

Jeff

This is my guy! Can't wait to get the call to bring mine on up. Jeff has been super helpful during my build process. I'm lucky that I live within 100 miles. I've got 450 miles on mine to date and runs and drives great.

[Jeff Kleiner]

... I go pick my body up tomorrow actually....
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201069&d=1719537133

Cool! That'll make 2 purples in Michigan; I just did this one last year for an owner near Grand Rapids :)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201076&d=1719591699

Jeff

[runamuk]

Thats beautiful

[EZ$]

Just another vote for Ken Pike. Ken painted mine, and even with the extra work he needed to do to get the hood right, it was still around 12K. At C&C's and car shows the first thing that people that see the car comment on is how beautiful the paint job is. If I had the energy to build another, I wouldn't hesitate to take it to Ken.

[rthomas98]

Cool! That'll make 2 purples in Michigan; I just did this one last year for an owner near Grand Rapids :)

Jeff
Yep we like our purple. But just had the fun of picking it up today. Here is one in the sun and on the chassis. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201094&d=1719634127

[austinsnake]

Love those purples!
Any recomendations for a Texas / DFW based painter?

[Mike.Bray]

Brent's Customs in Lewisville.

[OB6]

Yep we like our purple. But just had the fun of picking it up today. Here is one in the sun and on the chassis. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201094&d=1719634127

Love it. What color is it?

[austinsnake]

Thanks! I will check them out.

[kirby]

I am in KC and still debating how to handle the body work. Anybody have recommendations in Kansas City?

[gbranham]

I am in KC and still debating how to handle the body work. Anybody have recommendations in Kansas City?

Dave Henderson did my MkIII years ago, and I talked to him last summer about doing my MkIV, and he was very interested. At the time he did my first, he worked at Carriage and Motor Works down on SW Trafficway. He now owns Empire Automotive, which is in the same building Carriage used to be in. They do a lot of high-end restoration, and Dave has a degree from McPherson college in automotive restoration. Great dude; he lives near us in Edwardsville.

Empire Automotive Kansas City - Automobile Restoration (empireautomotivekc.com) (https://www.empireautomotivekc.com/)

[kirby]

Dave Henderson did my MkIII years ago, and I talked to him last summer about doing my MkIV, and he was very interested. At the time he did my first, he worked at Carriage and Motor Works down on SW Trafficway. He now owns Empire Automotive, which is in the same building Carriage used to be in. They do a lot of high-end restoration, and Dave has a degree from McPherson college in automotive restoration. Great dude; he lives near us in Edwardsville.

Empire Automotive Kansas City - Automobile Restoration (empireautomotivekc.com) (https://www.empireautomotivekc.com/)

I should have known you would have a line on someone!!! Thanks Greg I will call him tomorrow

[gbranham]

You bet. Tell him I said hello!

[toadster]

not purple, but BLUE!! :)

from Ken Pike


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFPx-f122w

[MaxVmo]

Ken Pike as I mentioned in post #4.

Jeff

Thanks for the reference. I spoke with him and feel good about what I heard. It’s a 90-day process, but it’s very comprehensive.

[1Down5up]

In south Florida we have lots of marine shops around. I was referred to Destination Automotive and Marine in Bradenton. Trevor was great to work with and being in the fiberglass business he knew what he was getting into and did a great job. It cost me 10K and he did all the prep and paint, I did the fitment ahead of time.
201345201346201347

[toadster]

Thanks for the reference. I spoke with him and feel good about what I heard. It’s a 90-day process, but it’s very comprehensive.

visited Ken again today - always some great stuff going on in his new shop in Marysville!

201356 201357 201358 201359 201360

[rthomas98]

Love it. What color is it?

Hellraisen Purple. It is a Chrysler Color. It is also known as Black eye purple.

[JohnK]

Thanks for the reference. I spoke with him and feel good about what I heard. It’s a 90-day process, but it’s very comprehensive.

Ken does amazing work, but it's not going to be a 90 day process.

[gbranham]

Ken does amazing work, but it's not going to be a 90 day process.

I thought the same when I read that...90 days seems really ambitious.

[MaxVmo]

No matter, I’m flexible. The importance is doing it right and I’ve heard very good things.

[gbranham]

No matter, I’m flexible. The importance is doing it right and I’ve heard very good things.

That's the right attitude! I'm in the same camp...it'll take as long as it takes.

[Jeff's First FFR]

See my post on Gel coating the entire car.

Jeff

[LI JAG]

I am just gathering ballpark quotes for budgeting a new Mk4 build. How much does paint and body work go for in the vicinity of Long Island / New York? Or if it makes more sense to ship it to an experienced Cobra painter, how much would that cost?

[egchewy79]

I am just gathering ballpark quotes for budgeting a new Mk4 build. How much does paint and body work go for in the vicinity of Long Island / New York? Or if it makes more sense to ship it to an experienced Cobra painter, how much would that cost?

send mike everson a PM. he's in Mass and has a guy that he uses for all his builds who should have plenty of experience. I found a huge range of quotes all the way up to $30k. I ended up waiting for Jeff Kleiner in Bloomington, which was like 250mi from my house and trailered it there.

[LI JAG]

send mike everson a PM. he's in Mass and has a guy that he uses for all his builds who should have plenty of experience. I found a huge range of quotes all the way up to $30k. I ended up waiting for Jeff Kleiner in Bloomington, which was like 250mi from my house and trailered it there.

Thanks - I'll reach out to Mike. BTW, what's the ballpark for Jeff?

[dennyrocco]

Anyone know of a body and paint guy in the Las Vegas NV area, SoCal, or AZ? So far the people I've spoke to were quitting the business due to the rise in cost, didn't want to mess with it because it was fiberglass, or wanted a blank check. I'm probably a year out, so i figured its time to start looking

[egchewy79]

Thanks - I'll reach out to Mike. BTW, what's the ballpark for Jeff?

I'll DM you.

[CABulldog]

I have emailed Ken Pike this week wanting to get on his list, he stated around $15k which seems reasonable to me.

There are other builders in Gilroy who have used Ken as well. Join the club for breakfast on a Saturday and you will get to see a few nice cars that he did, depending on who is there and others with valuable experience as well.

[herb427sc]

Is anybody doing paint and prep in Tennessee.
This is on a MKI.

[Highplainsdakota]

Hey guys,

I know this is an older thread but paint and body work options continue to change over time. I'm looking for someone to do my Mk4 with a hard top. I agree with Jeff Kleiner about finding someone that has done a lot of these and "likes" the work. I too have been given quotes upwards of $50,000. I'm in Bismarck, North Dakota so my options are limited and I don't mind shipping. I have already reached out to Jeff Kleiner as he is one of the go-to guys around here and has helped many of us out with our builds, but he can't accept me as a customer as he has too many booked. When you're good your booked!

I'll keep in contact with him, but if anyone has recommendations in the Minneapolis area that's an easy drive for us. Thanks!

[cdurbin328]

I wanted to do all of the work on my build myself so I did the paint and bodywork. Jeff Kleiner (the man, the myth, the legend) was kind enough to give me some step by step guidance. I followed them to the letter and it turned out awesome. I probably spent a solid month just blocking and sanding to make sure the body was a perfect as I could get it. I shot the primer/sealer at my house. I'm an engineer for the DoD so I was able to use the hobby shop paint booth on the Air Force base to shoot the base and clear. I get compliments all the time about the paint job which is pretty awesome since the paint is a metallic and this is only the second car that I've ever painted.
I will say that I did a ton of reading and Youtube watching to get educated before I ever picked up a gun. I finished my build about 14 months ago and back then I want to say paint, clear, and misc cost me around $2800.

212498212499212500

[Blitzboy54]

I wanted to do all of the work on my build myself so I did the paint and bodywork. Jeff Kleiner (the man, the myth, the legend) was kind enough to give me some step by step guidance. I followed them to the letter and it turned out awesome. I probably spent a solid month just blocking and sanding to make sure the body was a perfect as I could get it. I shot the primer/sealer at my house. I'm an engineer for the DoD so I was able to use the hobby shop paint booth on the Air Force base to shoot the base and clear. I get compliments all the time about the paint job which is pretty awesome since the paint is a metallic and this is only the second car that I've ever painted.
I will say that I did a ton of reading and Youtube watching to get educated before I ever picked up a gun. I finished my build about 14 months ago and back then I want to say paint, clear, and misc cost me around $2800.

212498212499212500

There is literally nothing I miss more about being in the military than the auto hobby shop. Just the best

Paint looks fantastic. Congratulations!

[cdurbin328]

There is literally nothing I miss more about being in the military than the auto hobby shop. Just the best

Paint looks fantastic. Congratulations!

Definitely! I have a 2 post lift in my shop but you can't beat the paint booth for $75 a day.
Thanks brother. I appreciate it.

[Rian_Colorado]

So THAT'S why I haven't gotten a reply from Jeff! (No worries Jeff, I kind of thought that might be the case. I've honestly thought about volunteering free labor to learn from the best for a month or 2....). I've given a lot of thought to doing it myself, as the learning of it would be cool / easier to learn to repair should you have the need / makes it reasonable to do others in the future / etc. Also, if you liked it - there's obviously a LOT of demand, and diminishing supply of those with the skillset. There's just NO ONE in the middle of the country either.....
But honestly the bodywork just seems daunting! That and breathing fiberglass dust all day sounds like it sucks.

I also recommend Ken, as he did my Daytona. I agree that it's likely NOT going to be 90 days. The Daytona took a LOT longer than that - though it's a LOT more work too.

I get compliments on the paint all the time though! Sounds like he'll probably end up with my MK4 too.... Kinda thought it would be fun to have 1 done by each

If you're OK to ship it - I'd say Ken, or one of the above guys mentioned in the MI area? Difference in cost to ship it won't be too much considering the cost for paint and body....

Rian

[Rian_Colorado]

Nice work!!

What color grey is that?

[cdurbin328]

Nice work!!

What color grey is that?

Thanks!
It's Ford dark matter gray metallic. The stripes are Ford Iconic Silver Metallic and a small Ford Lucid Red outer stripe

[PMD24]

I'm in the Rochester, NY area. So far I've only found one resource near here who has done a cobra (one) and the quote was $50k. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Pat

[MaxVmo]

Ken Pike is doing a Daytona right now. He’s on Facebook (Ken’s Custom Auto in Yuba City CA) with pics and video weekly seems like. My cobra has been out there since late September but should be nearing completion as it’s now in primer. As a previous post states my quote is around $15K. Shipping from CA to TN runs about $1800 or so—it may be worth the shipping cost to use Ken—but you’ll have to get in a solid line!

[Blitzboy54]

I'm in the Rochester, NY area. So far I've only found one resource near here who has done a cobra (one) and the quote was $50k. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Pat

That is insane!?!

I’m in Albany. I used Ron at Metal Morphous in New Haven CT. The price was 1/4 that.

[PMD24]

That is insane!?!

I’m in Albany. I used Ron at Metal Morphous in New Haven CT. The price was 1/4 that.

That's about 6 hrs from me and might work using Stewart. Will check it out.

[Theshandman]

Just a 'bit' to the east of Gilroy, CA is Spotlight Custom Cars (https://www.facebook.com/spotlightcustomcars/)in Dahlonega GA. Mike Bowen has done a good number of Cobras (and Roadsters) and other show cars over the years. He did my body and paint (Antimatter Blue, thanks to Jeff K) at about $10K and I couldn't be happier. I mounted and finessed the exhaust system at his shop after fitting the body and helped fit the hood so I saved some bucks from his turnkey price.

212519

[Waterman]

I also am in the Rochester area and we just finished painting my roadster. I to had cost estimates in the $30k range from local custom paint shops. The normal collision shops would not touch it. But even the custom shops when pushed wanted money up front and no time commitment and some ghosted me on follow-up. I ended up going with a family friend(full time body man) who worked on it nights and weekends. However keeping him motivated to work on it was very frustrating. I ended up helping him at each stage, I screwed up the strips, rework but it is done and I learned a lot. If you can build a car you can do the bodywork. Just have the clear done by a professional or you will be doing lots of cut and buff as they say. The blue paint was $635 for the gallon but as other have said all the other supplies really add up. Now final assembly and NYS DMV process. The strips match the wheels, the trans cover, roll bars and many other powder coated bits.212531

[Highplainsdakota]

If you can build a car you can do the bodywork. Just have the clear done by a professional or you will be doing lots of cut and buff as they say.

Thanks Waterman,

I have to admit, I had always thought I had to do the bodywork anyway. I was excited to learn the paint and body guys do this for me, but it sounds like I'm back to DIY! I really don't want to do my own paint. I'll start with the body work and see how far I get. One of my concerns is knowing how it should look. The mold marks are significant near the gas fill area and I have no experience filling in fiberglass defects. FFR was forced to cut the roll bar holes but I'm doing a single wide roll bar and need to fill in a hole there. Can I just buy the fiberglass bondo kit from Menards or do I need something specific for this body material? Thanks again.

[mgk172]

Ron at Metal Morphous. He just finished my roadster last month - impressive work and highly recommend!!

I live in southeast PA and trailered to Ron in North Haven, CT. It was well worth the time.

[egchewy79]

Thanks Waterman,

I have to admit, I had always thought I had to do the bodywork anyway. I was excited to learn the paint and body guys do this for me, but it sounds like I'm back to DIY! I really don't want to do my own paint. I'll start with the body work and see how far I get. One of my concerns is knowing how it should look. The mold marks are significant near the gas fill area and I have no experience filling in fiberglass defects. FFR was forced to cut the roll bar holes but I'm doing a single wide roll bar and need to fill in a hole there. Can I just buy the fiberglass bondo kit from Menards or do I need something specific for this body material? Thanks again.
FYI, many painters won’t take on your project if you do your own body work. They don’t want to be responsible for shoddy body work or incompatible materials.

[Highplainsdakota]

FYI, many painters won’t take on your project if you do your own body work. They don’t want to be responsible for shoddy body work or incompatible materials.

Wow. Also good to know.

Well. Still looking around Minneapolis if anyone has leads. Have some calls out.

[ASL67]

Here is a nice video on hole filling with glass, you may have bigger holes but the process will be the same.

https://youtu.be/8VNydv8xX2A?si=kFAmC5kCMUKF1NcT

[rich grsc]

Thanks Waterman,

I have to admit, I had always thought I had to do the bodywork anyway. I was excited to learn the paint and body guys do this for me, but it sounds like I'm back to DIY! I really don't want to do my own paint. I'll start with the body work and see how far I get. One of my concerns is knowing how it should look. The mold marks are significant near the gas fill area and I have no experience filling in fiberglass defects. FFR was forced to cut the roll bar holes but I'm doing a single wide roll bar and need to fill in a hole there. Can I just buy the fiberglass bondo kit from Menards or do I need something specific for this body material? Thanks again.
You can't fill the holes with bondo, it should be repaired with fiberglass or HSRF

[Jeff Kleiner]

Thanks Waterman,

I have to admit, I had always thought I had to do the bodywork anyway. I was excited to learn the paint and body guys do this for me, but it sounds like I'm back to DIY! I really don't want to do my own paint. I'll start with the body work and see how far I get. One of my concerns is knowing how it should look. The mold marks are significant near the gas fill area and I have no experience filling in fiberglass defects. FFR was forced to cut the roll bar holes but I'm doing a single wide roll bar and need to fill in a hole there. Can I just buy the fiberglass bondo kit from Menards or do I need something specific for this body material? Thanks again.

Like Chewy said many painters won't paint on top of someone else's prep (I won't and I know my friend Ken won't, don't think my buddy Miller would do it either). A big part of the reason why is because we have no assurance that the work was done using the proper materials and processes (the "fiberglass bondo kit from Menards" would not be correct!). I don't know of anyone in Minnesota who does our cars...over the last 4-5 years I've had 3 roadsters sent to me from Minnesota and have done several others for Wisconsin owners. As I told you in the PM we exchanged I could not possibly fit you into the early 2026 time frame that you spoke of but that doesn't necessarily rule it out altogether for a later date. If you decide that you want to do it yourself there is lots of help and info available here on the forum. Take a look at this thread that Carl started a couple of years ago about his experiences as a first timer which will give you a good idea of the time and work involved.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?44680-Carl-s-and-Phil-s-Mk4-Body-Work-and-Paint

It can be a steep learning curve but is doable if you're committed to it. He and I conversed a lot through that thread, via PMs and over the phone and if you choose to go down this path I'll try to offer the same help to you.

Good luck whichever way you go!

Jeff

[gbranham]

I did all the bodywork on my MkIII, having never done anything with fiberglass at all. I read the forum like crazy, and went to work. I learned how to use HSRF properly to fill in my quickjack holes in the body (I deleted my quickjacks), and learned how to shoot Featherfill, primer, etc. It was satisfying but immensely tedious work. I had a friend who owns a body shop and who had painted several FFRs come to my house to shoot the basecoat and clearcoat, but other than that, I did everything, including cut and buff. I think it turned out great, and my work held up even 20 years later when I found my car for sale online. Fortunately, I'm older and have a better budget, so I won't be doing any bodywork on my MkIV. I'm leaving it all to Kleiner. I don't care what it costs, and I don't care how long I have to wait to have him do it. Jeff, Ken, Metal Morphous, and Da Bat (and I'm sure a few others I've forgotten) have done so many of these cars they have it down to a science.

Greg

[MVRight]

I did mine in my garage having never painted before. It's not perfect, but do have compliments on it. It was a fun learning experience and basically a couple of months of work and reading the forum multiple times! Depends on what you want and your timeline. I was also encouraged to try it myself by two local builders who also did their own. On the flip side, as Jeff said, would be tricky if started and tried to get a pro to do it after. Good luck!