Need a competent body person to inspect my project

[DemonSRT8]

Hi Guys,
I'm a long time reader, somewhat new member.

I'm in need of an excellent body person to inspect my project and give me a good estimate of quality of the body. It's a 71 Cuda.

I'll pay, of course, but I'll need proof of credentials.

Anyone give me a hand, or a lead? The car is located in Northern Illinois (rockford area)

thanks
Darren

[nvr2fst]

Here's some local shops not to far off the beaten path of Rockford that I would trust. Im probably missing somebody but this is just a quick list. They are all Lat G members here;

Autokraft- WI./Kurt
Ring Brothers- WI./Jim or Mike
Roadster Shop- Ill./Phil
Schwartz- Ill./Jeff
Violetto Auto- WI./Telly

Non members;
Salvaggio design- WI./Dave
Muscle Car Restorations-WI.

[brans72]

yeah I would use any of them!!!! Not to mention great builders to have in your area!

[elitecustombody]

71 Cuda, , post some pics,please

[Nilater]

I have a 1970 Cuda at The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Il (near Peoria). He'll be starting my car in a few weeks after he gets back from SEMA.

He's just finishing a new Ford pick-up that will be in the Ford booth and a 68 LS powered Camaro convertible that has many custom touches.

He's built a number of cars for SEMA and has won many World of Wheels paint awards.

It's a small shop, but they turn out some great work.

[DemonSRT8]

That's a good list. Thanks very much. I was trying a search for illinois and body shops etc, and came up with nothing.

Which of those is the general consensus would be the best choice to evaluate the body work already done on this car?

Just to clarify, I don't own it yet - I made an offer subject to inspection. I was pretty sleepy last night when I made that post.....

Originally Posted by nvr2fst

Here's some local shops not to far off the beaten path of Rockford that I would trust. Im probably missing somebody but this is just a quick list. They are all Lat G members here;

Autokraft- WI./Kurt
Ring Brothers- WI./Jim or Mike
Roadster Shop- Ill./Phil
Schwartz- Ill./Jeff
Violetto Auto- WI./Telly

Non members;
Salvaggio design- WI./Dave
Muscle Car Restorations-WI.

[DemonSRT8]

Is this a body guy as well, or paint only? Thanks for the post.

Originally Posted by Nilater

I have a 1970 Cuda at The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Il (near Peoria). He'll be starting my car in a few weeks after he gets back from SEMA.

He's just finishing a new Ford pick-up that will be in the Ford booth and a 68 LS powered Camaro convertible that has many custom touches.

He's built a number of cars for SEMA and has won many World of Wheels paint awards.

It's a small shop, but they turn out some great work.

[Vegas69]

I doubt to many of those top shops will service you unless you pay big bucks. Especially right before SEMA. Their are inspection services throughout the U.S.

[coolwelder62]

Originally Posted by nvr2fst

Here's some local shops not to far off the beaten path of Rockford that I would trust. Im probably missing somebody but this is just a quick list. They are all Lat G members here;

Autokraft- WI./Kurt
Ring Brothers- WI./Jim or Mike
Roadster Shop- Ill./Phil
Schwartz- Ill./Jeff
Violetto Auto- WI./Telly

Non members;
Salvaggio design- WI./Dave
Muscle Car Restorations-WI.

All of the above shop's are 1st. rate,Straight shooter's.Personally know Telly(awesome guy )Scott Mock.

[nvr2fst]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I doubt to many of those top shops will service you unless you pay big bucks. Especially right before SEMA. Their are inspection services throughout the U.S.

I agree Todd. He didnt mention he didnt own the car just yet.

To the OP, Any qualified shop can evaluate your car, but keep in mind that whover you call will most likely will want to do the work. Therefore if you have a "fly by night" shop evaluate it and then have another shop do the work, you could be asking for trouble.
Set a budget as to what you want to spend for body prep/paint (no modifications im assuming) and then add 15% to play it safe. (however thats not my case and most others here on this site ) The shops that I MENTIONED should be able to see if your funds are realistic if they give you an "rough" estimate. Good Luck

Do you have a photo of the car?