Shop Build Rides

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by EBMC

I was a little hesitant to respond due to the fact I may offend some people out there, and I'm not referring to anyone in particular but its a common mistake I see often. It's what I refer to as bodyshop builds. I see a lot of people trust there builds to body shops. Now dont get me wrong i know there are very capable builders who have body and paint capabilities on site, but because a shop may do incredible paint work, doesn't mean they have the knowledge to properly build a car from ground up. I mean properly set up suspensions, stance, brake systems, electrical, hydraulics ect.
Ive seen cars if they were engineered correctly from the start, there wouldn't be drilling into fresh paint, to install things that should have been prefitted before paint. I see hydraulics with improper line types and fittings. improper wiring sizing, wrong fluid transfer hose types and sizing, wheels with wrong offsets, sizes and rubbing issues with tires, wrong brake pedal ratios and MC bore sizes, calipers not shimmed correctly. Incorrect driveline angles Ect.ect.
There are some great "bolt on" parts out there these days that make it easier for a lot of people to minimize these mistakes and I don't think these shops are purposely trying to half ass anything, but there specialty is not the technical aspect of the build, it's the body and paint. A lot of times they may realize they're in over there head after the car is painted and assembly begins, then the car just sits with fresh paint and nothing gets done. We get many calls from people with cars in this situation
Like I said I don't want anyone to think I'm referring to all body shops, just the ones who who say " sure we can do all the mechanicals on the car as well as the paint, how hard can it be" - WITHOUT, knowing how hard it can be.

Agree 100%. on the flip side I have found that with out having the ability to do inhouse paint, the project also falls short. in "Most " cases the builder then looses control of the time line. as well it allows the build to progress with both mechanical and paint being done at the same time which I feel saves time and money for the customer.
I strive to do the mechanical and "engineering" to the highest level expected from the build budget. There has to be some compromise always to some degree other wise you will always end up over budget. Not all cars need to be built to NASA or Race Preped specs.(for lack of a better comparison) things like brakes, steering, NEVER get compromised on that would be STUPID

[GregWeld]

Brizio doesn't do ANY paint -- or body work -- or upholstery... there is not one can of bondo in his shop let alone a spray gun.

My guess is that other than Charley - nobody could tell you who paints his cars...

Sid Chavers does all the upholstery.

My only point here is -- that he is still controlling the dates and quality because of his relationship with the outside shops.


I was never asked where I wanted my paint and upholstery done. I don't think there is an option. HAHAHAHAHAHA


HOWEVER --- I agree with the general statement that in most cases I'd want to pick a shop that also did the paintwork.



STEVE ---- AKA EBMC ---- I was going to rant about taking a PT type build to the local body shop... and just didn't because I already have way too many posts! HAHAHAHAHAHA

[EBMC]

Originally Posted by Blake Foster

Agree 100%. on the flip side I have found that with out having the ability to do inhouse paint, the project also falls short. in "Most " cases the builder then looses control of the time line. as well it allows the build to progress with both mechanical and paint being done at the same time which I feel saves time and money for the customer.
I strive to do the mechanical and "engineering" to the highest level expected from the build budget. There has to be some compromise always to some degree other wise you will always end up over budget. Not all cars need to be built to NASA or Race Preped specs.(for lack of a better comparison) things like brakes, steering, NEVER get compromised on that would be STUPID

Yes, as a reputable builder its great to have in house paint and body if there are no compromises on equipment and talent, and in fact it may be an area that my shop may go into in the future, (but for now I have a great network of people we work with, so there is no need for it)
But for shops whose PRIMARY focus is on body and paint is when I see a lot of problems crop up with overall finished product quality and time frame. Its just been my expeireince with the frequent calls and e mails we get.