S. Florida Body Shop?

Posted October 15, 200816 yr

Hello All,

My 1973 240z has some barely noticable rust starting in the dog legs and around the rear wheels, otherwise the body and paint are in good shape, including the floors and rails, which were redone a few years back. However, those of us who live in S. FL know that the salt air means you have to attack any and all rust immediately.

The last time this car was refreshed was in 1985, so the paint is getting a little dinged up. I'm considering getting it completely repainted when I get the rusty dog legs and wheel wells repaired. Yesterday, I took it to the South Florida Z Place/Collision and Custom Paint, in Ft. Lauderdale.

They seem to specialize in Zs, but also are restoring and repairing seveal other collectable cars. It seemed like a good enough shop. I was wondering if anyone else had used this shop, or if anyone had a recommendation.

In any case, the shop did give me an estimate. Stripping everything off the car, except the interior and engine, then sanding and priming would cost $2500. Repairing rust, repainting and putting it all back together would cost another $3500, for a total of $6000. They would R&I the engine and repaint the bay for another $1200, meaning the entire body and paint would be refreshed for a total of $7200, including the engine bay. A much cheaper option would be to redo the rockers and rear quarters with new metal, then repaint those areas to match the existing paint....for only $1500.

I'd rather get the entire car done. I live in Key West, and have limited access to quality shops to get estimates. Given a car in very nice shape, with only the above mentioned rust, do the above prices seem in the ball park at all? What have other people paid for similar work? Any tips on what I should make sure is included in the above work?

Thanks all!

Edited October 18, 200816 yr by ConchZ
Poor Thread Title, I wanted to also gather price input.