Body Shop

[Wildhound]

Does anyone know of a reputable body shop in the South Dublin area?

I'm vaguely considering a full respray as part of my extensive list of planned work on the car. I generally really like the paint on it now but it was clearly done on the cheap and I'm getting more and more picky with age.

I also need some rust dealt with so I might as well do it all at once!

Cheers in advance for any input.

[colm_mcm]

Don't know why you bothered getting it repaired if you wanted a respray

you'll be looking around €3k

[Wildhound]

Because the repairs were mostly mechanical, loads of suspension damage.

Not to mention the bumper is cracked, the wheel is in bits and there's a dent in the door - none of which will be resolved by a respray.

[colm_mcm]

what colour are you thinking?

[Wildhound]

Not entirely sure yet. I like the colour it is and I might be inclined to go for something similar but a little greener perhaps. Like a darker british racing green.

Or else something like this:



Alternatively I might just leave it as is and get it touched up if quotes are too expensive.

Either way I need someone to recommend a good body shop because I want it done well and there are a few other small things that need doing, like removing the rear fog light.

[colm_mcm]

have you considered selling up and buying a different one?

[Wildhound]

I don't think I'd get anywhere near enough for it. Particularly with the market as it is.

[colm_mcm]

good FTO's can be had for decent money if you look, I'm on my second one, and paid well under the accepted average GPX prices.
I can't see how spending 3k on painting your existing car could be more beneficial than buying a different cleaner GPX for 4 or 5 grand. therefore if you can get €2k for your car as is, you're laughing.

[Wildhound]

It'd turn my stomach to let it go for 2k after what I paid for it. I know there's sense in what you're saying but still.

The other thing is, better the devil you know... I know exactly what needs doing with this car whereas even a clean GPX could be hiding issues if its own.

Anyway, there's nothing wrong with this one. The only money I'll be spending (apart from rust treatment) is on personal mods that another GPX might not have anyway. The paint job is just an idea, could probably be touched up just fine for a lot cheaper.

[colm_mcm]

spending 3k on your FTO won't make it 3k more valuable though. twould be a nice car after a respray though. it drives great and has some nice extras.

[Wildhound]

I'm aware it won't increase the value, BUT I plan to stay in an FTO for quite some time so that's not an issue.

Also, don't want to lose the ABS (TCL I could live without though). And it does drive lovely, even more so with the newer engine.

I'll do some of the cheaper mods I have in mind first and sort the rust and then see how I feel about it. Too much of my sweat and tears have gone into this one on some cold, wet winter nights, don't think I could let her go just yet.

[colm_mcm]

it could be really cool alright. hope it works out well, that car will have some amount of work done to it between resprays, accident repairs and engine transplants!

[Wildhound]

Damn right, here's hoping I get to a point where the drama stops!

Anyway, someone's got to know of a body shop??