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M

mgbbbbbb

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If anybody is in the Richmond va area and can advise on a "reasonable" body shop ( don't laugh) to perform some surgery to remove rust ( rockers etc), I would appreciate it. Took car to local restoration shop ( very nice I might add but very expensive) and needed doctor myself. Maybe a privateer or something.
thanks /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 
Good body work is not cheap. Only inexpensive way is to do it yourself or have a friend who is good and has the tools.

I learned long ago and at great expense, do it cheap and do it twice for more than doing in once expensively would have been.

Sorry that doesn't answer your question but perhaps something to think about.
 
I understand completely. I do not have the skill sets to do the welding etc thus a do it yourself job is not going to happen. I am looking for some one who knows what they are doing but does not charge an arm and a leg. I am probably beating my head in the wall, but am hoping to find a person that restores cars on the side and knows mg's ( the in's and out's). It has been 20 years since I fooled around with MG's. Back then I could not find a sole to work on them and now I can find plenty of sites but the costs are a bit high.
Thanks for the info.
 
As always in such cases as yours, I strongly suggest that you join you local British Car Club and ask the members about good LBC body shops. Also, remember that not all body shops are equal: if the shop does not have experience with LBCs, or specifically, MGs, I wouldn't use it. These cars are different from Detriot iron and the nuances can make a significant impact on the way your car turns out.

I've found that local British car clubs, whether it's an MG, Triumph, Jag, etc., club, are manned by lots of friendly folks who are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. You just cannot go wrong by joining and participating.

Check out the Central VA (Richmond) British Car Club website, it has a few repair shops listed:https://cvbcc.com/index.htm

Good luck, let us know how it goes!
 
Earl Schieb, if he's still around, Maaco next,they are the best paint by number guys around. Remember, crap work always cost twice as much. In general body shops don't want to do your car, it's a loser for them.They will give a high bid and still make excuses for an incorrect job when you pick up your car. Asuming you know what you are looking at when the job is done. A proper resto shop knows more about your car than you do, and will guide you thru thier resto and explain exactly whats going on and why. For example.. MGB's have complex rocker systems,they are structural, but but an ignorant or dishonest shop might just replace the outer rocker,bad news... and how would you know. Anyway don't cheap out, and settle for mediocure shiny paint and bodywork.Another example, your car may be inccorect already, and a good shop will point it out, and advise as what to do to correct it.Too much to say, too little patience.
 
Try going west on RT 60 into powhatan and find New Dorset Rd. There is a guy who runs a shop there by the name of Jim Swenson who should be able to help you out. He is supposedly the expert on MG's in the area. Not sure of the anme of his shop but it is the one with all the MG's parked around his building. Turn left at the new bank buiding on your right.
 
I appreciate all the responses. I also understand all the responses. I do not want a "cheap" job. I also do not want a show car. I did go to see Jim at his shop ( powhatan va). He was very nice and very informative. He actually steered me away from fixing one of my MG's to which I am selling. I was taken a back by the high cost of fixing the rocker assemblies. He correctly suggested that I find a car without the issues I currently face. I agreed with that. I have another car with minimal rust but will require some cancer removal which means the rockers have to be replaced. I was hoping to find some one that does this on the side (time is not a concern) and could do this at a price that will not break the bank.If I can not I will sell that one as well and find a good bucket.
Most local body shops never have and never will perform the task and I don't trust them ( agreed ).
Thanks for the advice. Love the site. Wish I had this 20 years ago when I had MG-itis.
Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Have you thought about seeing if one of the guys from a top end shop moonlights? Alot of time they do, and if you buy the parts, they will usually charge a pretty reasonable labor fee.
 
In reading the message that I just posted I think that I need to explain that you'll have to drill down one or two levels to get to the guy's discussion (and photos) of the work done on his mg...
 
thanks for all the help. I have decided to sell this MGB. I have another that requires far less work and will work on that one. I did find a person to work on the car and at a reasonable rate though.
I am asking 500$ for the car. It would do very well with some one that has the time and skill sets and or in need of a great parts car.
Thanks
804-744-2788 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Thanks for all the help. I have decided to sell this 70MGB. I did find someone who was reasonable but I have another one that requires less work ( 72MGBGT ). I am probably a bit odd, but I like the GT's a bit more than the B's. In any case, I am selling the car. Looking for 500$. Great restoration project for those with the skill sets and or a great parts car. Except for the rockers it isn't that bad.
804-744-2788
AGAIN ...THANKS !!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
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