Looking for Chicago area Rust Repair Shop Options

[kupcar]

Hi All. I’m thinking of bringing a 73 1.7 out of long term storage. It’s been in the family for quite a few years and probably has more sentimental value than the car is worth. I know rust repair work can be a slippery slope. It will need floor pans and inner longitudinals at a minimum. Probably hell hole work as well. Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop that has experience with these cars? Prefer to keep the car somewhat local. Thanks.

[Superhawk996]

Unless you're wealthy and have $40k to throw at it, professional floor pans and longitudinal replacement are a dead end for anything other than a 914/6 in my experience.

I say that based on my experience doing it. I'm easily 200-300 hours into my chassis. Put that at $100/hr shop rate and that is $20k-30k of metal work. Not counting a couple thousand in metal, and the need for paint when done.

Feel free to look at my build thread in my signature. Several other threads as well.

Jeff Hail's
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=76791

Brent Brock
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=307290

Many others have tread this path. It's a great hobby and a labor of love to DIY. Money losing endeavour to pay someone else. Especially if you want it done right and not just crappy workmanship throwing lapped patch panels over holes.