Time for body restoration, Recommendations? Options

[brooks944]

My 914 is running good and stopping fine, thanks to Rick Berry at eurotech knoxville, Eric and PMB's great calipers, and my labor with your help and advice. Now it's time to work on the body. My car was purchased from a lister and needed body work which I knew about (but LL is never buy a car you don't see in person). Hit in the drivers front which ruined the fender and hood. Took the car to a trusted body shop that only does insurance work and no longer restoration. But they did give me an honest appraisal for the work, which was about $4k - $6k for labor and another $3- $4k for parts, assuming they can find them. After the necessary mechanical upgrades, I'm into this car for probably more than it's worth, even though our cars are appreciating so this puts me into crazy territory (which my wife thinks I've already crossed into). Enough whining.

What does everyone recommend for body restoration? I do not want to put another $10k into bodywork. I have always loved the flared fenders and fiberglass ones seem reasonable. If I do that, then you need to add the 911 suspension and of course the wheels (or 944, etc.), correct? What is everyone's experience with the fiberglass and what vendor is recommended? Are there other options? Appreciate everyone's advice as always. Sorry for the long post. Rick

[Cairo94507]

A given is we have not seen the car, but I suspect the shop which provided the estimate gave you one to make sure you took it elsewhere.

If it were me, and what do I know, I would get it to one of the 914 metal working geniuses on this site and let them fix the body for you. Were have many of them, pick one that is close to you and then see what they want to repair the car correctly. The difference is they won't be learning how to repair a hell hole or long, they will have done it many times and know exactly what to do the first time and do it right.

I always knew my car was going to cost money to get it right. I was OK spending it once to have it correctly repaired and be done with it. I was not OK letting someone who really wanted to work on a 914 because he saw one once when he was 12 and thought they were cool learn on it. Just saying. Good luck and do not rush to a decision. Take your time and find someone who makes you comfortable and you trust.