Restoration Shop recommendations, Restorations Options

[maj75]

Looking for recommendations for a restoration shop for my ‘71 914. My 914 is very solid and doesn’t need major rust repair. It fairly original with 42000 miles. Came from southwest so paint and rubber need addressed. At my age I don’t want a multi-year project. I want this done and done right. South East would be preferred just for shipping costs, but given the likely expense, shipping costs are minor concern.

Where would (have you) you send your baby?

[Racer]

I think the questions become.. "maintenance" repairs/paint correction or full on strip it down and rebuild. There's a lot of gray area in between and it can be such a slippery slope.. "Hey we did this.. and it looks nice, but now, we recommend you tackle this "x" too" and so on down the slippery slope. mechanicals? Body/rust? appearance? Originality? "resto mod"? Budget? and most importantly YOUR expectations! How will you use the car once done? Will you use it or become too nervous as its value and condition push you to use it less?

Share some pics so we know what you are starting with too.

Others will chime in with shops/supporters/back yard specialists etc that might be able to help. Depending on how deep you go, it will take a longer time to do right than you want and it will cost more than what you likely want to spend.

[maj75]

I think the questions become.. "maintenance" repairs/paint correction or full on strip it down and rebuild. There's a lot of gray area in between and it can be such a slippery slope.. "Hey we did this.. and it looks nice, but now, we recommend you tackle this "x" too" and so on down the slippery slope. mechanicals? Body/rust? appearance? Originality? "resto mod"? Budget? and most importantly YOUR expectations! How will you use the car once done? Will you use it or become too nervous as its value and condition push you to use it less?

Share some pics so we know what you are starting with too.

Others will chime in with shops/supporters/back yard specialists etc that might be able to help. Depending on how deep you go, it will take a longer time to do right than you want and it will cost more than what you likely want to spend.

I posted some pictures in this section but could only do a few before it said I had reached my photo limit. I know about time and money, I want a shop that won’t waste either. I’ll try to resize my photos and try here again.

[Cairo94507]

Hello @maj75 , Given your goal, I would recommend Kent Simmons at Auto Art Customs in Torrance, CA (424) 224-6030. He did all of the metal/body & paint on my car and was also integral to the assembly. If you want to do it once and have it done right, give Kent a call. Good luck with your project regardless.

Now as a cautionary tale, whatever shop you decide upon, please make sure you see some current work they are doing and look at their shop. You don't want to end up going with some guy who may have been good 20 years ago but is now a mere shadow of their former self. If you find a shop, post here and ask if anyone knows them, etc. It costs a bit of money to get these cars right, you don't want to pay to have it done twice.....