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MG MGA - body shop lesson learned

Just wanted to share a lesson learned, maybe it will save someone else a lot of work. I had my coupe painted, and work done on the front shroud or bonnet surround, by a reputable shop in the area. I had done all of the usual rust repairs myself, but the front end of the body was beyond my skills to restore. I was very happy to hear that they thought they could save the original sheet metal, I would not have to buy the expensive and poor fitting repair panel. The shop did a fantastic job in the metal work, fitting up of fenders, doors, hood, and trunk, and painting (perfect shade of BRG). They also met the estimated price for the work, maybe a little over. However.....I sent the body to the shop on the chassis assembly, which was restored and looking almost perfect. I also sent a wooden dolly for the body, typical of what others have built for this purpose. They did all of the front end work, and body sanding/paint prep, with the body on the chassis. Now I've spent two weeks and counting to clean up the mess from the wet sanding, and some primer over spray. They did protect the frame assembly best they could, but it was in a body shop environment for several weeks, and a lot of work was done to the front end of my car. Thankfully they (we) removed the body from the frame and transferred it to the wooden dolly for the final paint. The clean up is tedious work, and I'm resisting taking everything apart to do this. When I told the shop owner "looks like I'll have a lot of cleanup to do", he told me of another customer he had, who removed the body from the restored frame assembly and wrapped the frame in bubble wrap, then put the body back on, before handing it over to the shop! If you're on a similar path with your restoration, think about this, I know I will next time....
G Goeppner

Thanks George.
Mike Parker

George,
I have basically decided to have the final paint on my Coupe done at a paint shop instead of at home. When I talked to them I told them I would bring just the shell on my wooden caster fitted roll around fixture. They seemed OK with that. Problem is, I'm so busy playing with my new MGB the coupe is still sitting. Too many toys, not enough time!
Cheers,
Gerry
G T Foster

Gerry, that's a smart move. In my case, the frame extension was kinda bent up too, so in order to repair the shroud and get the extension sorted out (they used their frame straightener for that), with the front valence panel in place, the body needed to be on the frame. Good Luck with your paint!
G Goeppner

Sorry to hear about your trials and tribulations gerorg. Does all of this activity mean it will finally be at the BCU meet in Sept?
Chuck Schaefer

Boy I can't type, spell or proofread worth a darn! Sorry George!
Chuck Schaefer

Hi Chuck. BCU a big "maybe". I'm just completing the clean up, 3 weeks of evening and weekend work. Now I can start to finish the chassis (fuel/battery cable, one more brake line, floor boards and seat runners which need plating, wiring harness, hand brake, differential seal, fuel tank, and so on). We'll see....
G Goeppner

If you get there, look for me over in the new "Replica and Kit car" area. I'll be there with my Lotus Seven(ish). Similarly, I'll look for the shiney new BRG MGA coupe.
Chuck Schaefer

This thread was discussed between 27/06/2012 and 02/07/2012

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