Chuck Brooks writes:
> David and All,
>
> I can't imagine any body shop giving you a "firm" estimate (what does
> estimate mean anyway - just that, an estimate!!) without seeing your
> vehicle. There
> is often so much "hidden" damage, that no competent body shop can give an
> accurate appraisal of the damage until they give the vehicle a very close
> inspection. It just is not done.
>
> I've had repair shops tell me..."oh it should run around X amount...." but
> they never put anything in writing until they have the vehicle in front of
> them
> to go over (with the fine tooth comb!!).
>
> Granted, automobiles are more complex/complicated to paint/repair than a
> bicycle frame, but the idea of giving a "sight unseen" price is rather
> foolish.
I agree with Chuck. I have a very rare 1954 VW bus that I wanted to do a first-class restoration on. I heard about a local guy on Bainbridge Island that restored Classic cars so went to him and asked what it might cost to do my bus. He didn't say he would not do it, but he did say "I do restorations, not estimates" implying, I do the best work around, but it takes a lot of time and I don't have any way of knowing until I am doing it how long it will take, so just bring an open wallet if you want me to do it. I respected that, and chose to go with a guy who was more familiar with old VW buses, but I would certainly recommend this guy if someone asked me where to take his Duesenberg.
We do a lot of bike restorations and paint jobs in our shop, and while I do try to give a good idea of what might need to be done, there are always those problems that you run into under the paint, so I don't give firm estimates up front either. I will usually call the customer if something major is wrong, like a tube is rusted through or something, but if it is just a matter of some additional stripping or rust correcting or filling and sanding, then I just consider that part of doing a top quality job. My customers are always pleased with the results.
Bob Freeman
Seattle