LF: Bodyshop in Kitchener & surrounding areas...

[Cool_Steve]

I'm gathering opinions looking for a good bodyshop place for my Protege and 929. It goes without saying, I want someone to do superb, quality work like they are working on their own ride. There are many hackjpb places that do crappy jobs, believe me, and to this day I haven't found someone I could trust. The work I've gotten done in the past reflects what I paid for it (which wasn't much), so I know I get what I pay for, but I don't want to get ripped either.

Firstly, the 929 is still in storage but I know it needs floor work again, but I think the frame is still good. The guy I had do the work originally did a fair job and patched up what he saw was rotting. This was in 2007, so these places that are rotten now were not back then, so I can't hold it against him. However, he's dissappeared (something about six kids from six different women), so I need someone to scrape clean and weld in new metal in the floor in various areas. I want to finish the floor problems for this car once and for all.

The Protege is all little cosmetic problems that if done now, will save me alot of issues later. The floor/frame are 100% solid. I just snapped some pix, some may suck (new camera).

Pic 1 & 2 - My drivers side rocker by the rear wheel. I don't know how I missed it for long, but I found this hole this time last year and it was pretty advanced (sometime over the winter of 07/08 a small chip I guess opened and salt got in there). Since then I stuffed it full of grease/vasoline/yellow rustproofing and that's "paused" the progession.

Pic 3 - Same area, more rust starting. I bet there is more if I took off that black piece thats located by the rear wheels.

Pic 4 & 5 - I had minor rust fixed here in either 05 or 06, and just recently the bumper starting dropping, and there is a small blister of rust already growing.

[Cool_Steve]

Pic 1 & 2 - A common problem area for 1st gens started over this past winter. I've always touched it up behind the rubber with black paint, but despite all my effort I still have blistering on the outside now. So as usual, I greased the inside area. Perhaps a small piece of 3m over this area will pause this, as I don't want to repaint.

Pic 3 - Another single stonechip gone bad despite several touchups over the years. Drivers rear door.

Pic 4 - Another one on the hood, started summer last year, got worse despite touch ups. Could this be fixed without ruining the hood? The hood is the most noticeable part of any car, and I'm weary to touch it.

Pic 5 - I knew when I put my "winter grease" last year over this area I had bubbles in this area under the paint. The right rear wheel well was painted after an accident in Feb '05. When using a pressure washer and degreaser recently to take off my grease for the year, a dime sized piece of paint chipped off. I'm really concerned and want this done soon, because the metal is not rotted. So, greased up for now to keep moisture away as I'm out of touch up paint and Mazda has nothing but shitty touch up pens now that do me no good when touching up stuff like this.

[Cool_Steve]

Pic 1 - This part of the bumper is still firm, I can't see any rust from behind.

Pic 2 - Passenger rear door, bubbles. Also painted in Feb '05 after the accident (bitch with a trailer hitched Windstar backed up into me in a parking lot and killed my lower door and lower wheel well.)

Pic 3 - Same door inside, the worst door I have rust wise. Go figure, the accident free front doors are still rust free.

[FunkRider]

I'll tell you one thing steve, your best bet in getting good body work done will be finding a guy with a small shop that likely doesn't have a paint booth. Don't expect a fast turn around either.

Go to some local cruise meets and find the really straight old cars. Then ask who did the body work.

[non_event]

Another note, most run of the mill body shops/collision repair centers don't do a whole lot of rust repair. Also, be prepared to spend a lot of money, as in more than the cars are worth, to get the metal repaired. Body and paint work gets expensive quite quickly.

[Royson]

I've got a buddy who can stuff the rot full of newspapers and then bondo over it. At least thats what he did on his crappy Cavelier lol.

I have yet to see your 929 on the road around town. I do frequently see another 929 out, but its all beat up and just in the New Hamburg area.

[991.8l]

I would seriously sit down and consider the costs before you fix this rust.. its not that bad.. for the age of the car.. you may want to consider just buying something else in better shape since both cars are very old and not worth much..

[Royson]

I would seriously sit down and consider the costs before you fix this rust.. its not that bad.. for the age of the car.. you may want to consider just buying something else in better shape since both cars are very old and not worth much..
I agree. I actually like first gen's, and the 929 is a pretty neat car - a buddy of mine owned one until the head gasket blew a couple years ago.

But are they worth it? If you are certain you intend to keep these cars rolling for years and years to come, go for it. But the cars aren't unique. They have no resale value. A mint body first gen Protege is still a first gen Protege.

[dead_cactus]

I've seen worse rust on Mazda 3's. In my opinion fixing that rust would be a waste of money, you'll never get the money back that you put into it. Maybe its a better idea to put that extra money towards a newer car.

Good luck with whatever route you decide to take.

[non_event]

I've got a buddy who can stuff the rot full of newspapers and then bondo over it. At least thats what he did on his crappy Cavelier lol.


My dad did something similar with his old Fiat, although I think he filled the holes with the cardboard from paper towel rolls.

[pnfnj]

Carstar at the corner of Northfield and King...but you have to go in from Colby dr.

they did awsome work on my pro5

[viper_707]

Carstar at the corner of Northfield and King...but you have to go in from Colby dr.

they did awsome work on my pro5

no dont go there. i've fixed to much of there work. we use to get all BK-Motors work till they got cheap and started going to that carstar. it didnt take long for them to come crawling back. i've fixed some of there work and i havent seen anything good come outta there. Not to say they wont do a good job for u. BMW puts alot of pressure to get things done last minute.

Just make sure when u go somewhere to ask if u can see some of their work. finished or not. ask alot of questions on how they do things and warranty.

[Cool_Steve]

I'll tell you one thing steve, your best bet in getting good body work done will be finding a guy with a small shop that likely doesn't have a paint booth. Don't expect a fast turn around either.

Go to some local cruise meets and find the really straight old cars. Then ask who did the body work.

I did have a guy, I got what I paid for, he didn't even paint the rear door where I had the accident all the way - took it to the pinstripping. :( Its ruined the right side of my car for years, because the prep work was shit. Brush strokes everywhere and the color is too dark. I don't have time to wait for classic car meets, I need this done soon so its done with. I want people to take their time, so I'll understand if the turnaround is slow.

Another note, most run of the mill body shops/collision repair centers don't do a whole lot of rust repair. Also, be prepared to spend a lot of money, as in more than the cars are worth, to get the metal repaired. Body and paint work gets expensive quite quickly.

If only I could combine my two cars - Protege has good frame/floor but always gives me issues, 929 runs great but always rots. What am I looking at for a good job concerning the 929? $800 to $1000? The guy I had do it originally did it for like $350.

I've got a buddy who can stuff the rot full of newspapers and then bondo over it. At least thats what he did on his crappy Cavelier lol.

I have yet to see your 929 on the road around town. I do frequently see another 929 out, but its all beat up and just in the New Hamburg area.

My 929 had a spot where alot of duct tape was put over a large hole, then caked in black rustproofing. The 929 has been off the road since the beginning of October, I think I'll take it out this week.

I would seriously sit down and consider the costs before you fix this rust.. its not that bad.. for the age of the car.. you may want to consider just buying something else in better shape since both cars are very old and not worth much..

I think we've been on this topic before, and I don't care for many models of new car out there. Its the fact that every damn 1st gen I see (like the two i saw today) are very rotted and beat up, and mine is still in such great shape I know the second I sell it no one will take care of it like I did.

I agree. I actually like first gen's, and the 929 is a pretty neat car - a buddy of mine owned one until the head gasket blew a couple years ago.

But are they worth it? If you are certain you intend to keep these cars rolling for years and years to come, go for it. But the cars aren't unique. They have no resale value. A mint body first gen Protege is still a first gen Protege.

What year was his 929, btw? Look, if my car was some MSP with a blown motor people would be all over me to keep it going. Its just the AGE of the car that keeps signaling people to say get rid of it. Yeah its old, but I have my opinions about older Mazdas and their build quality vs. newer ones. I like my cars, and as the years pass I see less and less of them (moreover the 929), so I want to keep them going. I may have spent alot of money on the Pro last year in "age" releated repair, and yes the 929 floor will cost a fair bit to fix, but others here have spent insane amounts of money on mods alone, or building up motors, etc.

I've seen worse rust on Mazda 3's. In my opinion fixing that rust would be a waste of money, you'll never get the money back that you put into it. Maybe its a better idea to put that extra money towards a newer car.

Good luck with whatever route you decide to take.

Yeah, what does that say? My Protege rust isn't far advanced though, its a soild car. i know I'll never get money back, hell I knew that back over a year ago before the tranny repair but ***k it I got it fixed anyway. Gotta keep these first gens alive.

no dont go there. i've fixed to much of there work. we use to get all BK-Motors work till they got cheap and started going to that carstar. it didnt take long for them to come crawling back. i've fixed some of there work and i havent seen anything good come outta there. Not to say they wont do a good job for u. BMW puts alot of pressure to get things done last minute.

Just make sure when u go somewhere to ask if u can see some of their work. finished or not. ask alot of questions on how they do things and warranty.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Cool_Steve]

bump for more suggestions, plz & thx

[Royson]

Kieswetter? I really haven't heard anything good or bad about them...but they do deal only in Mazda's.

I could probably get some suggestions for you on a shop in Woodstock if you cared to drive that far.

[viper_707]

Kieswetter? I really haven't heard anything good or bad about them...but they do deal only in Mazda's.

I could probably get some suggestions for you on a shop in Woodstock if you cared to drive that far.


oh if u go there ask for calvin to work on your car and NOT IKE!!!!

[00granpagreen]

you want rust repair and paint on both cars to run you 800-1000 bucks?

[Cool_Steve]

Kieswetter? I really haven't heard anything good or bad about them...but they do deal only in Mazda's.

I could probably get some suggestions for you on a shop in Woodstock if you cared to drive that far.

I had Kieswetter do accident work when my passengers front fender was crushed due to a mini-van backing up into me in a parking lot. They did a fantasic job matching the paint for a (at the time) 11 year old car. However they needed to redo the pinstripping because it was sloppily put on, and I needed the passengers front door buffed (where they blended) becauuse of some grit. Insurance paid for the reparis, but while the car was in I should have got them to paint the entire right side because of the crappy paintjob by someone else on my rear door. Then I just would have paid what they did from the back door on, but they wanted $1000 for the door and panel, and said they'd have to blend in to the front door again that they just painted, which I was against and to me seemed pointless. $1000 for what I wanted done sounded insane to me.

When fixing this rust I have I don't want whole panels re-painted just for a small job. I want a patch job i guess but with someone whos good at blending color and good at painting. Anyway, the staff since then has changed at Kieswetter and I'm not sure I consider going to a dealersip. The sound busy anyway, the one guy there said they have the only Mazda bodyshop in these parts. I don't want a rush, plus when was the last time a first gen ever came in there?

If you can find a depenable guy in Woodstock, I'd considering going that far.

you want rust repair and paint on both cars to run you 800-1000 bucks?

No I was talking about the frame/floor on the 929. The 929 has some minor rust by the rear wheels which I painted with touch up paint and covered in grease, and so far over two years later it hasn't gotten worse. I just want the floor and frame fixed right.

[00granpagreen]

Im not against rust repair on old cars if theyre worth it to you. cosmetic is as far as id ever go. if you have frame issues due to rot then its time to move on. just my opinion tho. to stop rust alone is a very hard thing to do correctly. to do that on structure like the frame as well as restore the structural strength is alot of work. also gotta hope your body hasnt deformed in anyway since the frame has been rotten. again im not even sure how bad it is to get to that extent but if its gotten to the frame id say its time to go.

[Cool_Steve]

Someone recommended Queensway Autobody to me today in Kitchener. Are they any good?

I'm having a real hard time here finding a place, and I want to get this bodywork out of the way before I do any insane detailing, and I don't wanna be stuck in July or August doing it, I want to get this shit out of the way. Alot of independant shops shut down due to the ministry. I'm still taking recommendations. An honest worker, fair price, good work.

[Azi]

Someone recommended Queensway Autobody to me today in Kitchener. Are they any good?

I'm having a real hard time here finding a place, and I want to get this bodywork out of the way before I do any insane detailing, and I don't wanna be stuck in July or August doing it, I want to get this shit out of the way. Alot of independant shops shut down due to the ministry. I'm still taking recommendations. An honest worker, fair price, good work.

your only allowed to choose 2 out of the 3 :woot:

[Cool_Steve]

^haha, that's what worries me.

[Cool_Steve]

BUMP. Need somebody!

[Cool_Steve]

bump. still in need.

[Royson]

Law Autobody is the Woodstock shop I was thinking of. They do work for the dealers in town though, so they may be too busy or disinterested to touch your car.

[protege_girl]

Someone recommended Queensway Autobody to me today in Kitchener. Are they any good?

I've heard that they are really expensive in the past, but nothing about the quality of their work that I can recall.

My ex had a really bad front end accident on his Accord which also had really bad Honda cancer in the usual places and also the insides of a couple of the doors were really rusted with holes too and he got everything fixed at once and it was really well done at this place out on Benjamin Road or Conservation Drive into the country-area in Waterloo....Martin's or something I think is the name. I know...very helpful, but it was over 6 years ago. However, I did see his car in a parking lot quite recently and the repair job and paint has held up very well. I know you're looking for rust repair so I thought I'd throw that out there because it was awesome work, he even let us stop by a bunch of times to check out the work being done.

[Tolo]

This place protege_girl:

Martin's Customizing Inc

http://www.411.ca/res/0.gif http://www.411.ca/res/0.gif Phone: (519) 885-6120


499 Conservation Dr

Waterloo, ON, N2J3Z4

[protege_girl]

^^^ that is the one im pretty sure!
nice job, i was too lazy to search for it

[Cool_Steve]

Law Autobody is the Woodstock shop I was thinking of. They do work for the dealers in town though, so they may be too busy or disinterested to touch your car.

Thanks.

And thanks for the info protege_girl and tolo, I was already recommended to Martins by someone else before. I went through the yellowpages and wrote down about 20 places I'll ckeck out. All boast quality workmanship, etc etc, but I'm doing my research before I do anything. Its a time killer through because I have to drive to all these places on my day off.

[viper_707]

if u wrote down mitek autobody, dont bother. you wont want to pay the prices they want. it will be more than the car is worth

[Cool_Steve]

^i didn't, from their ad in the phonebook they looked as if they only delt with high end rides.

[viper_707]

We do other cars aswell. but ya mostly high end cars. lol

[Cool_Steve]

I spent the entire day today, 9-6, 150k+, running all around town to get quotes. I had 22 places written down. I'll have to do the same running around for the 929 but on a smaller scale. I wish I was on vacation right now. I should know my town alot better street/direction wise now :P

Sure is a mixed bag out there. When you go through the phone book looking at their ads, most places boast the same thing. You get to some of these places and some look like absolute dumps, and some look so professional, and some are in-between. I'd say almost all the places I went to had smokers. I spoke with all types of people today. Young, middle aged, order, and way old. All had their own way of doing things, all told me slighty different things, some said they did the best work in town. Its all a contest, really. Some guys you connect with, some guys don't even seem to care you're there. Some were happy and perky and polite, some were just ***kin assholes. Some give you a detailed wirtten quote, and some just talk and talk. I'm usually pretty good at reading people but I'm sure I over analyzied some - they could tell me anything and I'd believe it, and its so hard for me to trust people when you hear all those "horrior stories" of what happens when your car is in for service. A nice guy could be a nightmare in disguise. I'll usually know in seconds if i want to deal with them or not. Some asked why I didn't get the work done at Heffner's, I said they are too busy and employees somtimes get jerked around, plus I work in detailing and have cleaned some of the cars they have done. I'm not impressed, moreover the one girl Amy who works there recommeneded me to two different places on seperate oocaiaons.

Before anything, I asked if they do rust work, some don't. I asked the same usual questions and told the same story. Old, low-ish k car in good shape for its age, has parts I want to fix before they got worse, no major rot, had accidents and paintwork done before here, here and here. Some didn't even notice the shape the car is in, some praised it. I'm looking for the rear bumper to be dropped and both rear wheel wells fixed. They aren't rotten, altough one person told me different. I do have swelling on the inner right lip. And the part that's holding in my bumper on the left must be rotten cause the clip is sagging out. The drivers lower rocker needs to be cut and welded in a new piece, and both rear passenger doors need to be done. Both rear doors I only asked to take up to the black trim piece paint wise, and the rear quarters up to the pinstripping. Also asked how much orange peel they put in, and most agreed with me when I told them there is too much of it in new cars these days. I'm not going to do the drivers door pillar or front hood right now. Also asked about a warranty, to see samples of their work, etc. Asked about floor work for the 929. For anyone in K-W, I saved you some running around if you're looking for a place. Oddly enough alot of auto body shops in this town all seem to be in the areas of Weber and Victoria Street or just off those roads. Some charge by the hour, some don't. These are listed in order of visit:

[viper_707]

i dont see a list

[Cool_Steve]

^I was workin on it, seperate post just incase I hit a text limit.

TH Custom Auto, 165 Hollinger Cr - Won't touch the Protege. I have to go back with the 929. Nice enough guy, older.

*Myers Auto Body, 3-489 Lancaster W - $800 for the Protege, I have to go back with the 929. Forgot to ask about warranty. Really liked the guy I was talking too, younger dude, friendly, his mom had a Protege like mine. Detailed in the process of how he does things.

Acme Auto Body, 585 Bridgeport - Won't touch either car, middle aged dude kept going on and on about how I dont have it rustproofed properly. Said I could do the work myself since it wasn't too rotten. He bascially wanted nothing to do with me, I could tell right from the start. I really couldn't believe it, he bascially told me to ***k myself and asked if I ever did work like this before, I said no thats why I take it to people like you, blah blah blah. Don't ever go here. It even said in their ad the did frames but recommended me to someone else for it.

Northdale Auto Body, 430 Albert St - $2000+ for the Protege (!), won't touch the 929. Cheezes, this was one of those "well you're lookin at" type of people (the tone is used urked me). Didn't sound like a jerk but sounded oldschool like he did everything 100% textbook even if he was wrong, and thought I knew nothing and he knew it all. I was there so long, he kept going on about how Krown is the best, his whole family has it, Ziebart (keeps in moisture? bullshit) and dealership rustproofing sucks, Ziebart will catch fire if he welds near it. Alot of what he said to me I just politly said "o rly". He also noticed my fuel smell (filler neck leak w full tank of gas) and said he'd be weary to touch the car and weld in that area. Also one of those "once I get in there who knows what I'll find" people, like he really wanted to jack up the price to scare me off. Left and rear quarters $750-$800 (also said my one lip was rotten and needed to be cut out, everyone else said the small swelling could be fixed without cutting), rocker $450, left door bubbles $180, right door bubbles $90. I wish when people would write stuff they had better handwriting. It would be over $2000 bucks with taxes. Recommeneded me the same guy for the 929 floor as the guy from Acme, even thought it said in his ad "we do frames". Avoid this place, rip-off. I aruged the Krown rustproofing with my 929 being rotten (Krown sticker in the windshild), he said the process of how they did things when that car was new has changed, they are alot better now.

*Martins Customizing, 499 Conservation Dr - $600 for the Protege, I have to go back with the 929. One year warranty. Nice guy, seemed a little tired. Knew the bodyshop manager from my dealership. I saw a Camry he painted and was really impressed by the lack of orange peel as I explained some bodyshops over do it. Didn't see any fisheyes in the paint either.

BAC Auto Body, 29 Weber N - $800-$900 for the Protege. Some dudes when you ask for a quote really LOOK at the car, some squat down, touch it, and bark out a number without even anything in writing. He didn't really go into details. Old, fat guy, heavy accent, I had a bad vibe and just didn't want to deal with him. Don't go here.

Forbes Auto Body, 165 Weber S - $1717 taxes in for the Protege, I have to go back with the 929. One year warranty. This place deales with Toyota/Mazda/GM Forbes dealerships. Talked with the manager, very friendly but doesn't do the actual work and thats what worries me with some places. I want the guy explaining the work to me doing the work. And I know how dealership bodyshops get busy. Anyway, i told him I work at a dealership, I know you don't get many rust reparis or Proteges this old. Then he told me he did a body off restoration of a 1931 Caddy and it cost some dude a shitload of cash. He went on about how he did good work, etc. Something about "pansy" bodyshops, printed me out a nice detailed quote, full of brand name stuff they use and how I'm paying for it. Won't go here with the Protege but may consider the 929.

N&L Auto, 51 Wilhelm - Won't touch either car. These were the oldest guys I delt with, professional and friendly. As soon as I told him about the rocker he said "thats ashame, with don't do that we don't have a hoist". Don't get me wrong they seemed nice, but how do you run a body shop if you don't have a place to jack up a car? They look like people that just do painting only. They could do the rear wheels as they wren't rotten, but there is no point getting a little done here and a little done there for one car. However, he was the third guy to recommend me to the same guy for the 929 floor. He could not believe the great shape the Pro was in.

Daniel R Auto, 26 Elm St - Closed! Must be out of business.

Queensway Auto Body, 200 Gage St - Won't touch either car. Don't do rust work, they are still digging out fixing winter collisons, said I'd have to wait three months. Very busy place.

*Glenn's Midtown Autobody, 709 King E (rear of Sterling) - $700 for the Protege, I have to go back with the 929. They don't offer a warranty. Talked with the owner, looks like a small operation. Nice guy. The only sample of work they had was a bumper they painted from a newer Acura, it was hard for me to jugde paint on plastic. He agreed with me about the orange peel, said he'd match it to what was on my car.

Kieswetter Mazda, 4202 King E - $2000+ for the Protege (something like $500 rocker, $150 a door, $500 a piece for the quarters), won't touch the 929. The guy looking over my car honestly told me with the overhead and stuff they have to pay, I'd be better off taking it to a smaller shop that would do the work just as good. I had work done at Kieswetter in 2005 (accident I didn't pay for) and they did a good job. However, its been four years. You don't see first gens in there anymore, maybe back in 2004-05 when the youngest ones were 10/11, but not now. Plus the staff has since changed and I'm sure the person who worked on my car back then isn't there now. I wish I had gotten the name of the person who did the work before.

Shouldice Wayne Collision (Cambridge), 180 Sheldon Dr - Does not exist, out of business.

*Hayak's Auto (Galt), 600 Main - $500-800 for the Protege, I have to go back with the 929. One year warranty. Older but friendly dude, sounds German or something had an accent. Gave me a "no less, no greater than" quote, because based on his years working there he said it could be more costly once you get in there. Said no one could touch is work. I checked two BMW's he painted (all dirty though) and saw too much ornage peel in areas for my liking. This place had such a ghetto office.

Kitchener Auto Restoration Services, B104-1595 Victora N (rear) - Closed, not sure if out of busniess.

*Portugal Auto Body (Breslau), 280 Woolwich St S - $750-$800 for the Protege, I have to go back with the 929. He noticed where I had work done before on the right that a rust line was coming down from the right rear door handle. Now, if he has to get into taking apart door handles and ripping apart the inner door panel I'm gonna say no to him. One of those "lemme do it my way or whats the point" guys. I'd much rather have him paint the area without taking it out or just blend at the moudling, but he offered to fix what the other guy three years ago made look like shit. Also said no one else can touch his jobs, said 20% of the cars you see at local crusie night and meets he worked on. So I guess alot of people with classics come to this guy. Saw a Civic he painted but again was dirty. Decent work, not too much ornage peel. But he has a staff of five, he just checks over the work if its not a show car. He does all the paniting though.

After a convo with Keegz I took Carstar off the list. I still have to check out All Star Auto Body in Petersburg, Royal Auto Body, Regency Auto, Al's Auto Body in Stratford, and the guy recommended three times for the 929 floor. So I'll have to blow another day off running around, and then make a choice, and wait for a time to get in. It will easily be mid July by the time I get both cars done, then I can finally detail them.

*Are places I'm considering.

[Cool_Steve]

Y’know, there is one trait with body shops that ticks me off. Almost every person I spoke with who looked at my car for a quote "won’t be doing the work" on my car, they hand it off to their staff. I’d like the guy giving me the quote who should know what he’s talking about and who actually looked at my car the one doing the work. But no, they hand it off to someone else who I didn’t speak to. For all I know I could get Joe Blow new guy or Johnny Lazyass who doesn’t care about his job. Anyway, I went to these places with the Pro today:

Regency Auto, 150 Alpine Dr - Won’t touch either car. They don’t do rust work or frame/floor work.

Royal Auto Body, 125 Lennox Lewis Way - Don’t even bother going here, what crappy service. Large place, I walk into the office and no one is there. I peer around for a bit, no one still enters. I peak into the shop, at least three teens saw me and scattered away like bugs. That was the first sign right there, too many young kids I would not want touching my car. I walk around to the garage and stood there like a goon for a minute and people see me but no one asks if they can help. The only manager I could see was busy teaching some kid something, saw me but just kept talking. Said ***k this and left, a waste of my time.

Al’s Auto Body (Stratford), R.R. 5 4298 Line 34 - $1344 taxes in for the Protege, may go back with the 929. One year warranty. After getting lost in Stratford for half an hour due to Google and Mapquest both failing, I finally found this place which was right off the highway I was on. Clean office, nice friendly manager (Mike) printed everything out in a nice fashion, but he doesn’t do the work. Professional people but they want too much money, and I asked to see an example of their work and saw a dark blue Grand Prix they just painted (hail damage). Too much orange peel, dull "not as reflective" finish, and fish-eyes in the paint. Why can’t anybody paint like it came from the factory? Is this so much to ask? I don’t think I’ll go here, plus it’s a half hour drive away.

All Star Autobody (Petersburg), 1963 Snyders Rd E - Oh wow as soon as I pulled into this place I should have pulled out. What a dump. Ghetto two garage operation with a wooden door paint booth. I walked into the dirty office and found two old dudes chatting. The guy I dealt with was hard of hearing, had a heavy (Russian?) accent, slow to react, and didn’t even listen to me when I told him I just wanted rust work done. "For safety?" he says. No. I was polite however and just showed him two areas for the hell of it cause I wanted to get the hell out of there. $400, who cares. Don’t ever go here.

Kitchener Auto Restoration Services was open this time but no one was around, and the shop was full and cramped with cars. Don’t bother going here either. I also didn’t bother going back to TH Custom Auto either for the 929, I don’t think I’ll get good work done there.

[viper_707]

about 99% of the shop out there has some who does all the qoutes and doesnt do any of the work. its just how it is. at the rate your going i dont think youll ever find a shop to your liking. A little shop that doesnt look like much might actually give u awsome work that will keep u coming back. A big company probably wont give u what u want cause they are either extremely busy and pump out as much as they can or they see your car and dont really care. Every shop is different.

[protege_girl]

BAC Auto Body, 29 Weber N - $800-$900 for the Protege. Some dudes when you ask for a quote really LOOK at the car, some squat down, touch it, and bark out a number without even anything in writing. He didn't really go into details. Old, fat guy, heavy accent, I had a bad vibe and just didn't want to deal with him. Don't go here.

ha....ohh do i have a good horror story about this place, never let this guy attempt a motor swap, he did one on someone's car i know and TOTALLY f'd it up and then it later came out that he had never even attempted a swap before at least as involved as the one on that car, and it ended up having to be fixed by someone that just does it as a hobby on the side who did a way better job, they also raped him for $$$$$ for it....rip off!

[Cool_Steve]

Went to work and switched cars and took the 929 to the places that said they would do the floor work. First place I went to was Myers Auto Body, who do in fact have a one year warranty on their rust work. They took the time to put it up on their hoist, and there-in lies some new issues. Where its the most rotten up near the passenger front fender (same type of rot just starting on the left side), the brake/fuel lines run right under the spot you'd have to repair. I discovered after moving back the plastic casing that some of the lines in that area are pretty rusty as well. Whoever owned the car before me had half of the lines repaired, you can see the cut off points in the lines. Everything half way to the end was replaced, but everything from the half to the motor was not. Sigh. Its a crappy seneario as I need a place that does the body work to do line work as well, because as soon as those lines are disrupted to get to the hole, they will leak. Anyway, Myers quoted me $850 for the floor work and the fabrication of lines. I do understand however that could go up if they find more issues (which I hope there aren't).

Now knowing what I knew about the lines, more people backed out (doesn't anyone want my cash?). Martins Customizing aren't looking for that type of work and they don't do lines (found out he also has 'a staff' too in terms to getting my Protege done there). Forbes Auto Body; lines from a dealer would cost me way too much and I don't want my car tied up there waiting to get into the shop for the floor work. They also refuse to do the work from the bottom, which means they want to rip apart my mint interior. That ain't happening. Glenn's Midtown Autobody won't touch it now either because of the lines, but he recommended me to a good mechanics shop just up the street (Stanley Park Auto). Real nice old dude at the desk, said he'd give me a real good price on lines, wondered why Glenn didn't want to do the 929 work. He said he also charges by the job, not by the hour. Something to consider, but the thing is if I get the lines done somewhere else, another body shop will have to rip apart the new lines to get to the rust. I didn't bother going all the way out to Hayak's Auto in Galt or Al's Auto Body in Stratford because I knew they'd tell me the same things that the lines would also have to be done. Portugal Auto Body said he could get the lines done by Dr. Mechanic located in his same complex (another cramped shop, super tiny office) and the car could be pushed up there from his shop after he finished the work. He quoted me $1000 total for the floor work each side, that does not include the lines. He even offered to trailer the car out for me, I forget what part of our convo lead to that. Maybe get the lines done by someone else but don't attach them till the bodywork is done (?).

I went to *Paul Bauman Maintenance on 6 Forwell Rd, the guy recommeneded three times for floor work. Spoke to Paul himself, seemed very confident in his speech that he did the best work for the best price, sounded like he wanted my business. Said he had a car coming from BC that they were going to do work on. They do lines as well, so I'll have to go back and get a quote next Monday (didn't have time to hoist the car when I came).

For the Protege, its between Myers Auto Body, Martins Customizing, Glenn's Midtown Autobody (no warranty), and Portugal Auto Body.

For the 929, its between Myers Auto Body and Paul Bauman Maintenance (the only two places where I can get both jobs done), and possibly Glenn's Midtown Autobody or Portugal Auto Body if I get the lines done somewhere else first.

So out of all the 22 shops I went to, I'd only take my car to about five. Five is the best Kitchener and surrounding area has to offer. If anyone can tell me anything about these places, please let me know.

[Cool_Steve]

about 99% of the shop out there has some who does all the qoutes and doesnt do any of the work. its just how it is. at the rate your going i dont think youll ever find a shop to your liking. A little shop that doesnt look like much might actually give u awsome work that will keep u coming back. A big company probably wont give u what u want cause they are either extremely busy and pump out as much as they can or they see your car and dont really care. Every shop is different.
I'm going to have to gamble on one and pray for a good job. That's why I need input. I've done enough driving around and need to decide.

ha....ohh do i have a good horror story about this place, never let this guy attempt a motor swap, he did one on someone's car i know and TOTALLY f'd it up and then it later came out that he had never even attempted a swap before at least as involved as the one on that car, and it ended up having to be fixed by someone that just does it as a hobby on the side who did a way better job, they also raped him for $$$$$ for it....rip off!
wow. :(

[viper_707]

i can tell u now for sure that you wont like Portugal Auto Body, i havent heard anything bad bad stories about them.

also if your having floor work done, the smart thing to do is so have anything close to that area removed. whats worse they break a couple of clips or they burn half or possibly the whole car.

[Cool_Steve]

i can tell u now for sure that you wont like Portugal Auto Body, i havent heard anything bad bad stories about them.

also if your having floor work done, the smart thing to do is so have anything close to that area removed. whats worse they break a couple of clips or they burn half or possibly the whole car.

What bad news have you heard about them? The effin carpet goes so far up into the dash area. They better not break anything, I never see these cars in the wreckers anymore. As far as I can see everything on this car is screwed in, not clipped.

[Cool_Steve]

Bump'n, I need input from anyone in k-dub and surrounding area that knows anyone that dealt with the four/five shops I have to choose from. I still can't narrow it down. I'm gonna take one car in next week sometime.

[gadget]

I didn't see Dino's Autobody on your list. East end of Guelph, on your way to Rockwood; just past Guelph airport.

Unsure if they do rust work, though.

That's a hardcore search, dude.

[Cool_Steve]

Someone else told me today to stay away from Portugal Auto Body. So I guess thats out. They also heard Martins Customizing got "mixed reviews".

[viper_707]

colours collision. thats if he will even consider taking your car.

[Cool_Steve]

^I don't have time to drive to another place for quotes, I already pissed away two days doing that. I have the final shops I have considered back a post or two. I need help picking one.

[viper_707]

dude go on your lunch time, it just might be worth it. hes good and does all his own work.

[Cool_Steve]

^
Colours Collision Centre
2 Sereda Rd
Kitchener, ON N2H 4X7
(519) 578-8163

If I have time I'll pop in on Monday, I guess.

[Andre Diego]

I have a 03 Mazda Protege LX and got so much rust on it....

[tomran39]

How much does Carstar charge? I have some rust around my Protege5 emblem that's bubbling and definitely wanna get fixed. How much you think that'll go for?

[iJay]

What color is the car? Also keep in mind you get what you pay for.
I never knew how true this was for bodywork untill I started selling supplies to body shops. You will find someone to do the job for $300 then you'll find someone for $600. I dunno how deep ur pockets are but that almost seems like cut n dry answer.

Ask them what brands they use, ask them what they will do to correct the rust and prevent it from comming back. Also ask urself whats this worth to you? How long do you plan on keeping the car. Ive realized after owning my third protege I am in this for the long haul so I'm gonna be replaceing infected metal and repainting this car. Id much rather save now and have it done properly all at once.

So its more of a question of how, instead of how much.

[viper_707]

What color is the car? Also keep in mind you get what you pay for.
I never knew how true this was for bodywork untill I started selling supplies to body shops. You will find someone to do the job for $300 then you'll find someone for $600. I dunno how deep ur pockets are but that almost seems like cut n dry answer.

Ask them what brands they use, ask them what they will do to correct the rust and prevent it from comming back. Also ask urself whats this worth to you? How long do you plan on keeping the car. Ive realized after owning my third protege I am in this for the long haul so I'm gonna be replaceing infected metal and repainting this car. Id much rather save now and have it done properly all at once.

So its more of a question of how, instead of how much.

ya just let me know if u need doors changed again lol

[iJay]

Haha! Something I ll never forget Devon!

I am looking for the same kinda thing with this P5. I cant belive its so hard to find rustless doors/hatches in midnite blue. But then again its not a priority and theres not a huge budget for this.

[viper_707]

Haha! Something I ll never forget Devon!

I am looking for the same kinda thing with this P5. I cant belive its so hard to find rustless doors/hatches in midnite blue. But then again its not a priority and theres not a huge budget for this.

let me know if you want to try fixing them yourself.. i can showu how to. plus it will make them last aswell. i repaird two of my doors when i get it in 05 and they havent come back yet.