* Body shop prep....what have YOU learned?
 

Taking your 911 to the body shop?
Want to avoid problems, a mess. etc?
~What have you done?~

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I've learned - in advance of doing work & having work done on my 911 widebody project:

Kraft paper the interior carpeted sections if these are not removed for painting. Keeps the carpet and interior from saturating with bodyshop dust.

Remove the passenger seat.

If possible, install a cheapo drivers' seat - or a seat you care less about than the seat you currently have installed

Be ready for dust in places you have never seen dust

Visit your project frequently ;-)

I'll add one. NEVER say the following to the body shop guy:

Take your time I'm not in a rush for this.

And the other one that must be said how much less for cash

Michael

Know the shop where you are taking your car.
Remove all personal items from the trunk and glove box.
Remove the locking lug nuts from the wheels.
Pull your CD Player from the dash.
Note the milage before entering the shop.
Remove the floor mats.
Remove special license plate frames.


AND most important: Ask the shop to save you about a pint of the paint they used on your car. This is the BEST source for touchup paint color coded for YOUR car.

I totally agree with John. Never even hint to them that you are not in a hurry!

Tell them you plan to pick it up at least a week ahead of when you really are thinking of doing it. (maybe two weeks?) Its a fine line. You also don't want the person fixing you baby pissed because of unreal deadlines and is forced to cut corners to get it done. Most shops that I see problems are the ones that don't schedule accordingly and want you to bring your car in so they can get something started. Once its started, you have little to do but wait for it to be finished. (Some call this "Paint Shop Hell). Better to use shops that may tell you it will be a month or two before they get to it. Chances are it will still be done before the first scenario. I've been through both.

It never hurts to slip the bodyman or painter themselves a few bills. My dad's done this with everyone of his musclecars he's had painted and his projects always receive a little extra care and attention.