Looking for a body shop in Toronto area

[Komenda Fan]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at a 911 right now that needs suspension pan work. Does anyone know a shop in the Toronto area that has experience with 911's and can tackle bodywork? Anyone had any good or bad experiences?

Also, if you have a good idea what it should cost to replace, I would appreciate it. I have been quoted $4000 but have heard that it can be done for half that.

[Christien]

Is it actually body work, or is it in an invisible area? Kirk and I were talking about this - if you have the tools, cut the rusty part out, buy a piece of aluminum and weld it in. Done. Cheap.

Alternatively, I think it was Richard that said someone sells replacement pans that can be welded in.

$4000 sounds awfully high to me. Stock aluminum and a couple hours labour shouldn't be more than $1000-$1500.

[coldstart]

I think it is dependent on where the underbody rust has spread. If it is just the front suspension pan, a shop can do this fairly cheaply. If rust has spread to the torsion tube areas or into other areas, this car has cancer and needs major repair work.

I believe Steve is asking for advice as to a shop that can give him a better idea as to the rust situation....

[Christien]

Ah, ok. I'd think pretty much any shop could handle this as it doesn't involve painting (or does it?). If it's just cutting and welding, it should be a pretty straightforward job.

[Komenda Fan]

Thanks, my only concern is that the torsion bar area might need replacement, and I am worried that a shop not proficient on 911's might not get the alignment of the suspension components right.

[Brian 162]

Pfaff in Newmarket did my front suspension pan in 2001 on my SC. They did it over the winter. I was happy with their work. Their price was half of what another body shop wanted to do the same job.

[stevef]

I personally wouldn't give this job to anyone who is not familiar with this area. You want to make sure the geometry is true and straight at the end of it all. I've done this twice to both my cars. It certainly is possible to do if you have a little practical ability, can weld (not perfect) and believe it or not can be alot of fun and very rewarding. Buy the proper replacement panels and cut out what you need. The panels are cheap compared to what you are risking.

[Christien]

Hey Steve, how much time did it take you? What was your experience welding? This is something I'll be looking at maybe over the next winter. I *think* I can DIY, but not positive. What method of welding did you use?

[stevef]

Hi Christien. I had not used a wire feed welder prior to this project. I had some experience with stick/arc. Did some practice. I used it in gas less mode although using gas is recommended and easier. Most of the time you are either using it in spot weld mode or doing short stitches but you still get some spatter from the arc My job wasn't as professional looking as some of the threads on this site but I'm happy with the results. I guess it it took me a couple of weekends, although at a fairly leasurely pace. As with any job like this the prep and fitting is the long lead and tedious stuff. Get a 10,000rpm wire wheel for a small angle grinder to clean off the undercoat at the cuts and welded surfaces etc. Do lots of search on this site cos that's what gave me the confidence I could handle it. Let us know what you decide, glad to be of assistance

[Christien]

Thanks! Your post is a great place to start when I get into this project.