body shops in west Michigan

[cjrpony]

Anybody have any recommondations for a body shop in the western Michigan area. I am fast getting to the paint and body stage since I had my first go-cart today.

Let me know of any bad shops to stay away from also.

Thanks, John

[edwardb]

Not exactly west Michigan, but Howell is about 100 miles from you. Phil Charette at New Reflections painted my Mk3, and I highly recommend him. He will be my first choice for my Mk4 build when it's ready.

newreflectionsinc.com

He's great to work with and has experience with these. Mine was his ninth. Don't judge his work by his shop though. It's a small place and doesn't look like much, but he knows what he's doing. I never show my Mk3 without getting multiple comments about the great paint job. I have more pictures if you're interested.

[cjrpony]

Thanks for the response Ed.

How much of the body work did they do? And could you give me a ball park on about what it cost?

[SR71]

Ditto - Phil is the man - just plan on a few months.

[Tony Eupizi]

I also agree with Phil.

[edwardb]

Originally Posted by cjrpony

Thanks for the response Ed.

How much of the body work did they do? And could you give me a ball park on about what it cost?

Phil will do as much or little of the body work as you want. In my case, I delivered it to him with the body fitted, everything mounted, several repairs completed, etc. He gave me the final price once he saw it. Said that sometimes DIY adds cost for him, sometimes saves. In my case, said I saved him about two days labor. I'll take it. He charged a fix amount for labor, and then actual cost for materials. His price was similar if not a bit lower than the prices cited on this forum for known painters like Whitby, Street Rod Painter, etc. It's an absolute show piece paint job. Holds up in every car show I attended this year, including first in class at the one judged show I attended. You won't be disappointed. He's really easy to talk to. I'd suggest calling him and talking through what you want to do. He told me 90 days. I picked it up on day 91.

[SR71]

Also...for the local MI guys... Kovach's Auto in Brighton is the place to go for alignments. You'll know what I mean once you're there - not much to look at but guys bring their hot rods from all over.