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Great/Best CJ Body Shops

spankrjs

spankrjs

Scrambler Junkie
Lifetime Member
SOA Member
City
Biloxi
State
MS
I'm still farting around with my 1986 CJ7 project Jeep. I was thinking of attempting the real body work myself, but being realistic, not sure I have the time to learn all the skills. And, the time to realistically accomplish the results I would want.

I was happy with the work the local shop did on my red Scrambler 15 years ago. Not perfect or pebble beach quality, but solid. The problem is, they were bought out by a larger body shop conglomerate that only deals with new car insurance work.

I visited a local shop a few months back, didn't get the best vibe, but not totally turned off on them. Talked a bit, gave them my number, never heard back.

So, what shops do quality CJ tub work? I'm in the Southeastern portion of the country (south Mississippi) but am willing to travel and pay for quality work.

It would probably make more financial sense to just swap on another tub onto this chassis. But, we all know this stuff doesn't make much sense sometimes. Being a low mile Jeep, even if half the sheet metal is replaced or repaired, it would still feel better to me then a replacement tub. Again, this does not make sense but it is what I want.

What are some options?
 
spankrjs said:
I'm still farting around with my 1986 CJ7 project Jeep. I was thinking of attempting the real body work myself, but being realistic, not sure I have the time to learn all the skills. And, the time to realistically accomplish the results I would want.

I was happy with the work the local shop did on my red Scrambler 15 years ago. Not perfect or pebble beach quality, but solid. The problem is, they were bought out by a larger body shop conglomerate that only deals with new car insurance work.

I visited a local shop a few months back, didn't get the best vibe, but not totally turned off on them. Talked a bit, gave them my number, never heard back.

So, what shops do quality CJ tub work? I'm in the Southeastern portion of the country (south Mississippi) but am willing to travel and pay for quality work.

It would probably make more financial sense to just swap on another tub onto this chassis. But, we all know this stuff doesn't make much sense sometimes. Being a low mile Jeep, even if half the sheet metal is replaced or repaired, it would still feel better to me then a replacement tub. Again, this does not make sense but it is what I want.

What are some options?
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Check with local hot rod shops if you have any around.
 
I know that @AdamH has a guy up this way that turns out excellent work in a short turnaround. I’ve reached out to him regarding the Bronco and I felt comfortable with him.
 
I don’t have any personal experience with them, but I know Underdog Kustomz does more restoration classic type paint and body. They’re over in Saucier I believe. Also doesn’t Steed’s over in your area do some classics. I thought I remember them building early Broncos not to long ago.
 
Sorry long post.

As stated, most shops only want insurance work. I had a shop that I trusted, said they would do my CJ8, and do it right. They had recently rebuilt a CJ8 tub for another customer, so they should have good knowledge of what was involved. When ask for estimate I got crickets, which I understand why.

I was told I would be charged $100.00 for every hour a employee worked on the tub until finished plus shop fees and parts etc.. I still considered letting them do the work since they are experienced in the trade.

Then my Thunderbird was backed into, so I took it to the same body shop for repairs authorized by insurance company. They were eager to do the work which was mostly labor. The insurance quote for labor was $40.00 per. hour. This doesn't sit well with me. In my mind I see the employee working on my tub when other shop work is slow. With no real overnight. This is why projects in body shops take so long.

I'm not rich enough to authorize someone to just fix it and send me a bill. There are plenty of people that are. I'm telling you this, not because I think the body shop is wrong, they are not. I fully understand the what and why. I just can't afford it.

I thought about buying a Aquatub, or metal tub, in the end, I wanted the experience. I decided I didn't care if it was perfect when finished. If I wanted perfect, financially it would make better sense to buy another man's labored restoration. A redone $25K CJ8 is a bargain.

So I doing the tub rebuild my self. I have replaced the complete floor front and rear on a trailer outside my shed. Next I will do both lower sides, cowl repairs. I'm learning everyday I work on the CJ8 metal. Its hard dirty work, but rewarding. You can do the work in a nice shop or in a dirt driveway.

Will my Jeep be a car show entry, no. It will be a Jeep that goes up and down the trails, roads, or to the grocery store and be built by me. I will enjoy not worring about where I park, where I drive, kids scratching, etc.. because I spent 10k on tub rebuild.

Just do it yourself, problem solved
 
2tall said:
I don’t have any personal experience with them, but I know Underdog Kustomz does more restoration classic type paint and body. They’re over in Saucier I believe. Also doesn’t Steed’s over in your area do some classics. I thought I remember them building early Broncos not to long ago.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I went be Underdog back in December. They seemed interested, I told them I knew it wouldn't be cheap. The guy said he would call me when he was shopping near my house so he could come by and take a look before I hauled it up there. Never heard back, I can go bug them again.

I keep forgetting about Steed/Classic Collision. They did some of those aftermarket early Bronco tubs. IIRC, 2 of the 3 came out well, one was iffy but more on the tub itself, and they made it right, at least that's what I heard.
 
I’ve only seen Steed’s come up in a Cruisin the Coast Facebook group when people are looking for paint/body stuff. My neighbor has used Underdogs on 2 trucks and I’ve seen their work on some other rigs. It’s always looked good in the parking lot shows. But I understand it’s always a gamble and expensive to get one looking that nice.
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Walk in body shop labor is alot more than what they get paid for insurance work. I don't understand why, work is work.
 
As @mhinchliffe stated, I have a guy here in NC. He's done numerous Jeeps for me and my customers (when I had a shop), he's done custom paint work on my bikes, collision work on my every day drivers, you name it. I'd recommend him to anyone. A little far from you but if it comes down to it .... Just let me know if you'd like any additional info.
 
Your lucky, I had my Jeep grill media blasted to see if there was any damage or corrosion. It was in great shape, so I took it all over Fort Collins and Loveland, Colorado and no shop would touch it. I just wanted it epoxy primerd while I worked the other body parts. Asked them all why they won’t touch it, they will not work on any vehicles over 20 years old, I asked why again, they don’t want the liability. Where’s the f@#$** liability in just primering a grill.
 
I have been trying to get my wife old (08) Land Cruiser repainted. Took it by many shops and said we were paying cash. None of them are interested.

I don’t get it, deal with a cash customer that is willing to pay or deal with an insurance company that tells you how much they are willing to pay. I think some of it is they can cut corners on an insurance repair and not get caught, but a cash customer wants it done right.

The only place that wants the old car business is Maaco. Ouch!
 
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