Rocker Repairs in British Columbia

[alfaguy]

I plan to get my rusty rocker panels repaired as one of this winter's projects on my 1974 Spider.

Basically, I'll need to replace the rockers on both sides and probably the lower fenders at either end of the rockers as well. I'll need to take this to a professional as I'm not going to attempt bodywork at this time. I figure "while you're at it" I'll get them to straighten my crooked nose and do the necessary mods to fit the Carello headlight covers. Oh, and a re-spray too.

Are there any BC alfabb members out there who can recommend somewhere? I am in Campbell River so the island would be best, but Vancouver is fine too.

I did have a restorer near Courtenay look at it. He wants to go to bare metal and strip everything out of the car. For about $25k (Can.)! I need some cheaper options.

Graham

[tubut]

Hi Graham,

1. You should chosse a shop close to you so that you can drop by every week or so (or whenever the car requires special attention, such as making decisions about how to deal with specific issues or how far you want/need to go). Traveling half a day is too far away. Going from North Van to Richmond was a 45 minute drive that was time lost as it did not add any value.

2. You may want to look into Wolf Steel panels (see http://www.alfaparts.net/105_115roadster.html) with specific attention to the sills and discuss their panels in the forum and with the restorer you know. The opinions vary as a search on AlfaBB will show.

Good luck,

Ruedi

[alfaguy]

Finding somebody close to me to perform this repair might be an option if I lived in a major metropolitan area, but its not in Campbell River. The only options around here are ICBC body shops & I don't think they would be the best place to take my Alfa. The only restorer I have been able to find close by wants $25,000 for the job.

I need suggestions for shops!!

[Roadtrip]

I think the restorer was really trying to tell you that he doesn't want your business at any price.

Is it the outer body rocker only, or are the inners also need replacement?

[alfaguy]

I think you may be right Roadtrip. He also told me he wouldn't be able to start on the work for two years.

I'm not sure if it's the inner rockers as well, but it wouldn't surprise me given what other people have experienced.

I spoke to my old Alfa mechanic at N&M Sports Cars to see if he could recommend somebody. He told me to try Sam at Rite-Way Collision in North Vancouver. He said "Sam's done lots of those and he's a good guy - he has a GTV-6". So, we'll see. I will be down in the Vancouver area on Friday the 15th so I'll go see him then. Has anybody on the board tried this shop?

Graham

[alfacanuck]

I have not had anything done by either of them personally but Rich's Collision in North Campbell River I have heard good things about. Also I have been to Reliable Auto Body in Courtenay and have heard good things about them. There shop is always very neat, clean and very organized. Not the cheapest but maybe better quality.

Cheers, Andy (Comox Valley)
74 GTV
83 Spider

[alfaguy]

Thanks for the recommendations, Andy. I'll check them out.

As it turns out, I may be moving to Vancouver. So if I do, I'll find somewhere over to fix my car. I have been recommended Rite-Way Collision in North Vancouver and also Panelcraft in Langley. Anybody on the board use these guys or heard about them?

Graham
74 Spider

[Roadtrip]

Hope the inner rockers are good, otherwise, be ready for a phone call about 30 minutes after the air chisel starts work on the outers.

[alfaguy]

Yeah Roadtrip, I know that could very well end up happening. I've read/heard about all kinds of horror stories on the board here and elsewhere.

I'm hoping the car isn't too bad. It's originally from Monterey, California. I brought it up here three year ago and its been garaged since. I'd like to deal with any rust before it gets terminal.

I'll try to figure out how to post some pictures this weekend. Hopefully the monsoons will take a break at some point.

Graham
74 Spider