| Author | Message | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 520 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jeff, that's great. It's nice to know that there are people out there that won't charge a premium on the custom work just because it is for a Ferrari. The piece looks very nice - patience surely goes a long way! | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
Junior Member Username: Carguy Post Number: 217 Registered: 10-2002 |
A while back I posted that I needed a new panel that goes under the exhaust. I had no luck finding one near or far. And no bodyshop would even touch it, even the best one in the area. So how was I to fix my trashed unit? The middle 70% of my panel was crinkled and scraped very badly. No way to fix it properly, just replace it. Well across from my workplace is a metal fabrication business, a mom and pop business that makes stuff for industry. On a desperate gamble I went to the owner and begged for his help. He said "no way" due to all the compound curves, but would try provided I wouldn't sue him if he failed. He made a new center section so it simply slipped over the damaged areas almost perfectly. I couldn't believe how good it fit...he modestly said he was an old street rodder and it was like riding a bike...you never really forget how. I asked about welding it up, and he said "no", so I enlisted a talented friend to help. It still took about 3 hours of hammer & dolly work, but we got it secured, although there was some warpage. I then took it back to the best bodyshop in the area, and he was surprised to see me back. He looked it over and asked "how good do you want it?" Well it is for a Ferrari so.... He looked up the paint code, and ordered the Glasurit paint. I offered to give him the gas filler door for matching, but he said it's not necessary. In his experience the European paint systems are very very good and consistent. It took him a month, but it's finally done and back home. It looks terrific! As good as new! And it's a perfect match to the rest of the car - unbelievable. Now for the kicker..how much did it cost me? Well, the fabricator only charged me $60 because he felt sorry for me. My welder friend did his work for free. And the bodyshop charged me a measly $100. So for $160 and a LOT of improvising and elbow grease, I have a perfect valance panel again. I just wanted to share this with everyone. Some things do go right sometimes.  |