Need a paint shop recommendation for Charlotte

I've heard good things about Automotive International on Old Pineville Rd. Ask for Jarod. They specialize in restorations of Rolls Royces and other classics. I've seen their paint booth, and it looks top notch, although I have never had any paint work done by them.

 

I would think that in Charlotte, with NASCAR being so big there, there would be fabricators peaking out of every corner. If you were in the Raleigh area, I could give you a recommendation or two. I know up here we actually have a section in the phonebook that is something like "Automobiles; Racecar Preperation" or something of that nature. Might be a good place to start and then just go around and check out the shops.

 

Try giving Bill Dunster at Autobahn Collision a call. They are now the preferred body shop of FCI in Charlotte, Exclusive Motors, and many of the Porsche Club people.

He also did all the body and paint work for our new 914 race car. This included buffing out all the rust that was EVERYWHERE (it is a 914 after all), installing GT flares, resetting many of the body panels, fitting aftermarket bumpers, rocker panels and valences, installing a roll cage, etc. Oh, and painting it two colors inside and out. Excellent work. Hope to unveil it at this years Porschefest on June 17 at the Hyatt, Southpark.

Bill has years of experience with other body shops, but was tired of the BS and the fact that most dealer shops screw people around. So he started Autobahn. He's a real good guy that's very easy to get along with. When I was there the other day, a few of the cars he's working on were a 360 Spyder, Porsche 356 full restoration, Porsche 928, and I think an Audi.

No personal interest in the shop either, just that Bill is one of the good guys that I like to support if possible.

Phone: 704.821.4303 Tell him Bob Saville told you to call.

 

What do you need done on the carpet?

 

Bill might be out a bit today...we had our annual Porschefest this weekend and he and I spent all Thursday and Friday nights getting my car together for the Concours, rally and autocross. Placed 2nd in class for the concours (behind a beautiful early 911 race car).

 

Any other shops?

 

Chris,

I have a shop that I source most of my paint work to. The gentleman that paints for me has been in the body and fender business for 30 years. He is a very accomplished metal worker and lead worker. He works full time as a painter for a race team and does all of my work on the side. He is very reasonable and extremly good at what he does. The quality of his work speaks for itself, he has painted 3 cars for me not 1 and I have him lined up for a few other jobs. If you are interested in his work feel free to contact me at 704-892-9440 or send me an email [email protected]



Wade

 

A Ferrari "Lead Sled"? Now those were the days...

 

Short stack is right on.

I used "AI" about a year ago for paint & body work on both my old 85 308QV and Range Rover. The better half backed out of the gararge and folded in the back right 1/4 panel on the Ferrari and pushed in some body parts on the RR.

Jarod does very good work....My 2 cents.

 

I gave Automotive International the green light a few hours ago. Thanks to everyone that responded. Since I am new to the area, the input was invaluable.

The car is a 3rd gen RX7. I had a Porsche tube frame builder in MA modify the firewall and create a new sub frame to accommodate a 3-rotor engine and large turbo. The motor was built by Mandeville Autotech in SC. He supplied the motor for the Mazda LM2 car that raced at Sebring this year. The motor has been clearanced and dynamically balanced up to 10,000rpms. However, the plan is to keep the redline to about 8000 and design the intake manifold to produce as broad of a power band as possible. One of the nicest things about the 3-rotor, unlike the 2-rotor is that it has a very exotic exhaust note. It fires once every 120 degrees. Guess what other engine configuration has the same ratio of pulses per revolution

My last 2-rotor car made around 400rwhp at 'safe' boost on pump gas. I am shooting for in excess of 600rwhp in the name of efficiency with this car, but will probably dial it back to 500rwhp for most purposes.

The goal was to create something that was nimble, powerful, and comfortable enough to drive to work a few times a week for less than or equal to the cost of a new M3. Because I moved (or at least paid someone to move) the motor back nearly 7" and down 1" the weight distribution should be at or very close to the stock 50/50. With a curb weight of 2700-2800lbs it should be a lot of fun.

 

Sounds like you're going to have one handful of a machine. Looking forward to seeing/hearing once she's prepped and ready.

Doug

 

Chris, looks like an awesome project. Roger and his crew are the best! We spent some time out at Bonneville prepping cars that set records together and his IMSA stories are wonderful, plus his wife is a firecracker!

-Peter