The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi, I've just bought a second 1300fwd (so I suppose I've got a fleet now). I'm looking for recommendations for an excellent body shop. The Car has had its front end (both front wings, both inner wings, front panel panel and valence) replaced. Its an old repair and not very good as panel fit is poor etc, poor "orange peel" paint job. Anybody trusted with fixing it properly would need to jig it out accurately. Has anyone out there had any great experiences, where you could recommend such a bodyshop? Thx, Eighteenseventyeight.

A very long way for you to go, but if you want the best (people from as far a field as Europe bring their cars here) you wont find much better than Austin Morris Services in Freshwater Isle of Wight.

You can see some of Franks work here;

http://popularclassics.forumcircle.com/ ... hp?t=15691

If you need contact info then please PM me.

I can recommend someone in Thetford & in Glasgow.

MikeyB i'm sure, can recommend someone around the Kendal area.

Hi Guys, thanks for the responses s far. Got the car now and although it is untidy, I may be being a bit fussy. I just keep comparing the new car to the one I already had, so I know it could be better than it is. At some stage I will want to get the work done - front end rebuild and full respray. Any further suggestions for good body shops welcome. Thx

Specialist Automotive Services, Sabden. Dave Warburton (http://www.sas-automotiveservices.co.uk/). His bodywork skills are fantastic. A very special place!
or
Rogersons of Bay Horse, near Lancaster. Again very good local garage used to a mix of moderns and classics. (http://www.rogersons.com/)
or even closer to you....
Totally Triumph. Max's welding skills are very good and he works day to day with Triumphs. He always gets a mixed review as his character and his opinions are rather down to earth....you just need to tell him exactly what YOU want! His prices are very good too and he works 7 days a week. He can recommend a paintshop in the Warrington area as he doesn't do that on the premises. (http://www.totallytriumph.co.uk/)

Hi - thanks for the last post. I'll follow up and let you all know how I get on.

Cheers

Hi

Have a look at Willow Triumph.

http://www.willowtriumph.com/index.htm

Regards
Paul.

Hi All,

Just an update. I've spoken to a couple of bodyshops and the body does need to go onto a jig. As feared I need to find some new parts - so the hunt is on for

2 x Front outer wings
2 x Headlight bezels
1 x Radiator Support Assembly (inc front grille)
1 x Bonnet (existing one may not be salvagable)
1 x Front Windscreen seal
1 x rear windscreen seal
1 x Tank filler grommet
1 x rear bumber centre section
1 x front bumper
1 x bonnet seal
1 x boot seal
4 x door rubber seal sets

Some parts will be more difficult to get than others. Any leads (especially on the panels) would be appreciated.

PS Already pinged the main parts suppliers (Rimmers, Canley, Wins,etc). Will try Mick Dolphin and Quiller tomorrow.

eighteenseventyeight wrote: 2 x Front outer wings
2 x Headlight bezels
1 x Radiator Support Assembly (inc front grille)
1 x Bonnet (existing one may not be salvagable)
1 x Front Windscreen seal
1 x rear windscreen seal
1 x Tank filler grommet
1 x rear bumber centre section
1 x front bumper
1 x bonnet seal
1 x boot seal
4 x door rubber seal sets

With the exception of the wings (GRP ones from this club), most if not all of that would come from Wins International:

http://www.winsintltd.co.uk/

Hi Stan,

Thanks - just taken a look at WINS web sites stock list. I hadn't previously, because I didn't see the web address in the advert in "Dolly Mixture", and assumed they didn't have one (durrrrgh !). I'll add them to my list and send an enquiry tomorrow.

Many Thanks

Just had a very interesting conversation with Moorland Classic Cars. Not cheap but appear to be top drawer quality. As I eb closer to actually spending out on paint it is a real minefield trying to find someone who's any good. Your mate down the pub will tell you of £500 resprays but reality is to do a really good job you'll need to spend more than double that in materials alone. The biggest killer seems to be VAT.

Have you had a chat with Jon, Mark, the guy that sprays my restos?

Not yet Mart, I may well do though if my quest for someone localish turns to nothing. Transportation costs mount up on a long trip so it has to be worth my while. I still have his details though from when you gave them to me before and I know his work is good.

I'll second everything what's been said about Max at Totally Triumph plus he's the closest one to you. He's also sh*t hot at welding should you need to have any done. Try Fitchett's for some of your parts. You'll have to order over the phone and the bloke that answers the phone comes across as "Mr. Grumpy" but he knows his stuff, accepts plastic and it will be there the next day.