TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Apr 05, 2008 6:51 pm

Yo! Been looking around, there sure is a butt load of great information here!

Quick question...
Does anybody know reputable body/paint shop in the Dallas area?

So far, the shops I've been to were either not interested (I'm guessing that it's not worth their time since it's not a quick, insurance covered, unbolt & rebolt panel replacement type body) or...they didn't know what a Karmann Ghia is (RUN AWAY! right?).

She's a '68.

I will be removing the shell and mounting it on a rotisserie, replacing the pans and getting it powder coated.
Thanks all...peace out!

Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:06 pm

As always, it depends on how much money/quality you want. I've had several jobs done by Dallas Auto Body on Harry Hines just north of Walnut Hill. Korean fellows run the place. I have always been very happy. A friend was not, but several others were. At least they are not going to throw you out just because they don't know what you have.

Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:00 am

I have found a couple of people in the area that do "old school" body work including metal work where needed. They are not the cheapest, but they are GOOD. I can get contact info for you, just shoot me a PM.

I am about to send mine to one of them for a body off.

Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:02 am

Thanks!
I'll check out Dallas Auto Body this week.
PM sent Razzbuten...

Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:44 pm

I don't know if Pilot Point is too far, but I used a small shop there that does a lot of custom work and was very happy. Mine may have been the first ghia he ever did - but he can now claim experience. Name of the business is Collision Connection - Proprietor is Israel Salas. He and his sons do most of the work.

Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:25 am

did you just get this ghia?

Sat Apr 12, 2008 5:42 am

Jake...Yeah, it's about 50+ miles form me. I'ld like to check out the progress while the work is getting done.

helowrench wrote: did you just get this ghia?
Yes, last November up in Denton.

Fri May 09, 2008 3:59 pm

FOUND IT!

I was driving around Garland area two weekends ago looking for an auto paint store who might have an in on a reputable body/restoration shops around. Long story short after bouncing around a few shops I was finally directed to Wilson Automotive & Speed Shop, family owned and run shop in Garland. Specializing in restoration of classic & muscle cars…and it’s only 10 minutes from my house!

When I spoke with Les Wilson, the dad, about my project, he busted out laughing?! He said that it wasn’t the project he was laughing at the fact that he owned one of the first VW shops in Dallas back in the 60’s. He then walks me through the shop, which by the way was very well kept, to introduce me to his son, Jeff.

Long story short, I dropped off my Ghia last Monday. They got the lids of and are just about ready to separate the body from the chassis. My Ghia would probably fit in the trunk of one of those big block rides they’re restoring.

Color choices:

Nissan: Brickyard Red

Corvette: Atomic Orange