Hi Guys - I wanted to ask your opinion on getting body work done. I have had some minor work quoted and i delivered my Cooper to the bodyshop " Berlina body works " in leichhardt yesterday.
I chose him as he is fairly near to my house, and a friend used to deal with him and had some work done and said he was great ! Also, they have a bareshell " S " in there now so atleast he has experience with Minis.

We have agreed on around $700 mark for the work needed - This basically is for:

Fitting a new rear valance ( I have supplied to genuine heritage panel ) and painting it.
Removing front window and fixing some bubbles under the rubbers - Spraying the scuttle panel
Moving the " Rover " badge and GB sticker ( YUKKK ) and cutting back the paint and putting on a chrome GB self adhesive badge.

When i took the car up there he was less than enthusiastic about the work but initially, he was great and more than happy to take it on. Now, he says that he will call me to let me know if its more work than it looks etc
which is starting to concern me as a $700 quote could become a $1000+ quote !

So, when you rest of you have had body work done like this what's the deal ? They quote and stick to this ? What happens if thing are a bit more extensive than they thought ?? Bad luck for them ? Or you....... Thanks.

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Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair

A quote for this type of work is always an estimate. If the costs escalate he needs to convince you need that the extra work was unforseen and is necessary. They would normally discuss this with you anyway. If he finds that extra work is needed and you make him stick to the $700 his only option is to cut corners. There needs to be a little give and take if you want a good job.

Pete

I think it's normally bad luck for you, as they can always (quite rightly in many cases i suppose) just say that the extra work was not clear/obvious until a panel was removed or the paint was stripped back etc etc.

I'm sure that dodgy places will take advantage of this but it's a fact that there can be a multitude of sins hidden by paint, trim, etc

I'd be interested to hear how it turns out for you, i've got rust around my rear window (and a few other places) and would love to get it sorted. (and this guy's quite local to me too)

There "IS ALWAYS" more yukkyness than you think

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

Yeah - I agree. I did say that if he is a couple of hundred out it would not bother me. I have set a budget of 1k and hopefully it will be on the better side of this.

Also, want to get flipper windows installed to replace the fixed rear windows. Not sure how long this will take ? A few hours ??

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Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair

It depends if the Rover shell has the correct inner panel on the C pillar. If it dose it will be easy as, just drill some holes and screw it in (and you'll need some window rubbers).
This is the panel you need; the one with the 4 holes drilled in it.

If your car doesn't have this he could simply bend up a couple and spot weld and sikaflex it in .

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

If you are thinking of fitting rear opening quarter windows into a Rover shell, be aware that the aussie ones are not going to fit being a different size. You would need to source some that will fit and Steve at Brickworx may be able to supply.

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1964 998 Cooper , 1968 Morris 1100

Blubbling under the window...they can only see the extent of the rust once the paint and layers have been removed and this is the only place I can see the price to rise much.
"Belina Body Works" I can only recomend then to you for the work they put out. The Exotica cars that go throu those doors are just incredable and always a great perve which I havent done in a While

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

Ok i am feeling a bit better about things now....thanks guys !

Regading the rear windows, yes, i got some geniune Rover windows from a 95 Cooper so they should be fine. I also bought a complete new rubber set for the car. Not sure if it has the bracket ??? If not i`m sure a small plate could simply be welded in....

I want to ensure all work carried out is to the higest standard as this ones a keeper i think.

Will let you all know how its goes with pictures etc. Thanks again !

_________________
Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair