1931 Model A Pickup - post 13 - Door fitment

Yesterday, we mounted the doors to the cab to check door fitment and also to prep the body line that runs from the front of the cab, along the bottom of the doors.  It's fun to see this truck come together.  We're hoping to have the cab in primer by tomorrow afternoon.

 

 

The gaps weren't quite as "tight" in 1931 as they are on the cars of today...

 

1931 Model A Pickup - post 12 - Blocking of cab exterior

With all the light collision repair jobs that have come through the shop in the last few weeks this 1931 model A project has been sitting a while.  We divided the work among two body guys and have started to move on it again.  Blocking/straightening of the cab exterior begins.  The shop that originally painted this cab didn't do a very good job of smoothing/straightening the panels.  With a little re-work, this cab is going to turn out beautiful!

 

 

 

 

1974 Ford Ranger F100 Project - Post 7 - Painting Cab

We got the cab on the 1974 Ranger painted yesterday.  The baby blue came out great!  The owner is coming in to put the glass in tonight and the box should be painted tomorrow.  This truck is coming out really nice.  Check back for the final product soon!

 

 

 

 

1931 Model A Pickup - post 11 - Door prep continues

Bill continues to skim and smooth the doors on the 1931 Model A Pickup.  The owner had new bottoms welded on, and we needed to smooth out the seams.

 

 

1974 Ford Ranger F100 Project - Post 6 - Painting Jams

We're getting pretty close to painting the 1974 Ranger.  Some final work is being done on the interior of the box.  While the box was off the truck, we cleaned the frame and had it "undercoated".

 

The owner also dropped by some new rims and tires.  We can't wait to see them on the finished truck!

1974 Ford Ranger F100 Project - Post 5 - Painting Jams

They keep working on the 1974 Ranger.  Yesterday they painted all the "jams".  The underside of the hood, inside of the doors and door, jams were all painted yesterday.  They'll next move on to painting the outside of the truck.  Check back for another update soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance company totaled your car? Look at your options!

With the recent snow, we've seen an increase in "fender-benders", and with those fender-benders, comes an increase in insurance claims.   Have you ever been in an accident, looked at the damage to your vehicle and thought:  "Hmmm, it doesn't look that bad...", only to find out that the insurance company totals your car?  We've seen this situation unfold a number of times already this year, and it's happening more-and-more. 

Cars and trucks are becoming more and more complicated to repair and insurance companies often find it less troubling to "total loss" a car instead of paying to have it fixed.  If you find yourself in this situation, and you don't want to go out and start shopping for a new car, perhaps you could consider another option.  In most cases, your vehicle can be purchased back from your insurance company at a nominal fee (usually under $500).  You can then hire a body shop (like ours) to repair the car.  Often we can repair the vehicle at a cost very close to that of your insurance payout amount... and you can KEEP your car!  In many cases, your car will now have a "Salvage" title, but if the damage you sustained was minor or merely cosmetic, and the car has been good to you, this title will be of little consequence, especially if you plan on keeping your car a while.

Josh welding the parts to the front of this 2006 Chevy Express Van.

 

Consider this case...  A local contractor has a fleet of vans.  This van sustained a large hit to the front in the Christmas week snow storm we had recently.  Their insurance company came out, appraised the damage to the van and totaled it.  The van is a 2006 with 50K miles on it.  The damage was fairly substantial, but did not affect the motor, drive-train, transmission, airbags, or any major mechanical aspects of the vehicle.  The contractor has kept up the maintenance on this van and had expected to get a number of additional years out of it.  They did not want to take their $6500 insurance payout only to have to turn-around and buy another $25,000 vehicle.... so we're fixing it.  We found some aftermarket, reconditioned and used parts and are repairing it.  The contractor is still going to have to pay a portion of the repair cost out of pocket, but this expense will be CONSIDERABLY lower than purchasing a different vehicle.  Needless to say... they are "tickled pink" and are excited to get their van.... and guys... if you are reading this... it should be done by Friday!

If you find yourself in a similar situation.  Please call us or stop by for a free consultation.  We'd appreciate the opportunity to see if we can help you through your unfortunate situation.

Make it a GREAT day!