View Full Version : Looking for top-notch shop for widebody conversion...
Number54
12-31-2009, 11:01 AM
Anyone have experience in this matter. I know there are a few widebodies in the Bay Area. I'll only go somewhere that has done it before and are excellent.
The only place I won't go is 2bennett.
Thanks.
betet
12-31-2009, 11:14 AM
Can't wait for you to get it done [up]. As I have mentioned to you before, try pinging GMG for the body shop they use. It's down in LA though, but they may know someone up here.
Number54
12-31-2009, 11:52 AM
^^^ Yeah, I'm already giddy and it hasn't even started:) I will contact GMG. Seems like I may end up heading down to LA to get it done there.
washyourrhands
12-31-2009, 05:09 PM
talk to 034
they have done many, but im not sure who they used
SummitS4
01-04-2010, 02:22 AM
may i ask why not 2 bennett?
Number54
01-04-2010, 02:52 PM
I sent some email to 034, and spoke to Fabryce@GMG. I gotta say I'm already leaning towards GMG...
Number54
01-04-2010, 03:09 PM
may i ask why not 2 bennett?
Sure, I'm just not happy with their customer service. I wanted to buy a crankcase breather kit from them, but they didn't want to give me any info about it. I explained it a bit better here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4739652&posted=1#post4739652. I'm not saying 2B is bad, their products look great, but *my* experience wasn't positive. I just don't want to throw $15-20K at a shop that wasn't willing to talk to me.
Mooseimage
01-04-2010, 03:40 PM
I too want to see this sexy beast. Are you going OEM RS4 widebody, or slightly different?
Number54
01-04-2010, 04:27 PM
^^^ I'm going OEM RS4 with only very slight modifications - eliminated headlight squirters and eliminated fogs. If the bodyshop can roll/modify the fenders enough to fit 275 r-comps, I'll do it. I'm thinking about a CF hood (painted) but I don't like the hood pins look. I was thinking about eliminating the side blinkers, but now I'm unsure about that.
If anyone has opinions about mods to a widebody, let me know. Personally, I haven't seen anything prettier than OEM RS4 but I'm open to any and all ideas.
Brooks Motor Cars has done a number of widebody conversions. Info at brooksmotorcars.com
ABTa4t
01-05-2010, 09:25 AM
I have been going to Brooks Motor Cars as well, Dan is a great guy. I can call him for you if you like.
Marc
jonnybravo
01-05-2010, 09:59 AM
Apex Autobody in San Jose. Top notch work...
2BblkAudis
01-05-2010, 01:02 PM
I have been going to Brooks Motor Cars as well, Dan is a great guy. I can call him for you if you like.
Marc
I've worked with Dan numerous times. I've had good experience with them at the Oakland shop. I've noticed that they have a total of three shops now. All my experience has been at Oakland. Good luck with the build.
ABTa4t
01-05-2010, 01:39 PM
I goto the Oakland shop as well.
Number54
01-05-2010, 05:26 PM
Thanks for all the advice. I just emailed Dan at brooksmotorcars. It would be great to find a local shop so I can see the progress.
@ABTa4t: Yeah, if Dan is going to give me a "you're-doing-a-RS4-conversion-so-you're-going-to-be-wallet-raped-anyway" discount, I'd appreciate the phone call:)
Number54
01-05-2010, 05:29 PM
I still need to look into Apex Autobody.
Anyone have experience with Creative Kustoms (http://creativekustoms.com) in San Jose? I spotted a widebody job on an A4 at their shop and dropped by to see it. I briefly spoke with them but that was like 2 years ago.
2BblkAudis
01-05-2010, 05:46 PM
I still need to look into Apex Autobody.
Anyone have experience with Creative Kustoms (http://creativekustoms.com) in San Jose? I spotted a widebody job on an A4 at their shop and dropped by to see it. I briefly spoke with them but that was like 2 years ago.
I don't think Creative is around anymore. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I saw something about them closing shop in the forums a couple months ago.
ABTa4t
01-06-2010, 09:41 AM
I can call him for you no problem. Do you have the parts already or you want Dan to order them and how soon are you looking at doing the conversion?
Marc
josmo
01-06-2010, 11:29 AM
i would go kreative if it were me, but i believe there out of business. I've had positive experiences with Apex, and european auto body. European would do a quality job(was referred to them by the merc dealer) but im not sure how much custom work they do but you should ask.
Number54
01-06-2010, 01:15 PM
I can call him for you no problem. Do you have the parts already or you want Dan to order them and how soon are you looking at doing the conversion?
Marc
I have most the required parts, but still need a few - including 1/4 panels and front bumper. I'd start the conversion tomorrow if possible, I'm ready to drop the car off.
out of curiosity, how much do you think the conversion will cost? without the carbon hood of course.
im itching to do it way down the road
Number54
01-06-2010, 10:07 PM
^^^ I'd say count on $20K for parts, labor, and paint at good, reputable shops.
Do it now, and we can probably get a package deal:)
haha im still working on my motor. i really wish though. its my next big upgrade.
20k is pretty steep. and id have to get some new wheels too.
ABTa4t
01-07-2010, 05:18 PM
I have most the required parts, but still need a few - including 1/4 panels and front bumper. I'd start the conversion tomorrow if possible, I'm ready to drop the car off.
I will give Dan a call tomorrow and inquire for you, what is your name so I can tell Dan to expect a call from you.
Marc
drunknmunky408
01-07-2010, 11:45 PM
I think Creative Kustoms did close down but they go by a different name now. I saw them on craigslist selling an s4 bumper like 6 months ago.
Apex Autobody is a good shop to go to. I think thats where europrojectz gets their bodywork done..