Re: Looking for Body Shop in D.C. to Richmond VA corridor

["Frank Amoroso" <famoroso@sprintmail.com>]

Definitely recommend removing as many pieces and parts, on your own, as
possible, for the obvious $$$ savings as well as the fact that you will do a
better job. If you are careful, mark parts, put them in bags and bins,
you'll lose and / or break fewer of them, and you'll probably have fun doing
it. You'll be more careful getting the trim pieces out, etc... I don't care
how good the body shop is NO ONE is going to take care of your car (house
and kids, for that matter) better than you are. Depending on how much you
will gut the vehicle you will really want to be cognizant of how the various
parts were put together (I even videoed the tough stuff), because in X
amount of weeks when you get it back chances are you will have forgotten how
some of the parts went together.

On the forever black, best $11 bucks I've spent on so called bumper
re-conditioners. Excellent, and much longer lasting than most other
products. Somewhat of a pain to apply, but you'll enjoy the end result.
Should prove exceedingly worth it against the new coat of paint. I'm
assuming you will get differing opinions, but it made the '87 4000's bumpers
look brand new. I did not have allot of silicone build up on the bumpers so
they cleaned up well and I applied at least four thin coats of the dye, so
like I said a PITA but worth it for me.
                                                        Frank--
-----Original Message-----
>    1)  What can a shade tree mechanic do as far as prep is concerned
>        before turning it over to the pros?  Sanding?  Removal of trim?...
>
>P.S.  Any body use a product called Forever Black?  Impressions?
>


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