Restoration Essentials: Spraying & Trimming

v-deniso

Hi Everyone,

After my previous question about Waxoyl, I am now wondering about the availability of trimmers and painters. As I mentioned previously I am restoring and XK 120 Jaguar and the prices that have been quoted from the UK for trimming (up to £6-7000 for hood and interior/boot) & (£5000 for spraying using a cellulose product rather than a two pack) are enough to make a grown man cry.
If anyone knows of people who do a good quality job over here please inform me.

I'm sure like me there are many others who need this work done but cant afford these kinds of prices that are being quoted in Sterling!

All information and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Denis

ds20prefecture

v-deniso wrote:

Hi Everyone,

After my previous question about Waxoyl, I am now wondering about the availability of trimmers and painters. As I mentioned previously I am restoring and XK 120 Jaguar and the prices that have been quoted from the UK for trimming (up to £6-7000 for hood and interior/boot) & (£5000 for spraying using a cellulose product rather than a two pack) are enough to make a grown man cry.
If anyone knows of people who do a good quality job over here please inform me.

I'm sure like me there are many others who need this work done but cant afford these kinds of prices that are being quoted in Sterling!

All information and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Denis

My friend had his DS repainted in silver metallic in Ballyfermot. I think the job cost about €1000, but he had to remove and replace all trim, which is what really takes the time. The quality was "good" rather than "perfect". If I had an XK120, i'd be looking for "perfect" and I wonder if that's available here.

The problem here is lack of people who are willing to do the work right, and the cost of labour. You would probably be better off doing it yourself, or doing most of the prep yourself and having someone else paint it. But the skill involved in the actual painting itself is considerable.

I see your quandry.

MercMad

Mmm yes there are few poeple who will get involved with older cars, they aren't quite as straightforward as newer ones where most parts bolt on and there is now rust or chrome trim to deal with !

What about John Dickenson, he is a Jag specialist and has done these cars for 30 years. He drives an XK120 himself and owns 5-6 others. He used to be based in Artane but moved to Wexford, not sure where he works from now. Maybe you already know him?

Other than that I know Dennings body shop in Dublin is owned by an enthisiast who owns some old Mercs and jags, so maybe they would be sympathetic to your cause, wont be cheap though, unless you can prepare it first !

Duffy Auto Trim in Whitehall will do a first class job on any trim, seats, carpets, soft top etc. I've seen their work and its faultless !

Other than that I suggest going to the car shows that start next months and ask around !

Best of luck !

kyote00

I had a car done by JH Autos on Prussia st.

Excellent work and it included a small amount of welding, he tooks photos as he
went and the finish was excellent.

I think he is now focussing on modern cars as may not be doing classics anymore.


You can also try Clandillon Classics in Leixlep who charge per hour (I think)

It might be worth setting up a sticky topic to store some of these items.

I have also used a electrical shop (Hamiltons, Grantham Pl, 01-4755157) of the south circular road who rebuilt a Lucas C40 generator ....

v-deniso

Thanks everyone,

I will follow up all the contacts that you have provided me with, especially Duffy's, I had not heard of them before!

I think I remember John Dickenson at last years Trim rally I was parked almost next to him I think. Does he have an XK120 OTS in white with red seats?

Cheers for all your help and keep your experiences coming in so I know whos good etc.

Silvera

Is Ranelagh Auto Centre (Morris Minor Specialists) still in business ?

I'm sure they would have the expertise to do a quality respray.

Interceptor

If you strip the car and do as much prep as possible it shouldn't cost over €1000 for a good respray. Beware the cellulose/two-pack option - cellulose is specified by die hard restorers as it gives a more 'authentic' finish (ie flat), two pack sets harder, is more durable but gives a 'fatter' finish so doesn't show imperfections as readily. Think about how 'authentic' you want the car and choose accordingly. There are several companies in the Galway area who carry out upholstery work - none would be acceptable for a concours restoration but perfect for an enthusiast on a budget, I am sure there are companies near you who can do the same. (I found a breakers yard near me with TWO jag XJS's and I'm trying to buy the front seats for my X1/9 to save on the cost of retrimming, I'm not suggesting you do the same but it is a temporary fix)

'c

MercMad

I think I remember John Dickenson at last years Trim rally I was parked almost next to him I think. Does he have an XK120 OTS in white with red seats?

Thats the chap !

Very approachable. Look out for him at the shows and ask him for advice !