Custom Bodywork
Whatever your requirements; from a simple spoiler through to an insane wide arch kit JC Autobody can help. Run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts we understand what is is to have a modified car and strive to deliver unbeatable results time and time again. Our standard of workmanship is second to none with time and care taken at every step of the way. Any of you who know a bit about cars will know that bodywork and painting in general is no easy thing; and custom work even more so. The "throw it out as quick as possible" approach of all but the top bodyshops leaves much to be desired. The time and effort put in is very evident in the finished product - minimal effort in the prep results in a poorly shaped finished car with wobbles in the panel reflection and lacking luster and depth in the paint finish. Defects like silicones, muck in the paint, flatting marks, sinkage lines, cracks and de-lamination are rife in all cruises and car shows. We are firm believers in the old saying "if something is worth doing it is worth doing right or not at all". Included under our "portfolio" link at the top of the page is a selection of cars that we have done with some accompanying text explaining what was done and how.
Due to it workability fiberglass often features in many modern modified cars. Fitting & finishing fiberglass items involves a lot of extra work than their plastic or metal counterparts. Because they are aftermarket bits not from the manufacturer they often fit very badly. Often there is little or no quality control and it is common to have a bumper come out that is 6 inches to wide for the car. The process begins with the fitting stage which often involves trimming, filling and sometimes adding material on until a good fit is achieved. Often a bumper will have to be mounted, marked where the problem areas are, removed, modified then refitted to check fit - it is commonplace to have to fit and remove a bumper 10 or more times before the fit is deamed acceptable. Once happy with the fit the items must be well keyed up and a high quality primer or surfacer applied, carved to shape using a medium grade abrasive paper & finally guide coated and rubbed down to remove the flatting marks. This leaves a perfectly smooth surface ready for painting. There are no short cuts, it is very time consuming and requires immense attention to detail.
The modern trend for car modification is moving towards a nice smooth, clean look. "Flushing" number plate recesses or front grilles etc is a good way to achieve this. First the area to be worked upon is bare metaled. A sheet of sheet steel is then cut to size and shaped to follow the panel contours. This sheet is then MIG welded in place and the weld seam lead loaded to insure that no moisture creeps in from the rear of the panel swelling the filler or primer. Finally to finish the shape and blend it all in a skim of filler is used and over this a high quality 2k primer or poly surfacer. Once this has been flatted the item is finally ready to paint.
Below are some sample prices to give you some idea of what it costs; these are intended just as a guide - I would need to see any kit & vehicle before commiting to a price. Our prices are fully inclusive of all labour, paint and materials with no hidden extras and no VAT to pay
Fit and paint full fiberglass bodykit (consists of front and rear bumpers and side skirts) £700
Fitting of single kit items (i.e a bumper or pair of skirts) £275
Fiberglass spoiler £150
Full widearch kit keeping car same colour £2000
Full widearch kit & full respray £2700
Flushed bootlid or bonnet (complete with lead loaded weld seams & including painting) £300
Email: jcautobody@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 07787 813606 (9am - 9pm 7 days a week)
