Body Shop in Northern New Jersey???

[sleepe]

I need a body panel paint-matched Storm Titanium.
Does anyone have experience or know of any reputable
paint/body shops?
I live in Essex County.

Does Park Avenue Lotus in Maywood, NJ have a good body shop?

[macdady2424]

I'm sure there's tons of chop shops in Newark that could help you out.

On a real note, maybe take the drive down to Princeton Lotus shop and Ed. They work on tons of vintage cars (Astons especially ), so I would assume they would be good. I would tend to stay away from park, but I've had no real experience with them.

[sleepe]

What is wrong with Park Avenue Lotus?

[macdady2424]

Just my opinion and speculations:

But when I went there looking for a car, a few times, the lotus dealer was locked up and the Acura or whatever people said they had no access, no info, and weren't sure when the one and only lotus dealer rep would be back when they should have been open. When I was finally in with the Lotus dealer, they didn't take me too seriously as to test driving and purchasing a car. I ended up at HRM where Rob & Paul treated my like a king and i brought a car that day on the spot even though I was trying to control myself and not jump into a purchase.

And the few times that I was there, they didn''t seem to have a large dedicated shop area or any Lotus cars there being worked on (maybe thier lotus garage is at a different location, I don't know). Just what I saw from my few visits. I guess they are more interested in selling BMW and Acura and the other marques they have up in that area besides Lotus. But I have read here in many post that some people have a great experience with them while others have not. Although that happens everywhere.

As for body work, (once again, just speculating) but Sports & Specialist down in Princeton seems like they restore a lot of very expensive British cars. I've only been there once, didn't get my car worked on, and was impressed with what they had down there. Just be careful when pulling your car in there as the driveway is steep at the garage bay.

I'm sure tons of people can post their experinces about any Lotus dealer and have feelings going both ways, but if it were me and any type of body work, I would go down to the Princeton shop. If I were trying normal service, I guess I would give Park a try. Just my $0.02

[macdady2424]

GLB or anyone else in NJ know any good (non Lotus) shops that could do bodywork in the area on a Lotus?

[Rainier]

Danieles Auto Body has been used by HRM.

[glb]

Originally Posted by macdady2424

GLB or anyone else in NJ know any good (non Lotus) shops that could do bodywork in the area on a Lotus?

Lwein can point you to Larry's shop in Manville; I don't know its name.

[goldfive]

I recently investigated this topic extensively because I wanted some touch up work done on my Elise. I did many online searches on various (non-lotus) car forums trying to find some consensus on a top-recommended body shop in Northern NJ. I basically only found one:

C&D Autobody in South Hackensack.

I came across several posters raving about their work on luxury cars. In addition, the guy who detailed my car (I found his name via the same type of searching online) recommended them without hesitation as well.

So, I visited the place with my car and met the owner, Matt Casiano. Very nice fellow. He spent probably an hour with me going over the car, filling out some forms etc. Now, to be fair, their niche is really BMW's, but they also do lots of other luxury cars. I saw the work he did on my neighbor's X5, and it was flawless. So I had the utmost confidence in his work.

Unfortunately, prior to visiting C&D, I decided to be lazy and "cheap-out" and I ended up taking my car to a local shop that had been around for 30 years or so. They in turn did a lousy job, screwed up the paintwork, and I then took it to C&D for a new estimate.

I learned an expensive lesson. The local shop cost me $300, and they did a crap job. C&D's estimate for the same work (done properly of course) was around $1600. So, they are certainly not cheap, but if you want it done right they might be the ticket.

Matt explained to me that most body shops are "direct repair facilities" and are in bed with the various insurance companies. They want to get cars painted quickly and cheaply and out the door so they can get the next one in. They are not about top quality but about "acceptable" quality. Of course, people with fine automobiles (such as our Lotuses) usually want "top quality".

Ultimately, though, I never got it repainted because I couldnt stomach spending another $1600 to fix what were relatively minor scuffs. That's not to say I didn't want to have C&D do the work, just that I couldnt swing it $$-wise. I really wish I could have though.

Here is the link to their site:

C&D Auto Body | Excellence in Auto Collision Repair Since 1987

Hope this helps.

[Eric H]

I work in a collision repair shop in bensalem pa with a very good reputation ,just across the burlington bristol bridge . we do repair a lot of high end cars. Ive been working there almost 15 years , in the 15 years only 2 unhappy customers that I can remember . very good customer relations is why Ive been there this long .I also have almost 30 years experience .05 lotus elise .pm me Ill do what ever I can to help.
Eric H

[dmh]

Originally Posted by glb

Lwein can point you to Larry's shop in Manville; I don't know its name.

Ask for Doug or Larry. They not only do restorations (Lotus) but repair work for numerous dealership (Audi, VW, Porsche) and high end resellers (High Marques).
Foreign Speciaties
(908) 526-6960

[yelotail]

Prestige autobody in Fort Lee or Edgewater right by the GW bridge

[SAHD]

BB Autobody, owner is Billy: all I have is his cell : 845 786 3301 - he's 'over the border'. I've met him and got a quote, but have not had the work done yet. I got Billy's number from the guy who runs my local shop that does the servicing on all my cars, incl' the Lotus, he said that he had some paintwork done by Billy on his own car, and it was very very good.

Tell him the Brit with the gold 89 Civic referred you.

[sleepe]

Thanks for the recommendation. I spoke with Matt, the owner, and he seems very dedicated to his work. I'm seeing him Monday for a paint-match.

Thanks, Robert

[macdady2424]

Let us know how they work out. Maybe be good to have a good body shop on the list. Knock on wood!