Fiberglass Repair Reccomendations in the Chicago North/Northwest Area? - LotusTalk

ervsch · 06-29-2007, 05:49 AM

Well - It finally happened, my baby got a bonk... I'll try and post pics latter, but it really doesn't look too bad.

So I'm trying to find a recommendation for a good fiberglass repair shop in the north/northwest Chicago area.

So what happened? I'm usually pretty good at avoiding road junk on the freeway- but this time I didn't... I hit something small (piece of tire or something) with the driver's side front tire It got thrown up and hit just in front of the bottom corner of the rear wheel opening - way down at the bottom.

The starshield is holding everything in place, but about an inch or so in from the bottom of the car and the wheel arch there's what looks like an impression of someone's thumb, and then the corner's cracked.

Hopefully it won't be too expensive to fix...

I've got the card of the place that Fox Valley recommends - but it'd be nice to find someplace a little closer to home. Anyone have any experience with other shops?

Thanks in advance!

dasmoofler · 06-29-2007, 06:23 AM

Sorry to hear that, Erv. I don't know anyone offhand (I've been lucky so far), but I'll ask around, though. I have to swing by today to take a look.

ervsch · 06-29-2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmoofler

I have to swing by today to take a look.

I'm out of Intermatic for about a week - working from home today - and then taking next week as vacation... I'll post pics this afternoon.

esthi · 06-29-2007, 08:15 AM

Aww... that's a bummer Erv. :-(

I have heard good things about Custom Cars in Lagrange. Not sure if that's near you or not. In any case, post it here if you find anything - I need a wee bit of fiberglass repair myself (on the bottom of the sideskirt - doh!). I'm planning to ask Al at CPT about it next week - if he has any recommendations, I'll post it up too.

OriginalBlackCi · 06-29-2007, 08:16 AM

Sorry about that Erv. It's bound to happen eventually. I know I have run over or been hit hard enough that I had to get out and check. FWIW, I got some minor fiberglass repair done at the place in St. Charles that FVMC recommends and it came out great. But it was also quite a hike to get up there without a car.

DPM · 06-29-2007, 10:49 AM

Try Certified Autobody in North Chicago on Route 41 just south of #137. Ask for Jack and tell him Doc Molloy sent you. They are also certified to do all of the BMW repairs in Lake County which includes the exotic "welding" using epoxy per BMW specs.

If they are too busy try Finish Line in Lincolnshire near #22 and #21and ask for Tim, agai tell him I sent you.

Either shop should be able to make it like new. I've used both and been pleased with the results.

ervsch · 06-29-2007, 11:18 AM

Thanks Doc and Esthi! I'll be able to make the rounds next week and get some estimates...

Here are the pics. They're not the clearest, my old digital doesn't do well with close-ups (?not sure why the flash turns the car yellow in spots?). Also the car's a bit dirty and there's pits in the starshield - which of course the camera pics up...

I think the first picture is more representative of the damage. The crack on the corner is really only centered on the corner - the glare from the flash makes it look like it runs further than it does.

dasmoofler · 06-29-2007, 12:55 PM

Ouch! Better than a front tire blowout, though.
A friend recommends taking it to a Vette shop. They should certainly be able to do fiberglass. Good luck.

ervsch · 05-12-2008, 10:13 AM

Hey -

Resurrecting an old thread - but finally got the above mentioned damage fixed.

Also fixed a little more I caused...

For those who really must know the secret of Erv's big screw-up...

Don't look here

Me and Elise are happy as clams again - kudos go to the following:

Paul Quinff - fiberglass expert extraordinaire member of Chicago's LotusCorps. Ya' gotta have friends! Paul did the basic fiberglass work - fixing the holes and cracks. Great work!

Motorsport Collision - Dennis Joynt! Yeah, they're pretty far out of the way for me - but they came with such great recommendations. And, you can't really argue with someone who's done hundreds of Elises... Dennis is a great guy and his team did great work. Can't even tell what was wrong in the first place. Top notch stuff! I'd gladly give a recommendation any day.

So see y'all back on the track - Cheers!

OriginalBlackCi · 05-12-2008, 01:10 PM

Awesome to hear Erv. It's nice to know we got people who can do the small repairs in this area. I plan on owning the car for a while and figure I'm gonna have to go through some of this in the future. I've worked with Motorsport Collision in the past when my car got hit and they brought the car back to complete new condition. So you are all clean and polished up ready for Blackhawk, huh?

ervsch · 05-12-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalBlackCi

Awesome to hear Erv. It's nice to know we got people who can do the small repairs in this area. I plan on owning the car for a while and figure I'm gonna have to go through some of this in the future. I've worked with Motorsport Collision in the past when my car got hit and they brought the car back to complete new condition. So you are all clean and polished up ready for Blackhawk, huh?

Absolutely... although, I'm going to try and keep it in one piece this time though...

dasmoofler · 05-12-2008, 01:30 PM

Good to hear Erv. Where's Paul located? Just in case, you know?

Actually, with all the threads about people smashing their Elises lately I'm a bit gun shy about pressing hard so I registered for the kiddies group at Blackhawk.

See ya Monday!

John

ervsch · 05-12-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmoofler

Good to hear Erv. Where's Paul located? Just in case, you know?

Actually, with all the threads about people smashing their Elises lately I'm a bit gun shy about pressing hard so I registered for the kiddies group at Blackhawk.

See ya Monday!

John

Paul's shop is in Addison... he doesn't specifically do cars for a living. His business is other fiberglass pieces like models and mannequins, etc. He helps out friends in the club occasionally - but he does an amazing job. He'll be at the track day Monday with the Yellow and Blue trailer.

Yeah - I'll probably be tentative a bit too Monday... for the first few corners!!!

RacyTracy · 05-12-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ervsch

I'll probably be tentative a bit too Monday... for the first few corners!!!

Yeah.....sure.

twaszak1 · 05-12-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ervsch

Paul's shop is in Addison... he doesn't specifically do cars for a living. His business is other fiberglass pieces like models and mannequins, etc. He helps out friends in the club occasionally - but he does an amazing job. He'll be at the track day Monday with the Yellow and Blue trailer.

Yeah - I'll probably be tentative a bit too Monday... for the first few corners!!!

don't forget you owe me a ride Erv.

ervsch · 05-13-2008, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twaszak1

don't forget you owe me a ride Erv.

Hey - for my favorite mechanic? Anything.

06-29-2007, 05:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
ervsch Late apex, don't lift! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago-area Posts: 844 Images: 8	Fiberglass Repair Reccomendations in the Chicago North/Northwest Area? Well - It finally happened, my baby got a bonk... I'll try and post pics latter, but it really doesn't look too bad. So I'm trying to find a recommendation for a good fiberglass repair shop in the north/northwest Chicago area. So what happened? I'm usually pretty good at avoiding road junk on the freeway- but this time I didn't... I hit something small (piece of tire or something) with the driver's side front tire It got thrown up and hit just in front of the bottom corner of the rear wheel opening - way down at the bottom. The starshield is holding everything in place, but about an inch or so in from the bottom of the car and the wheel arch there's what looks like an impression of someone's thumb, and then the corner's cracked. Hopefully it won't be too expensive to fix... I've got the card of the place that Fox Valley recommends - but it'd be nice to find someplace a little closer to home. Anyone have any experience with other shops? Thanks in advance! __________________ Erv Schweiger '05 Ardent Red, Touring Package, Starshield, Schroth Harnesses, 4Tress Harness Bar, Boomerang Rear Tow Hook, Porterfield R4 Brake Pads, More Mods to come...

06-29-2007, 06:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
dasmoofler at Deals Gap Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE WI Posts: 1,836	Sorry to hear that, Erv. I don't know anyone offhand (I've been lucky so far), but I'll ask around, though. I have to swing by today to take a look. __________________ 2005 Elise, Touring Package, de-snorkelled, Green filter, Front splitter, V1, 0-60 4.? seconds 2000 Dodge Ram Van, 0-60 17 seconds It's not so much that you only live once, it's more that your dead for so very long afterwards.

06-29-2007, 08:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
esthi ^^ I wish! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 127	Aww... that's a bummer Erv. :-( I have heard good things about Custom Cars in Lagrange. Not sure if that's near you or not. In any case, post it here if you find anything - I need a wee bit of fiberglass repair myself (on the bottom of the sideskirt - doh!). I'm planning to ask Al at CPT about it next week - if he has any recommendations, I'll post it up too. __________________ '05 SY Elise LSS/Touring/HT/Quicksilver, '03 Audi A4 1.8Tqm Avant, '95 Porsche 993 C2

06-29-2007, 08:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
OriginalBlackCi Red Alert Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 911	Sorry about that Erv. It's bound to happen eventually. I know I have run over or been hit hard enough that I had to get out and check. FWIW, I got some minor fiberglass repair done at the place in St. Charles that FVMC recommends and it came out great. But it was also quite a hike to get up there without a car. __________________ --Ramsen www.euroteknik.com-- Chicago's Premier Euro Community

06-29-2007, 10:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
DPM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 326	Try Certified Autobody in North Chicago on Route 41 just south of #137. Ask for Jack and tell him Doc Molloy sent you. They are also certified to do all of the BMW repairs in Lake County which includes the exotic "welding" using epoxy per BMW specs. If they are too busy try Finish Line in Lincolnshire near #22 and #21and ask for Tim, agai tell him I sent you. Either shop should be able to make it like new. I've used both and been pleased with the results. __________________ 2006 Diasio D962R Arancio Borealis 05 Elise, Benetec Carbon Fiber full body & rear wing, FF 275 & engine damper, Ikeya sequential shifter, Ohlins coilovers, Porterfield R4's, Sector 111 RTD brace & HNT pad, Hoosier R6 slicks, Caterham seats, Simpson 5 point belts, Moroso oil pan, Accusump, Boomerang, RAC Monolites, AutoMeter CF Oil Pres-Boost-Vac gauges. No AC, heat, airbags, speakers, windows in doors. 1720#

06-29-2007, 11:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
ervsch Late apex, don't lift! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago-area Posts: 844 Images: 8	Thanks Doc and Esthi! I'll be able to make the rounds next week and get some estimates... Here are the pics. They're not the clearest, my old digital doesn't do well with close-ups (?not sure why the flash turns the car yellow in spots?). Also the car's a bit dirty and there's pits in the starshield - which of course the camera pics up... I think the first picture is more representative of the damage. The crack on the corner is really only centered on the corner - the glare from the flash makes it look like it runs further than it does. Attached Images __________________ Erv Schweiger '05 Ardent Red, Touring Package, Starshield, Schroth Harnesses, 4Tress Harness Bar, Boomerang Rear Tow Hook, Porterfield R4 Brake Pads, More Mods to come...

06-29-2007, 12:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
dasmoofler at Deals Gap Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE WI Posts: 1,836	Ouch! Better than a front tire blowout, though. A friend recommends taking it to a Vette shop. They should certainly be able to do fiberglass. Good luck. __________________ 2005 Elise, Touring Package, de-snorkelled, Green filter, Front splitter, V1, 0-60 4.? seconds 2000 Dodge Ram Van, 0-60 17 seconds It's not so much that you only live once, it's more that your dead for so very long afterwards.

05-12-2008, 10:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
ervsch Late apex, don't lift! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago-area Posts: 844 Images: 8	Hey - Resurrecting an old thread - but finally got the above mentioned damage fixed. Also fixed a little more I caused... For those who really must know the secret of Erv's big screw-up... Don't look here Me and Elise are happy as clams again - kudos go to the following: Paul Quinff - fiberglass expert extraordinaire member of Chicago's LotusCorps. Ya' gotta have friends! Paul did the basic fiberglass work - fixing the holes and cracks. Great work! Motorsport Collision - Dennis Joynt! Yeah, they're pretty far out of the way for me - but they came with such great recommendations. And, you can't really argue with someone who's done hundreds of Elises... Dennis is a great guy and his team did great work. Can't even tell what was wrong in the first place. Top notch stuff! I'd gladly give a recommendation any day. So see y'all back on the track - Cheers! __________________ Erv Schweiger '05 Ardent Red, Touring Package, Starshield, Schroth Harnesses, 4Tress Harness Bar, Boomerang Rear Tow Hook, Porterfield R4 Brake Pads, More Mods to come...

05-12-2008, 01:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
OriginalBlackCi Red Alert Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 911	Awesome to hear Erv. It's nice to know we got people who can do the small repairs in this area. I plan on owning the car for a while and figure I'm gonna have to go through some of this in the future. I've worked with Motorsport Collision in the past when my car got hit and they brought the car back to complete new condition. So you are all clean and polished up ready for Blackhawk, huh? __________________ --Ramsen www.euroteknik.com-- Chicago's Premier Euro Community

05-12-2008, 01:30 PM	#12 (permalink)
dasmoofler at Deals Gap Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE WI Posts: 1,836	Good to hear Erv. Where's Paul located? Just in case, you know? Actually, with all the threads about people smashing their Elises lately I'm a bit gun shy about pressing hard so I registered for the kiddies group at Blackhawk. See ya Monday! John __________________ 2005 Elise, Touring Package, de-snorkelled, Green filter, Front splitter, V1, 0-60 4.? seconds 2000 Dodge Ram Van, 0-60 17 seconds It's not so much that you only live once, it's more that your dead for so very long afterwards.

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