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Who does the best body work on VW in Australia?
hrastovica - June 11th, 2013 at 10:20 PM

I know this could open a heated debate, but i'm interested in peoples opinions. I'm currently looking at a couple hot-rod resto places for body work and paint on my 1960 Beetle. However, I would prefer to "keep it in the family" and work with a VW specific restorer/body shop.

Who does the best body work (specifically on vee dubs) in Australia?

Please share a pic to back this up.

(and yes i realise this is subjective, but i am interested in peoples responses)


barls - June 11th, 2013 at 10:22 PM

helbus’ works pretty good.
theres a few other as well like das


hrastovica - June 11th, 2013 at 10:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by barls
helbus’ works pretty good.
theres a few other as well like das

U got a pic of their best work by some chance??


hrastovica - June 11th, 2013 at 10:30 PM

I'll get the ball rolling with Volkommen Art... IMHO these guys just seem to nail everything they touch. Not sure if they paint the cars themselves... but the cars all seem to be tip top.

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/127758.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn285/reece7000/typee4.jpg


barls - June 11th, 2013 at 11:36 PM

das’ early stuff
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=21201 


empi - June 12th, 2013 at 11:38 AM

The blue beetles body work" stylin" wasnt done by Volkommen (the owners uncle did it)


squizy - June 12th, 2013 at 01:37 PM

If you want to think outside of the VW square, you cannot go past Justin Hills of Hills and Co. at Taree.

http://www.hillsandcocustoms.com.au/ 


hrastovica - June 12th, 2013 at 02:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by empi
The blue beetles body work" stylin" wasnt done by Volkommen (the owners uncle did it)
Ye thought it was odd having snowflakes and late model bumpers w/ overiders (never seen that b4), didnt seem like Vollkommen styling. Is the black type 3 their body work?


matberry - June 12th, 2013 at 05:46 PM

Photo's....your kidding aren't you.


What about seeing thier work some 15 - 20 years on. Then you might have something to go by.


barls - June 12th, 2013 at 06:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by squizy
If you want to think outside of the VW square, you cannot go past Justin Hills of Hills and Co. at Taree.

http://www.hillsandhes  cocustoms.com.au/ the one that painted my bug originally.


RODZ - June 12th, 2013 at 07:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by matberry
Photo's....your kidding aren't you.


What about seeing thier work some 15 - 20 years on. Then you might have something to go by.


Bang on Mat, even some work less than 5 years on would give a idea of some of the so called "restoration" work out there.


hrastovica - June 12th, 2013 at 08:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by matberry
Photo's....your kidding aren't you.


What about seeing thier work some 15 - 20 years on. Then you might have something to go by.

Why would i be kidding?

If i'm going to spend 10k+ for someone to do my body work/paint (and yes i know its not unusual to spend more)... I would like to see previous work/build, and hear the opinion of people who have also gone down the path of paying someone to do the job for them.

I agree that you dont know til some time after the build, but undoubtedly people would have had experiences (good and bad) and can recommend who the good ones are (not looking for naming and shaming)

To be honest, this build has been an interesting experience (and i havent even got past suspension yet). Some local contractors i have been ECSTATIC with, people who really give a shit about their work, will be getting my custom again.

Then others (who i wont name, but they wont be seeing another cent from me) have really let me down with unreliability and sub standard workmanship (and unreliable delivery of parts).

If im gonna part with my hard earned, i want to know who will do a good job based on testimonials/proof.

Thats all.


crsedge - June 17th, 2013 at 10:50 PM

Though not a VW Restorer per se, I highly recommend Jason Carroll at Chequered Flag- he restores early 356s and 911s and the quality of his work is outstanding- magazine features, concours winners, etc and he is in Melbourne.

He has done some work on my oval as well as a resto on my former 1968L:

http://chequeredflag.vpweb.com.au/?prefix=www 

Cheers

Craig


helbus - June 18th, 2013 at 12:16 AM

The Healey Factory in Mitcham (Melbourne)


vlad01 - June 18th, 2013 at 08:32 PM

good to hear of some places in Vic, Only ones I ever here about are in NSW.


vlad01 - June 18th, 2013 at 08:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by crsedge
Though not a VW Restorer per se, I highly recommend Jason Carroll at Chequered Flag- he restores early 356s and 911s and the quality of his work is outstanding- magazine features, concours winners, etc and he is in Melbourne.

He has done some work on my oval as well as a resto on my former 1968L:

http://chequeredflag.vpweb.com.au/?prefix=www 

Cheers

Craig


this looks very good, ill keep this one in the back of my head.

I bet this guy would be the one to get some restored genuine fuchs from and choice as well?


Dubsky - June 19th, 2013 at 09:04 PM

I know a guy in Canberra who does exceptional work .. he focuses mainly on early air cooled Porsches and Vws but will touch any 'all steel' cars. He is a qualified coach builder, spray painter and panel beater. All repairs are new steel, no bog or lead wipe. If you want details let me know .. Be warned, he has a long waiting list and 10k won't buy you much!


Special Air Service - June 28th, 2013 at 10:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by squizy
If you want to think outside of the VW square, you cannot go past Justin Hills of Hills and Co. at Taree.

http://www.hillsandcocustoms.com.au/ 


As a local that has seen first hand some of the cars produced here I would have to agree, but as has been said elsewhere in this topic $10,000 will not get you very far when talking about "the best" (of anything).

Just make sure you tell Justin that Brendan sent you, (gotta grease the wheels).

Cheers
Brendan


MISS VDUB - June 29th, 2013 at 03:28 AM

Das Resto Haus by far!


Bizarre - June 29th, 2013 at 11:43 AM

Who is the guy on the mid north coast NSW that does kombis?

He did Winerot's Split and 1303 Cab

Everything I have seen him do is lovely


Special Air Service - June 29th, 2013 at 12:22 PM

Steve Hopkins