body shop recommendations

[mattcrandle]

now that my fj40 project is underway and the chassis and drivetrain are making progress, it is time to turn my attention to the body. my tub does not have a ton of rust, but there are a few bad spots on the rear quarter panels, the driver's side floor is shot, and there is a decent crease of the driver's side vent panel. there are also numerous dents and dings throughout, as well as some extra holes in the dash and various places that need to be filled in.

can anybody give some recommendations on good body shops in the phoenix area that can tackle a job like this? i need the rusty metal cut out and replaced with steel panels, not just some bondo job. i am not hoping for a show-truck paint job or anything, but since i am going to considerable effort with this rebuild, i want it done right. also, the tub is completely off the frame, so it is a little bit harder to work with.

also, how do i get estimates for a job like this since i cant drive the vehicle. do i have to load it up on a trailer and just drive around from shop to shop so they can inspect what needs to be done? or do i just get a ballpark estimate based on what i describe to them and hope it ends up being close? sorry to sound naive, but i have never dealt with body work like this before.

thanks guys for any advice you might have.

 

[Relix]

Classic Automotive 305 S. Rockford Tempe AZ, tell them Jeremy Sent you and they'll take good care of you... Once you see their shop you'll know how good they are... Mike the head body/paint guy went to the school of Dupont and did so well they asked him to teach there, but he stayed with the family business..

 

[mattcrandle]

thanks for the tip, i will give them a call.

anybody else got any other recommendations? i assume that for a project like this, estimates will vary widely so i want to do my homework first.

thanks again!