Good body/Paint shop in Pensacola FL area????

[FLYNAVY30]

Anybody know of a good shop in Pensacola?? Thanks

[spdrcrj]

Good luck looking. I've posted this question about 3 times and didnt come up with anyone. Id like to answer as well since Im going to pick up a MCM hood from Vette Essentials.

[FLYNAVY30]

yea, the best Ive found is Leo's Corvette and Automotive...but they dont actually do the painting and body work, they contract out to a local shop. But it doesnt seem theres much of an alternative...other than the Chevy dealer, and I figure LEo's got a pretty big customer base, and since I cant do paint work myself, I guess I dont have much of a choice. Ill let you know how it turns out.

[spdrcrj]

I look forward to hearing how it comes out. I bought my Z from Leo. He's pretty busy from what he says. I emailed him a couple of times about 6 weeks ago and havent heard back from him. I guess he doesnt want $1500 in labor costs. I may have to talk to him about installing my supercharger. Have you PCS's to P'cola?

Jim

[FLYNAVY30]

Jim,
Yea, Im still living on friends couches and floors. We move into our house on the 1st, so Im still the designated homeless. Hopefully Leo can get me in soon....I hate driving around in a busted car. BTW....are you in the local Corvette Club?? I just contacted them and am going to this months meeting.

[spdrcrj]

No, the club here in Ft Walton didnt support the "go-fast" side of Corvette ownership (ie....didnt support the autocross set-up for national events). This was a few years ago so I dont know how they are now. Dont get me wrong, they are extreamly nice people, just didnt diversify IMO. I havent been affiliated with the Pensacola club yet but I understand it's a great group of folks. I'm gonna talk to Leo next week. I have a Spec stage III clutch, aluminum flywheel, Racetronic fuel pump, ATI supercharger, SS brake lines, front spoiler supports, and Nitto RII's to have installed.

Im going to have someone on base here paint my cf MCM hood im going to get from Vette Essentials.

[oldred]

i bought a vette from leo, it is a pos all it has done is break. i have since moved on to beaufort and now letting go of my junker as soon as possible. i dont know about his work, but he sold me a lemon and a half, i have put $3k into this car to keep it on the road. best of luck, i had a hard time finding someone to put my camaro back togather after my friend put it into a phone pole.
oldred out

[spdrcrj]

Ive had experiences both ways with Leo. One things for sure. I'll be going over the car with him before I give it to him. My Z has had no problems and its been almost a year now. Fly, we'll just have to be careful and conservative if we do business with Leo.

Jim

[FLYNAVY30]

Jim,
I was enjoying some fine dining at the local Waffle House this morning and started talking to a guy about his custom painted GSXR sitting out in the lot. I got the number of the place that did all the paint (amazing paint and airbrush job) and the owners name is Pop. Dont know if you've ever heard of him. The place sounded a little shady, but in my limited experience with paint and body shops, sometimes the back ally places do some of the best work. We talked for about an hour, I guess this guys shop is big with the local sport bike and low rider/ import crowd. I think Ill give em a call tomorrow and take a trip out (in my buddys jeep) to take a look. Ever since the demise of my first Vette, Ive been very leary about who I leave the car with (read: nobody) but if this guys work is as good as it appears, I think Id rather take the chance with him, than end up with a shoddy half assed paint job. Anyway, Ill let yak now what I find out. On a side not, Ive been talking with the guys in the Pensacola club (miracle mile corvette club) and a good number of them are big into the local auto cross events. I did a few of them when I was stationed here last year, and plan to continue once I get the car back together (and find a place to live).

[FLYNAVY30]

ps.....once you get that hood on, Id like very much to see it. Ive been considering one myself, but I dont like buying cosmetic upgrades until I see them in person.