Hanstons - pls share your thoughts ref R107 refurb

[Miss Ellie]

After taking my '84 R107 to various places to assess it for future bodywork (some small localized rust issues and a respray) I am leaning towards Hanstons in Altincham.

I searched this forum for opinions on Hanstons and notice a couple of Hanstons enthusiasts ... and wondered if others have had any experience of their work?

I am particularly interested in any experience of older car refurb work as I want to make sure my SL doesn't require any more trips to the bodyshop for some time.

What would you expect a full respray of an R107 (incl taking care of some small patches of rust + painting the hardtop) would cost?

Cheers!

 

[ringway]

It's difficult for anyone to guess at the cost of a re-spray (especially without seeing the car) but Hanstons are top-notch professionals.
One only has to look at the cars entrusted to them for repair, SLS's and all that jazz.
They are sent all the high-end MB's from the dealerships (as well as VAG cars and others). I think the very high value stuff is stored on the top floor - the cars go up in a lift and the keys to the lift go home at night.

Personally, I don't think they are expensive at all, given the quality of the work they produce. As with most things, you get what you pay for.

 

[mct_cars]

As above, impossible to say. R107's are renowned for showing up more rust than you think when you start uncovering. Also all depends on the finish you're after.

These cars a very well put together which means they take a long time to take apart (although it is relatively easy). When I had mine sprayed, I put in well over 100 hours stripping the bits off and preparing the bits I could do myself. The cost of doing this at a garage (no matter how cheap the labour rate), would be eye watering.

 

[skyline pete]

my dads car was taken there after accident they did brill job..was hit it side by other car ..came back like new it was a 58 clk

 

[ringway]

my dads car was taken there after accident they did brill job..was hit it side by other car ..came back like new it was a 58 clk

I was at Hanstons on one occasion and saw a high-profile Bolton-based body repairer dropping off a Mercedes on their flatback trailer.

 

[cb1965]

Not directly related to what you want to know, but they have just done my new rear SL63 bumper and it's perfect as well as £50 cheaper than anywhere else reputable quoted!

 

[Miss Ellie]

Thanks for the advice... anyone with experience of their older car restoration abilities vs crash repairs on newer models? I am wondering whether a restoration specialist might do a better job for my '84 SL bodywork / respray job?

 

[kap02]

They did a great job on my car.

But with it being an old car you might want someone who specialises in that field.