Any recommendations for a decent body shop

[khokonono]

I am in the midst of buying an e30 from a guy in Virginia beach who saids the floor pan and the brake lines need to be treated for rust repair. I know the brake lines will need to be replaced. That's not a problem. The problem is the rust on the floor pan that has grown over the years and the minor rust spots around the body. I'm an ok mech (Still kind of a noobie) but def not a body mech. Was checking for 2 things. 1... Does anyone know of a body shop that's worth taking e30's to in southeastern VA and 2... How much would a typical floor pan replacement cost? Also if it's way to much, is their an alternative? Appreciate it

[McGyver]

Why not buy a grinder and a welder? Cut out the rust yourself, weld in either sheet metal for small holes, or a rust free pan or larger parts? It may be about the same price in the end, but learning to weld and having a welder on hand is priceless.

[Poorboyz]

You could also drive south a bit and get a rust free e30. There plenty here in FL.

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[khokonono]

Why not buy a grinder and a welder? Cut out the rust yourself, weld in either sheet metal for small holes, or a rust free pan or larger parts? It may be about the same price in the end, but learning to weld and having a welder on hand is priceless.

Yea I've been considering this... The more and more time goes by, the DIY seems like the way to go

[McGyver]

Yea I've been considering this... The more and more time goes by, the DIY seems like the way to go

It really is. I had a coupe of small rust holes in my floor pan. Luckily I have a good friend that let me use his welder for free, so I got to fix it the right way instead of fiberglassing it or something. Sure I could have paid someone else to do it, but it was a lot of fun to do by myself. Besides, I learned a new skill. Yeah my welds are shitty looking, but after I stopped burning through the metal it was really solid.

[khokonono]

It really is. I had a coupe of small rust holes in my floor pan. Luckily I have a good friend that let me use his welder for free, so I got to fix it the right way instead of fiberglassing it or something. Sure I could have paid someone else to do it, but it was a lot of fun to do by myself. Besides, I learned a new skill. Yeah my welds are shitty looking, but after I stopped burning through the metal it was really solid.

True well it looks like as soon as I get it, I will take a torch to it and see what happens hahaha

[roguetoaster]

If you decide to DIY be aware that most rust spots in the drivers footwell are a SOB to cut out and replace as the chassis, pedals, wiring and lots of flammable stuff are all in the way. Not saying it can't be done, it's just much harder than say an outer rocker panel or even a wheel arch.