CHEVY NOVA COUPE
A typical body and paint restoration takes any time between 3-6 months depending on how damaged a car comes to the shop. This time a client came in and brought a green Chevy Nova Coupe with a vision of not only repairing the body but also wanting to change the original color to a nice maroon. After talking about the client’s vision we started work on it. The car came as a shell, the interior was completely gutted on this Nova Coupe. Since our auto body shop only works on the body, it’s best that you bring in your car like this if you plan on a body and paint restoration for your car. This helps streamline the job and get it done faster. We don’t have to move things around and that means less labor hours, aka money.
The driver side rear quarter panel had a nasty gash, this end needed lots of work on it so we got it ready to start work on it right away.
But not only was the driver side quarter panel of this Nova Coupe in bad condition but also the passenger rear quarter panel. In fact the left side was almost completely bad, you can look at the entire piece and it had some sort of bent. All these bends need to be manually removed.
Our bondyman got straight to work on this Nova Coupe hammering away the gash. This method needs to be done very carefully and slowly. You can notice all the taps and each stroke to repair the gash. This is what we mean by manual labor.
The passenger side rear quarter panel was a bit worse than the other side and for this we mounted the car in a higher position to make the repair “easier”. This side as the other side on the Nova Coupe had to be manually hammered to get that smooth finish. Not only does this method corrects the damage but get it down to bare metal and ready for bondo.
Once the bends were taken care of bondo was applied.
Next is the hood. All dents were removed and now it’s ready for bondo.
Bondo application needs to be done carefully, you don’t just slather it on everywhere because you don’t want to over do it and lose all those lovely curves on the car. The hood on this Nova Coupe is no exception. Details, details, details is what makes an awesome body restoration.
Our body man takes his time builds on the bondo, not the other way around. We only try to apply what is necessary to keep the original body.
Once the bondo fully dries, you know what is next. Sanding, sanding, and more sanding. But even this step is crucial to maintain the body lines on the Nova Coupe, our bodyman was careful, again, we don’t want to lose those awesome lines.
Almost every panel has some bondo on it since its an older car with plenty of dips that need to be filled in. As you can see in the sanding and bondo application we don’t have a heavy hand, it’s only used to give the car a slight coating and smoothness.
That little corner got a little bit of extra love to repair it.
Sanding complete time for primer, and more sanding until the Nova Coupe’s body is smooth and ready for paint.
Once we feel the body is as perfect as we can get it, finally it’s time for color. And in the paint booth goes the Nova Coupe.
Since this is a complete paint job, the “interiors” need to be also painted, that means the door jams, engine bay, etc.
Color time!
Color done, now clear coat! Oops, we forgot to cover the rear passenger wheel.
The Nova Coupe is fully dry and its time to shine under the sun!
A closer look at the rear quarter panels on the Nova Coupe show the smooth lines. What nasty bends or gashes?
The reflection on the hood is like water. And that’s it. What do you think? How did it come out? If this was your Nova Coupe, what color would you have wanted it?
“Excellent paint job on my 11 year old BMW front bumper! They even buffed my headlights. Thanks for your thorough job.”
-Michael A., 2/17/2019
Thank you for taking the time to read this page.
As of January 2022 we have some good news and some bad news…
The BAD NEWS is we have moved out of our location and are in search of a new home for the West Coast Body and Paint shop.
The GOOD NEWS is that we have a West Coast Body and Paint mobile paint repair service unit that will come to you! The mobile paint unit provides auto services for minor body paint repairs.
Our estimates are free. Once we receive your images we will provide you with an initial estimate. The estimate is a ballpark figure, and after we assess your vehicle’s damage in person, we will review the estimate with you. If you agree to the final estimate, we will begin repairing your car. Fill out the form below or contact us through WhatsApp to request an estimate.
***FILL OUT TO REQUEST AN ESTIMATE FROM OUR MOBILE PAINT REPAIR UNIT***
Are looking for auto body or paint shop for your muscle car in Van Nuys or the Los Angeles area?
Look no further! West Coast Body and Paint is one of Van Nuys, Ca best car restoration shops. We also work on all car makes and models, foreign and domestic. Our body shop services include collision repair, insurance claims, auto body work, custom paint, body kit installation, muscle car and car restorations. Restorations usually start at 17K with about a 2 year waitlist. **RESTORATION SERVICES CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE** Check out our gallery and read our reviews.
West Coast Body and Paint has been family-owned and has been one of the best in the business since 2007. We have worked with all car insurance companies and when you bring your car to us, we treat it as if it were our very own vehicle. We guarantee our work and keep you in the loop with the repairs.
Call or text me 818.793.7728 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate. You can always follow us on social media @westcoastbodyandpaint #wcbpshop.
-Jaider A. West Coast Body and Paint, Owner
