Hello everyone, has anyone used AMD (Auto Metal Direct) installation center? I have received a quote from them and its pretty good. I just wanted to know if anyone has seen there work (quality, fit & finish). If anyone has pic's that would be awesome.
I've heard good things about them on TV....so it must be true :).
Where are you located ? Ontario Canada ? Ontario California ?
Shipping could be a concern.
The first time I even heard they had an installation center was on Graveyard Carz. It makes sense that they would have an installation center. What kind of work and price have they quoted you? There's a lot of guys on here that do their metal work and might be able to give you an idea how it compares.
The one thing I like about having someone like AMD do the work is they have a good reputation and would not want to ruin that. The only down side is they are not painting it, right? Metal work can be fairly easy, but if it's done right it can also make painting the car a lot easier too. We've all heard horror stories about body shops and people getting ripped off. I doubt AMD is going to rip you off.
How far do you have to ship it?
I have heard nothing but good things about the AMD metal installation guys.
Makes sense they do a good job and it helps them sell more AMD metal.
Win win.
There quote is in line with the industry, the good thing about dealing with them directly is that they give you a 15% discount on all parts. I am from Ontario Canada; I do have a body shop that I regularly deal with. The quote I received is just about the same here (Ontario) then AMD. I have done my homework; I will have to get a Repair Bond from Canadian Customs allowing the car to be worked on in the US.
Well, sounds interesting...if you follow though, keep us posted.....
There are some pretty capable metal guys in my area of Ontario....but if it's the same price AFTER factoring the 36% exchange rate.....
Do you know if you'll have to pay tax on the work performed when returning the car back to Canada ? I would assume that's another 13% HST or at least 5% GST.... :thinking:
Hmm: You would save shipping charges on all the individual pieces and they do it in a Jig. That could all be beneficial.
I'm curious to hear how it goes too. Let us know what you decide. :popcorn:
I had my car done there last year, they did a great job and Craig is very good to work with. They work on all makes but their shop had mostly mopars in it when I visited.
I wonder how they are at fabricating panels they don't manufacture ? :thinking:
I am going to be talking to Craig this morning, I will ask.
Any parts in particular that have to ask.
When I found out my frame was bent on my Challenger I talked with Craig. Their price sounded reasonable but I doubted the car needed to have the frame member replaced. They do not do frame straightening and theor reason was that you cannot straighten a unibody car frame. That put me in a quandary as virtually all new cars are unibody construction and they are repaired every day. I chose to get the frame straightened and save myself the 6 month wait and expense. If I had a very rusted car I wanted to save some time and money on I would still go to them. They jig assemble every piece is why.
They seem to have a decent sized spot welder, I think that is a necessity if you are restoring a car properly.
I just spoke to Craig, if they are missing a small piece that is not reproduced they can fabricate it. He has run into that a few times and fabricating a piece is not a big deal for them.
Well that's good to know. When my metal guy restores an E Body, there's always something he needs to fabricate :worship:
I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that the cost of shipping a car to and from their palace as well as the associated costs of the E29B and taxes that you're going to come out any cheaper or even the same has having it done locally :looney:
I was thinking of finding another Mopar I'd like to see restored and find it near the Midwest so it will be easy shipping to AMD installation center.
Still looking for that good project.
Has anyone had metal work done by them yet? Were they able to stick the quoted price? I'm really curious what they are charging for the services.
If you go on the AMD web site, to the right they have a box that reads " Installation Center" click on that and it will bring you to a separate page. Then you can pick what needs replacing (example quarter panel) and it will give you the price, part and labour. Once you go threw your list then hit send, Craig will review it and call you to review together. He will let you know if there is any overlap. Then they send you a quote.
That's pretty slick. :clapping: Good for them! :banana:
Quote from: Car-nutt on March 31, 2017, 10:46:35 AM
If you go on the AMD web site, to the right they have a box that reads " Installation Center" click on that and it will bring you to a separate page. Then you can pick what needs replacing (example quarter panel) and it will give you the price, part and labour. Once you go threw your list then hit send, Craig will review it and call you to review together. He will let you know if there is any overlap. Then they send you a quote.
That is a slick site. $750 to re and re a quarter panel for example. The prices seem to be inline with what I would expect. I myself couldn't afford to pay someone else to do that stuff but it seems like a good alternative for those that can.
In the beginning of that video they show a car on a boat trailer, great idea! I have a boat trailer I'm not using and a car that sits on jackstands right now. That way at least I can move it since it has no axels or suspension.
I am currently in the process of having my 70 challenger convertible done at the AMD Installation Center and would be happy to answer any questions you may have along the way. My car is down there now and Craig should be starting it any minute/day now. My plan is to post a full and complete overview of the process from start to finish of the metal work, including the cost so that it may help others along the way make a wise decision about how to get their project completed and how Craig and the crew were to work with. They have a unique niche in the market and I will do my best to cover the pros and cons as I go. Craig has a great rep in the biz and I am confident he will do an awesome job with the car.
Super excited to hear how your experience is with them. With their great reputation for quality replacement panels I can see this growing and doing really well for them.
They seem like a great fit to be a sponsor here on our site. :idea: Maybe you can mention it to Craig if it comes up. No pressure at all. Just thinking out loud.
Quote from: Chaos-N-Mayhem on April 02, 2017, 02:03:41 PM
I am currently in the process of having my 70 challenger convertible done at the AMD Installation Center and would be happy to answer any questions you may have along the way. My car is down there now and Craig should be starting it any minute/day now. My plan is to post a full and complete overview of the process from start to finish of the metal work, including the cost so that it may help others along the way make a wise decision about how to get their project completed and how Craig and the crew were to work with. They have a unique niche in the market and I will do my best to cover the pros and cons as I go. Craig has a great rep in the biz and I am confident he will do an awesome job with the car.
My metal man is just getting to the end of a 70 Challenger convertible....I'd be interested in comparing the amount of work and price.
Do you have a list of the metal being replaced on your car ?
It's so hard to compare cars as each one seems to need something different, but I'm with you and it would be cool to find a way to compare them. I'm kinda of excited about this AMD metal installation center. Could be a good option for a lot of people. :fingerscrossed:
Quote from: anlauto on April 02, 2017, 02:28:12 PM
My metal man is just getting to the end of a 70 Challenger convertible....I'd be interested in comparing the amount of work and price.
Do you have a list of the metal being replaced on your car ?
Quote from: Car-nutt on March 31, 2017, 10:46:35 AM
If you go on the AMD web site, to the right they have a box that reads " Installation Center" click on that and it will bring you to a separate page. Then you can pick what needs replacing (example quarter panel) and it will give you the price, part and labour. Once you go threw your list then hit send, Craig will review it and call you to review together. He will let you know if there is any overlap. Then they send you a quote.
Sounds like they break it down to a per panel price. So if Alan's body guy dose too it should be pretty easy to compare complete panel replacements.
Do they epoxy or por15 or etc when they have panels off or do they strictly re-re panels that should be taken into account too
Too much to hope for but wouldn't it be cool if there was a place near there that could E-coat dip the shell after the welding?
I like the idea of a comparison as it might help people decide. There are pros and cons for each route, each just depend on the particular need and what the owner wants. As I get further down the road I will get more posted. I just ask the same in return so that we are adding beneficial info to the e-body community.
The AMD Installation Center likes to have the cars blasted then epoxy primed. On mine I was planning to do the work myself so I already had it completely cut down to the bare bones, blasted, then I epoxy primed it. So when I changed course mid stream and decided to let Craig and the team do the work we decided additional blast n prime wasn't needed. I would say 70% of the metal is being replaced also. Craig is very detailed and will tell you they go thru a lot of weld thru primer in the shop. So that is good. They only do metal work, no body and paint and that is his niche. Get en and out. Also they use a pretty pricey, high end spot welder to spot the car together. This is close to how the factory put these cars together originally. So that is a bonus for many.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on April 02, 2017, 03:17:09 PM
Too much to hope for but wouldn't it be cool if there was a place near there that could E-coat dip the shell after the welding?
What is E-coat dip?
Electronically charged Primer, so the inside of the framerails would be coated and other hard to access spots.
Quote from: anlauto on April 02, 2017, 02:28:12 PM
My metal man is just getting to the end of a 70 Challenger convertible....I'd be interested in comparing the amount of work and price.
Do you have a list of the metal being replaced on your car ?
Go to the site. It gives you all the pricing straight out. :headbang:
Quote from: rhamson on April 04, 2017, 07:41:56 AM
Quote from: anlauto on April 02, 2017, 02:28:12 PM
My metal man is just getting to the end of a 70 Challenger convertible....I'd be interested in comparing the amount of work and price.
Do you have a list of the metal being replaced on your car ?
Go to the site. It gives you all the pricing straight out. :headbang:
That's like going to buy a suit at a place that says "one size fits all" ;)
Quote from: anlauto on April 04, 2017, 09:56:27 AM
Quote from: rhamson on April 04, 2017, 07:41:56 AM
Quote from: anlauto on April 02, 2017, 02:28:12 PM
My metal man is just getting to the end of a 70 Challenger convertible....I'd be interested in comparing the amount of work and price.
Do you have a list of the metal being replaced on your car ?
Go to the site. It gives you all the pricing straight out. :headbang:
That's like going to buy a suit at a place that says "one size fits all" ;)
Not quite. Have you dealt with them? If you did you would not make that comment. :deadhorse:
No I have not dealt with them, but 32 years of experience restoring E Bodies tells me no two cars are alike when it comes to rust issues. If they say $500 to replace a quarter panel, and run into other issues behind the quarter, what then ? :dunno:
There WAY TOO MANY unknowns to give an accurate "on line" quote when it comes to rust repair. :takemymoney:
I had a very long and informative phone conversation with the original poster of this thread yesterday, I'm certain he's done his research and is making the right decision. :alan2cents:
Quote from: anlauto on April 04, 2017, 12:10:15 PM
No I have not dealt with them, but 32 years of experience restoring E Bodies tells me no two cars are alike when it comes to rust issues. If they say $500 to replace a quarter panel, and run into other issues behind the quarter, what then ? :dunno:
There WAY TOO MANY unknowns to give an accurate "on line" quote when it comes to rust repair.
It does say that AMD will get on a call with you after the quote and before you send your car in, so maybe that is when they go over all potential costs and unknowns. :notsure:
Quote from: 303 Mopar on April 04, 2017, 01:10:42 PM
Quote from: anlauto on April 04, 2017, 12:10:15 PM
No I have not dealt with them, but 32 years of experience restoring E Bodies tells me no two cars are alike when it comes to rust issues. If they say $500 to replace a quarter panel, and run into other issues behind the quarter, what then ? :dunno:
There WAY TOO MANY unknowns to give an accurate "on line" quote when it comes to rust repair.
It does say that AMD will get on a call with you after the quote and before you send your car in, so maybe that is when they go over all potential costs and unknowns. :notsure:
YES...that's 100% true and in the OP's case they came back with a lower price because of overlapping jobs. ie: Cheaper to do a trunk floor if both quarters are being done etc...
Quote from: anlauto on April 04, 2017, 12:10:15 PM
No I have not dealt with them, but 32 years of experience restoring E Bodies tells me no two cars are alike when it comes to rust issues. If they say $500 to replace a quarter panel, and run into other issues behind the quarter, what then ? :dunno:
There WAY TOO MANY unknowns to give an accurate "on line" quote when it comes to rust repair. :takemymoney:
I had a very long and informative phone conversation with the original poster of this thread yesterday, I'm certain he's done his research and is making the right decision. :alan2cents:
I too have a number of years at this and I see you are upset and will leave it at that. :whiteflag:
Upset ? :clueless: about what ?
Every car is different and will require its own game plan to fix. As for AMD installation Center they are the first that I know of that will clearly display their prices up front which allows the customer to get a good idea of what they are getting involved. However it is possible with any estimate to come across unexpected things regardless of who is doing the work. As for Craig and the team I have found them to be up front and personable.
In my particular case my car was pretty cut up and every conceivable thing could be seem upfront without additional digging. I sent Craig about 20 pictures of the car and we discussed what I wanted beforehand. Additionally, I drove down there with car in tow and we looked it over together and then made the deal as I am not the type to do it over the phone only. With the full scope of work the car is getting I don't expect any movement, however if there is I will share that experience with everyone as it should get underway soon.
I think what Alan and others are saying is the website is a tool and only hands on digging into the car will truely tell the full scope of the work needed and cost and that would be true any where you might go. The website gives people a good starting point of reference especially if you have a car that only needs smaller jobs. Craig includes several videos on how to inspect your car and things to look at to determine as part of the assessment, then can take that info to come up with an estimate.
:iagree:
for me, having the initial pricing up is a HUGE help in determining what direction I'm going to go on a few things. I fully realize the pricing is a starting point, but it's a much better starting point than I've seen anywhere else (in my head the work I need done would have been 4x what they have listed) and I appreciate having a starting point # to work off of to see if it's something I can afford
Quote from: anlauto on March 31, 2017, 05:49:53 AM
I wonder how they are at fabricating panels they don't manufacture ? :thinking:
not really, My buddy took a 70b/cuda vert to them in December. they are suppose to get on it in may I believe. they only do All metal parts only, no major fabrication and no painting.
Quote from: Car-nutt on March 30, 2017, 11:52:15 AM
Hello everyone, has anyone used AMD (Auto Metal Direct) installation center? I have received a quote from them and its pretty good. I just wanted to know if anyone has seen there work (quality, fit & finish). If anyone has pic's that would be awesome.
good friend of mine has his 70 b/cuda vert there, they are to start work in june? only thing they really do is all the metal work. no finally body blocking or paint work. i'll have pictures to post,
I am new to this site but not to the hobby. I have been restoring Mopars since I was 16 and I an now 64. I just found this topic and I can give you more than total answers to taking your car to Craig and working with Bill at the AMD Installation and Classic Muscle Metal.
I am the tech editor for www.moparconnectionmagazine.com. I am doing a full restoration on a 1970 Hemi Cuda vert tribute. Read the story of the "Comeback Cuda" I fully cover with plenty of pics the actual experience of working with these fantastic guys! No One is better or more honest and yes they CAN estimate the cost up front!
My buddy Chet who is doing an AAR right now turned me on to your site. I love it and am spending time learning about the E-bodies.
I love helping others with their restorations and any information I can share. To me it is not about you or me but it is all about saving and enjoying these great cars!
Thanks for the kind words and hopefully we can meet sometime at a future event!
How would a person get ahold of them? I don't see a link on the amd site.
They can be reached by phone at 706-348-6653 or online at www.amdinstallation.com