CUSTOM BODY WORK &

RESTORATION SERVICES

Serving Car Owners in North Carolina

We Are Trusted Name In Custom Body Work And Restoration Services

We have been one of Raleigh's best custom body work and restoration body shops for more than 30 Years. Owned and operated by Linwood Piper, one of the most conscientious and meticulous craftsmen in the body shop industry today.

Yes, we take bodywork to the next level with classic restoration, custom builds, and custom fabrication.

PIPER LINWOOD

Founder

If we can't fix it, you don't want it!

LINWOOd PIPER

Founder

If we can't fix it, you don't want it!

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100% Transparency

We ensure that you get a well detailed break-up of each minor repair work.

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Genuine Spare Parts

We use authorized genuine spare parts & accessories for all our projects.

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Trusted & Quality Service

Customer satisfaction is our number one priority.

OUR SERVICES

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CUSTOM BODY WORK

Custom work requires a level of creativity that can be called an art form. Yes, we do meticulous restoration by adhering to time dated specification.

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RESTORATION WORK

Complete tear downs, frame-off, and meticulous reassembly. Very in-depth repair and refurbish for classic cars and antiques.

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WHY CHOOSE US

Core Values

  • Maintain your car to stay safe on the road

  • Customer satisfaction is our number one priority

  • Working to keep our shop equipped with the technology needed to fix today's complex vehicles

  • Keeping our technicians up-to-date through ongoing training

  • Striving to meet standards of top quality paint and repair work

  • Dedicated to improve the collision industry

The Custom Body Work And Restoration Experts

Serving car owners in North Carolina

MEET SPECIALITS

LINWOOD PIPER

Founder

For over 30 years, Mr Piper has been one of the most conscientious and meticulous craftsmen in the body shop industry today.

LOGAN

Technician

Helping customers get back on the road safely motivates Logan.

JAMES

Technician

Every project no matter the size is diligently taken care of and putting a smile on customers face has been James Goal for over 35 years in the industry.

CUSTOMERS FAQ’S

Does my Insurance company have to inspect my car before repair?

Some Insurance Companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this or you may leave your car at our shop and ask that the Insurance company inspects the car here.

How many estimates should I get?

There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal

Does my insurance company dictate which repair shop to go to?

You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop

Should I go with the lowest estimate?

Difference in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us

How do I choose the best shop?

Choose a shop that has unibody repair equipment and certified (I-CAR or ASE for example) technicians. Also, a shop that uses (OEM) replacement parts and offers warranty

Can I negotiate my claim with my insurance company?

We recommend that you hire experts like us to help you negotiate your claim with your insurance company to ensure that your vehicle is properly taken care of. We understand the process

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LATEST PROJECTS

Check Out Our Recent Portfolio

See The Collision Shop

Johnny's Cuda

John West Camaro

Corvette Show Car

Lou's Satellite

John Kelm

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OUR LATEST NEWS

what's new and other announcements

Listed newest to oldest, we will be posting news and announcements here.

News about the shop, the website, services, or other information we feel important.

Buying a New Car Versus Repairing the Old One in Today's Economy

November 14, 20224 min read

Introduction:

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It is common knowledge that today’s economy continues to present many challenges. The cost of goods is at an all-time high, and prices will stay the same for a while. Despite rising costs, certain items are needed to meet life's demands. One crucial need is a reliable transportation.

Vehicles are expensive, and in today's economy, consumers often need to decide to purchase a new car versus repairing an existing one. To help with this decision, here are some things to consider when faced with the need for a reliable transportation in today's economy.

Depreciation of New Cars

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If shopping for a new car, depreciation must be a consideration. When a new car is purchased, depreciation begins as soon as the vehicle leaves the lot. According to lendingtree website, a new car loses more than 20% of its value in the first year of owning the vehicle. Within five years, the depreciation of a new car is around 40% of the car's original price.

 

Sticker Shock

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There are many reasons for the recent increase in car prices. The cost of metals used in manufacturing is at an all-time high. The rising costs of electrical components, wiring, glass, and many other parts culminate in sticker shock. Given the state of the economy and rising inflation, there may be better decisions than getting into a new car. Consider the economic environment and whether paying for repairs on a used car would be better than going into debt.

 

Availability of Car Parts

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For many, car repairs are a more sensible option than purchasing a new car. However, this approach can also have problems due to the availability of certain car parts. Almost every mechanic will say that car parts are becoming increasingly scarce. Some car parts that are difficult to find in today's economy are transmissions, steering components, radiator parts, and gearboxes, to name a few. If the car needing repairs is foreign, the problem worsens.  

Mechanic Rates

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Another consideration when choosing to go the route of car repairs is repair prices. Shop rates are already expensive. Due to supply and demand, the cost of mechanics is higher than in the past. Shop rates must be a consideration when getting repairs done on your vehicle. If the money is available, working with a dealership has the best guarantees for getting quality parts installed by certified mechanics.

But using dealerships often comes at a steep price. If you shop around and research, individual mechanics can save thousands depending on the repair. The shop rates of individual mechanics can be considerably lower than dealerships. According to quora.com, average shop rates at dealerships are $150 an hour or higher.

 

Risk of More Debt in a Bad Economy

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Consumers should review their financial position and determine if taking on more debt is the best option. High inflation, a tough job market, raises, and bonuses coming in lower are all critical areas to consider when purchasing a new versus repairing an existing car.

Often investing in car repairs is the more sensible action, but that does come at a trade-off. New cars with warranties usually cost less when needing repairs and can be much safer. A savvy consumer will look at their cash flow and repairs needed. These details can inform their decision on purchasing a new car, buying a used one, or making repairs to an existing vehicle.

 

Safety

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Your family's safety is paramount. Safety should always be considered when choosing whether to purchase a new car or repair a used one. Minor repairs typically do not put safety at risk. However, when repairs are needed to the suspension, brake system, or steering, it is very costly.

The safety of you and any riders in the car outweighs all costs. Fixing safety concerns on vehicles is done daily. If choosing to have car repairs made to address safety concerns, it is essential to use a mechanic that is both qualified and experienced. Not only will the repairs be completed correctly, you will also have peace of mind – and you can’t put a price on that.

 

Conclusion

There are so many other areas to consider when determining the best option for buying a new versus making repairs on an existing car. These five considerations will get you started and thinking creatively about the best choice for a reliable transportation. No perfect formula fits every consumer, as each situation is different. But with careful consideration, you can have a reliable transportation in a poor economy while remaining financially stable.

 

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Working Hours

  • Monday: 8am - 5pm

  • Tuesday: 8am- 5pm

  • Wednesday: 8am - 5pm

  • Thursday: 8am - 5pm

  • Friday: 8am - 5pm

  • Sat-Sun: Off

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