Where to buy auto body supplies

[number9]

Anyone know of local auto body supplies stores that will let you browse and ask questions? I need to pick up some sanding paper, fillers, primers and (ultimately) paint. I have a basic idea of how things work -- I'll be doing a basecoat/clearcoat project -- but I'll need some guidance as well.

Thanks!

[OreoGaborio]

Hmm... Bit of a hike but I was going to suggest Pine Motor Parts in Nashua. They help us (ECK) out with our paint.

I'm not sure if they do stuff like that but let me know if you're interested in making the trip & I'll call em up and ask if they can help ya out.

[number9]

Thanks Pete, it's a bit of a hike but I'll keep it in mind.

[hdscarbro]

I've gotten lots of help from the guy at Auto Body Supplies and Paint in Wilmington. They sell BASF paint.

I really like BASF's color books. Most paint manufacturers have color chips organized around car manufacturers and years. BASF has books organized by color. I was looking to match Yamaha competition yellow and got 3 books of shades of solid yellow to look through. There was probably 200 shades of yellow. Another time I was looking for a metallic grey. They have 6 or 8 books for metallic gray.

[number9]

I've gotten lots of help from the guy at Auto Body Supplies and Paint in Wilmington. They sell BASF paint.

I really like BASF's color books. Most paint manufacturers have color chips organized around car manufacturers and years. BASF has books organized by color. I was looking to match Yamaha competition yellow and got 3 books of shades of solid yellow to look through. There was probably 200 shades of yellow. Another time I was looking for a metallic grey. They have 6 or 8 books for metallic gray.

Thanks bud, I'll check them out.

[Eric Baker]

I've used Sherwin Williams Automotive, really only a paint supply though, but very knowledgeable. I've also used Kwik Auto Body for PPG paint, and they also have a full store for everything else and are great. Both of these places are on Mystic Ave in Medford.

[Garandman]

I got to Crown Auto Body Supply in Salem. Just what you are looking for: have all the pro supplies and tools and can advise you on what is best for a particular job.

I brought a boat gelcoat back from the dead with their advice.

[number9]

Thank guys. Is it common for an auto body store to only sell one brand -- like they'll only sell PPG? I don't know what brand I'm going to go with yet.

[hdscarbro]

Some stores carry all the major brands, I was in Don Kennett in Lowell on Friday. They sell BASF, PPG and Dupont. The counter guy there seemed knowledgable was helpful. They didn't have the color books for BASF that I described previously.

I think it's more common to carry just one brand. All of the mixing colors for one one brand multiplied by the different quality lines is a bunch of paint. For example, with BASF there's Limco, RM and Glasurit. Dupont and PPG also have different quality lines of paint. I think some of the parts stores that also sell automotive paint sell just the economy line for a manufacturer. I've been in several automotive stores that sell just Dupont Nason.

ABSP in Wilmington sells just BASF for mixed colors. They also carry some other brands, like SEM, for supporting finishes (flats, primers, clears, etc).

[butcher bergs]

Not sure if they are near you but Ill suggest Towers Auto.