Full Body Restoration 996 C2 MY 1999

Hello Members, My 996 C2 is currently undergoing a full body restoration and I wanted to share my experience (briefly here as Richard Gotch, former Editor of Porsche Post is writing a detailed step by step article aiming for December's edition) with fellow members who may be looking to do something similar but are unsure who to trust with their pride and joy. I've owned my 996 since nearly new and over these past 25 years it has had paintwork with a number of outfits, including my local OPC, with underwhelming results. Then in 2020, following a recommendation, I was introduced to my current Bodyshop and I couldn't be happier with their work. So how did i arrive at undertaking a full body restoration. To put some context on this I work 1 day a week for my local main dealer, who also have their own bodyshop. and as I get preferential staff rates on parts and labour, where better to start than here or so i thought until I was presented with a quote for £10k. Annoyed at the stratospheric OPC quote, not to mention their complete lack of compassion and underwhelming sense of care, I subsequently approached my independent bodyshop in the hope this was something they could undertake and I'm not blowing smoke, when I say I was blown away with their response. Their knowledge and detailed approach together with a level of care and compassion, given I was entrusting my pride and joy, sold it for me and all for a very fair price. The project was discussed with PCGB and we agreed that finding a credible/affordable bodyshop was something the members would be interested in reading about, resulting in Richard Gotch visiting the bodyshop to see the car, interview the owners in preparation for the article. As I mentioned at the beginning, there will be a detailed article in Porsche Post with a step by step guide as to the work undertaken together with full contact details for the bodyshop should members be interested in getting their cars restored. Once completed, the aim is to take the car on meets for members to see/examine the workmanship and i'm also happy to answer any questions in the meantime. I have one request, which I have cleared with PCGB and that is to ask the members if they know of any quality Panel Beaters looking for employment as the bodyshop's business is expanding and requires this urgently. The Bodyshop is based in Bristol and full details of requirements will be provided in a PM. Thanks for reading, DB

Looking forward to the December issue already!

Thanks Chris.

Back in September I shared the early stages of my 996 C2’s full body restoration and mentioned that a detailed article was being prepared for Porsche Post . A little later than planned, I’m delighted to say the feature is now published in the May edition , with a full step‑by‑step breakdown of the work carried out and insight into why I chose this particular bodyshop after 25 years of mixed experiences elsewhere. For anyone considering restoration work—whether minor or a full renovation—I hope this article will give members a clear, honest view of what a credible, skilled and compassionate bodyshop looks like. Richard Gotch (former Editor of Porsche Post ) visited the workshop, interviewed the team, and his words captured the process far better than I ever could. PCGB have also confirmed an official event June 14th at FC&C in Bristol, where up to 20 member vehicles can attend. You’ll be able to: See my 996 C2 in person Meet the FC&C team Discuss your own bodywork requirements If you’ve been on the fence about restoration, this is the perfect opportunity to get real answers and see the quality first‑hand. Thanks again for the interest and support. DB

Looks lovely Darren. Well worth the effort and money in my opinion.

Thanks Richard and appreciate all the good advice you've given over the years. Trust you are keeping well.