E & H Auto Body has been servicing auto body needs since 1945.
That is over 73 years of experience over three generations. The business was started by Merle Eschman with one building and one partner. This was started with the vision of providing the best auto body repairs in the area. This legacy continued with Merle III. He started working with his dad when he was 12. The first wrecked car he remembers working on was a 1959 Buick convertible. It needed a cowl section and a new door. At 12 years old that was no easy thing to do! The first car he ever completed on his own was when he was around 18 years old. It was a 1957 Chevy. He specifically remembers having to match the paint the same color as a 1962 Corvette, Honduras Maroon! When telling the story, he smiles and just says, “what a car that was!” He can remember having painting demonstrations and paint clinics, having the shop set up like a bingo hall and serving beer. He takes pride in his restored cars, especially the ’33 Ford Coupe, which won numerous awards, including Builder’s Choice. Merle was proud the day he started to teach his own son.
Merle Jr. helps out in the shop, circa 1970s.
Merle the fourth, or Junior as he is called, is an intricate part of E & H Auto body. He is the Master Painter with many certificates to prove why he is one of the best! He keeps up to date with all the new technology to make sure you, as the customer, gets the most out of your investment and trust in E & H Auto Body. Many nights, after quitting time, you will see Jr. still working. He will never leave until he can be assured that your vehicle is completed to perfection.