LaSalle Body & Fender: A Family Legacy Since 1952
LaSalle Body & Fender Inc. has been a trusted name in auto body repair for more than 70 years. What began as one man’s vision has grown into a three-generation family-owned business that continues to serve LaSalle and the surrounding communities with pride, skill, and dedication.
The Beginning: 1952
In 1951, William Thomas Pryde purchased an empty lot right next to his home at 140 Crosat Street in LaSalle, Illinois. A year later, he built the shop that still stands in the same location today and officially opened LaSalle Body & Fender in 1952.
In the early years, the shop was very much a family operation. William, along with his two sons, did all the work themselves. For quite a while, the three of them were the only employees, handling everything from body repair to customer service. Over time, the shop grew and additional auto technicians were brought on board, but the foundation remained the same – family working side by side to provide honest, reliable service.
A Family Legacy Continues
When William Thomas Pryde passed away in 1984, his son Daniel Pryde stepped in to run the business. Daniel carried on his father’s values of hard work, craftsmanship, and commitment to customers. He successfully operated LaSalle Body & Fender until 2007.
That year, the next generation took the reins. William Kent Pryde, better known as Bill, purchased the business with his wife Mary. With more than 35 years of hands-on experience in both auto body repair and tow truck operation, Bill brought his own expertise to the shop while honoring the family legacy.
Today at LaSalle Body & Fender
Today, LaSalle Body & Fender continues to be family-owned and operated. Bill works closely with three highly experienced technicians, all of whom are PPG certified painters and hold welding certificates. Together, they provide a wide range of services, including:
- Fender and collision repair
- Dent removal
- Insurance work
- Indoor vehicle storage
- Flatbed and emergency towing
What makes LaSalle Body & Fender unique is the blend of modern skill and deep-rooted tradition. The shop still stands on the same ground where William Thomas Pryde built it back in 1952. The homestead where it all began has since been torn down, but the memory lives on—whether through the bench dedicated to him, the photos of the original building, or even the fish he caught that still hang proudly on the wall.
Looking Ahead
More than just a repair shop, LaSalle Body & Fender represents decades of family dedication and community service. From William Thomas Pryde’s first building project to Bill Pryde’s leadership today, our story has always been about hard work, family, and taking care of customers like they’re part of the family too.
We’re proud of our history and even more excited about the future.
