Body shops won't let me pay them?!

[Gibson]

So I bought a welder and have been practicing on some scrap patch panels in preparation for repairing my floorpans, cab supports and rockers. Last night I tackled a cab corner just to whet my appetite and see how I was coming.

I'm reeeeeeally bad as it turns out. It was especially hard trying to get the patch and the cut out parts to line up. And then when I did, I ended up with a gap in one spot (about 1/16 wide).

So I decided I'd just pay someone to do it - but none of the body shops in the area will touch it! They all say they only do insurance work! I've called about half a dozen. They all say "Get a welder and do it yourself" - which I would do if I didn't suck at it.

Anyone got any advice on finding someone? Specifically in the Knox TN area?