Im confused. You wanted to ask the guys with the 10K paint jobs how they got it straight but then you say later that its too much? You get what you pay for. Getting it straight takes HOURS of work. If your keeping your car black then double the time of a lighter color. Black is the most expensive color to paint because the bodywork needs to be perfect or you will see waves.

i dont agree on the double price.... if you get a show paint it needs to be straight regardless of color.... but it takes time to get it right.... lots of tim, and colorsanding and buffing afterwards...

you could paint it in your garage.... all you need is time:thumbsup: and lots of guidecoats and longboards....

I was just trying to see how they did it, if there were any tips or tricks to be learned from the pros. I just didn't know they put that much time into the paint.

Trust me --Chris--John--Duece are right on!! jim :D

My mustang took me 3 months working on it 4 hours a night to get the body prefect in my mind. The trick is to make all the panels flush with each other if ones off light will catch it and the gaps can be a pain also.The longer the sanding block you can use the better and a flexible metal ruler i use to see if the panels are flush or not.Yes its a huge job but worth it in the end you can brag you done the work.

X2 there are no short cuts to this.

The best tip is to let a professional do it. Tricks and tips are as abundant as shops. Everyone has "their" own way to get a result. If you are a novice at body work getting some buddies (3 or 4) to help with the labor. 4 guys/gals sanding at once reduces the time and saves your arms...Offer some beverages / food "after" the day is over not during! Another is always do the body work with the car on it's wheels / ground / table with the same weight as you will be driving it. Panels change alignment when you add weight and suspension load.

I worked he sheet metal on my car for months, and it still isn't as perfect as I would have liked! Frankly, however, your car is going to need a lot of other stuff before you worry about painting the body. If I were you, I'd start with safety stuff first, the I'd take one area at a time apart and clean it up and get it looking good.

For example: Take the front suspension apart and replace the ball joints, bushings, etc. While that's apart, clean the frame and paint it. Clean the A-arms and steering parts and paint them. Etc, etc, etc.

Even if you "rattle can" it, the work will take you the better part of a year!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill