Normal body prep cost? (TX)

[will69camaro]

I know it varies by area, but what are you guys spending in the way of body prep. How much more to shoot paint?

I had all the rusty panels replaced by a reputable shop locally in Houston but they dont do paint work, just metal work. I now need a shop to go into the blocking/sanding/priming of the car. The roof seams need to be filled, small dents/highs/lows need to be worked out (minor filling/primer/etc).

How many hours do most that have had body work done have in the prep? How much over that to paint?

Trying to work out how much I need to set aside for that and how much I can spend on other bits/pieces. I was hoping to get away with $6-8k for the remaining body work to get it INTO paint. As said all metal work is completed, just going forward from there. It will be solid Hugger orange primarily with a black tail panel. Many of the panels are NEW (entire rear of the car, quarters, tailpanel, rear filler, trunk as well as the hood).

Does this sound reasonable ($6-8k)? I'm not looking for showcar but I expect it to be nice. At this point I'll have $15-20k in the body alone (including minitub) after expected cost in paint.

Thanks for the assistance!
William

[Musclerodz]

You can probably find someone to do a decnt job for that number but I would look very carefully and lots of refrences. Just because metal has been replaced, it does not end there if gaps have to be worked, and hammer dolly work and such. That can be several thousand alone. We figure 250-300 hours once we have roughed one in through color sand and buff on a camaro.

[will69camaro]

Front end needs gapping I'm sure but again not looking for showcar. Doors to quarter and rocker as well as trunk lid are already done. I will get references for sure.

[BBC71Nova]

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

You can probably find someone to do a decnt job for that number but I would look very carefully and lots of refrences. Just because metal has been replaced, it does not end there if gaps have to be worked, and hammer dolly work and such. That can be several thousand alone. We figure 250-300 hours once we have roughed one in through color sand and buff on a camaro.

This is timely post as I've been contemplating the same. The estimates are all over the map. A lot of that is understandable too. I'd think the 80/20 rule certainly applies. That is, that last 20% towards perfection is 80% of the cost of one of those high end jobs.

Then again, I kinda think it is a sellers market on this type of thing. Most shops won't touch an old car. They'd rather turn smaller insurance jobs and such.

So 250-300 hrs at what hourly rate? 50$, 100$? That's a lot of jack.

[will69camaro]

Originally Posted by BBC71Nova

This is timely post as I've been contemplating the same. The estimates are all over the map. A lot of that is understandable too. I'd think the 80/20 rule certainly applies. That is, that last 20% towards perfection is 80% of the cost of one of those high end jobs.

Then again, I kinda think it is a sellers market on this type of thing. Most shops won't touch an old car. They'd rather turn smaller insurance jobs and such.

So 250-300 hrs at what hourly rate? 50$, 100$? That's a lot of jack.

Yep I can understand that. We have a few places around here that are reputable old car restoration places. I know originally they said it would be a 15-20k job (paint/body/metal work). Well now I knocked out a lot of the metal issues so we'll see what they have to say when I get back from my work trip.

[tmadden]

I have just what you need. Shop here locally that can take care of you.

[FlameBroiled]

I too will agree with the 250-300hrs +, for a complete paint job. The hours will climb fast based on the quality level you want. Your 10 may be my 7??? Just saying.

All and all those numbers are not that bad when you consider its about 2000-2500 hrs for a average complete restoration. Its funny how many hours we can put in when its afterwork out in the garage.

Good luck, take your time and find the right fit. And stay on top of them or it will get away on you.

[will69camaro]

Yea as said I want it nice but this car will see the track (drag and road course). I dont want it so nice that I'm afraid to drive it. Let me know on the body shop locally. I know of a few.

Didn't realize it was 250-300 hours in body prep/paint. I can see how that will add up QUITE fast if that's the case.

[Rick D]

What Mike said, if you want it to look nice and last you will be well into the teens for body and paint. Can you get a decent job for 10k sure but it will take twice as long and in the end you go nuts bugging them to finish. Find a shop or someone on the side to do the work, get references and drop by with out them knowing your coming, look at what's in there. Then go back a few weeks later or a month or two and see how much has been completed on those car that where in the shop before. If the progress looks good and they work looks good you may have a shop you can work with.

You should also set dead lines for the shop, just as at my shop, we worked on how much money you gave, once that was used up the customers would have to bring more or no work would be done. We would tell them this much would be completed by this date and we would have it done. Tell them to put it in writing what will be done and when i did. This works well for both party's as it keeps the money coming to the shop and it keeps you car moving along getting worked on.

Another thing to look for is an open door policy, if hey don't want you to stop by unannounced then don't bring it to them.

Loooong answer to your question is yes you can get it done for the price range but make sure to do your do diligence!

[will69camaro]

Thanks for the help so far. If it takes more to paint than I mentioned I'll just have to spend a little more I guess. Really want the car done RIGHT rather than cheap.

Pics of current shape. All front metal has been repaired or is new (hood)















William