Paint Shop recommendation - Lateral-g Forums

GeoffP · #1 01-19-2009, 12:15 PM

I'm looking for recommendations to have my 87 Camaro painted. I would much rather have someone do a better than average job than get ripped off by the local collision shop. I'm near Augusta, Ga if that helps. I don't want to drive further than possibly Atlanta area if possible.

I just got an estimate from the local shop this afternoon - $5500. I guess that's not terrible, but then the guy told me it could be 2-6 months before I get the car back because insurance work gets priority. While I did already know this somewhat, I was not expecting 6 months from what is the largest shop in the area. They wouldn't even adjust the cost if I complete things such as disassembly/reassembly, etc. Hopefully someone will chime in on this - what's a realistic expectation for turn around time? My car needs minor body work (both doors have quite a few dings, but nothing major) and it needs the paint completely stripped because the color is reacting. I have the tools to completely strip the paint and even have a primer gun (that I don't know how to use!). Maybe it's high time I learn? I'm open to suggestions - I really didn't want to spend $5500 on my daily driver. I was hoping for around $3500 on the high side.

elitecustombody · #2 01-19-2009, 04:41 PM

it depends on current condition of the car and how much of trim/parts will be removed as well as if you will do the paint stripping,I could probably do it for $3500-4000 if you strip the paint and remove glass,trim,e.t.c. BTW, I'm located in Jacksonville,1 month is reasonable on job like that

[email protected]

GeoffP · #3 01-19-2009, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the reply. Can you possibly share a some references? I'm really not sure what other questions I need to ask.

TreySmith · #4 01-19-2009, 07:18 PM

You can get it done for around $800.. But they don't take off the parts and trim. Just take all the stuff off yourself, spend $800, and walkaway with a paint job that looks $5000... After working at a body shop, the whole $8000 for a paint job is such bull ****.. It is like $100 in paint and like 10 hours of labor with 2 guys..

racebuicks · #5 01-19-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreySmith

You can get it done for around $800.. But they don't take off the parts and trim. Just take all the stuff off yourself, spend $800, and walkaway with a paint job that looks $5000... After working at a body shop, the whole $8000 for a paint job is such bull ****.. It is like $100 in paint and like 10 hours of labor with 2 guys..

Yea right.................dream on $100 in paint...

you are obviously what 16 years old and have never had anything painted

you say you worked at a body shop ...doing what sweeping floors??

**Steve1968LS2** · #6 01-19-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreySmith

You can get it done for around $800.. But they don't take off the parts and trim. Just take all the stuff off yourself, spend $800, and walkaway with a paint job that looks $5000... After working at a body shop, the whole $8000 for a paint job is such bull ****.. It is like $100 in paint and like 10 hours of labor with 2 guys..

mazspeed · #7 01-19-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreySmith

You can get it done for around $800.. But they don't take off the parts and trim. Just take all the stuff off yourself, spend $800, and walkaway with a paint job that looks $5000... After working at a body shop, the whole $8000 for a paint job is such bull ****.. It is like $100 in paint and like 10 hours of labor with 2 guys..

Puff Puff pass.

GeoffP · #8 01-20-2009, 05:34 AM

Thanks for the responses. It's been so long since I had any dealings with a paint and body shop that I just didn't know what to expect. I was somewhat surprised when the guy at the local shop said $5500. I also thought about what I'd been told about this particular shop being high price wise. I know you get what you pay for, but thought 2-6 mo is just wrong. I think for $5500 the car should be in and out in no more than a month tops (but that's just me). I guess it would be different if I didn't know that it could technically be done in a week or two if a couple guys were dedicated to the job.

It didn't help when the guy told me they had an 83 Z28 in the shop that had been there for 6 months and they are just now fitting the doors back (it's not even painted yet!). The guy then proceeds to tell me that the owner will have around $7-8k in it when they're done with it.

ccracin · #9 01-20-2009, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreySmith

You can get it done for around $800.. But they don't take off the parts and trim. Just take all the stuff off yourself, spend $800, and walkaway with a paint job that looks $5000... After working at a body shop, the whole $8000 for a paint job is such bull ****.. It is like $100 in paint and like 10 hours of labor with 2 guys..

I don't think you could get spray bombs from Walmart for $100.

**camcojb** · #10 01-20-2009, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreySmith

You can get it done for around $800.. But they don't take off the parts and trim. Just take all the stuff off yourself, spend $800, and walkaway with a paint job that looks $5000... After working at a body shop, the whole $8000 for a paint job is such bull ****.. It is like $100 in paint and like 10 hours of labor with 2 guys..

wow....................... Having done my own paint jobs I'm wanting to know where you can buy all the materials needed to paint a car for $100. Hell, I just spent $400+ in just clear.

Jody