Is there such a thing as a cheap paint job? My vette is in desperate need of new paint. I have little money for that. All my money is going into the brake system. If anybody has any suggestions I would appreciate it.

Depends on what you call cheap. A top notch repaint could cost 3-5 thousand. You could probably get a decent paint job for 1,000,or you could get by for a few years with a Macco paint squirt for 5-700. The prep is the most inportant and if you do that yourself you can save alot. Hope this helps.

I've waited four years on body and paintwork ... which is about to begin <$$$> ... and the interior will wait longer. (First dollars went into steering, brakes and suspension, next dollars into powertrain and performance) My thinking was that cheapo work would just have to be redone anyway ... why pay for it TWICE?

I figure that the brakes are the most important. I can't drive it without that. Second would be the paint. That is what people see. My vette isn't that bad but I have one fender that is a different shade of purple than the rest of it. It is totally obvious. I can't stand it and I really want to start going to shows and stuff. I am doing the interior myself and it looks really good. Plus I am a girl. So considering that I did a really good job. So wouldn't it be worth it to get a "cheap" paint job now until I can get the money to get a complete professional paint job?

Hi Lauren,

I have to agree with both you and Jed that getting the mechanical issues on a car dealt with first are the most important. I've spent the past two years working on miscellaneous projects related to the driveability of "The Toy". There are still several other projects that I probably should tackle related to the driveability aspects, but this spring I'm focusing on the interior. The last (and sounds like the most expensive) project will be the body and paint.

An "old car sage" once told me that "A pretty car will leave you stranded somewhere, but a working car will get you home in time for supper!".

Norsky and I can do if for you cheaply. he'll start on the left and i'll start on the right and we can both meet on the middle of the hood. shouldn't take much more than 8 cans. "Red"? I thought he said blue. oops sorry

Now put you a white stripe down the middle and you'll be all set If you buy the paint i'll buy the brushes. Just kidding, I think it is ok to get a cheap paint job... as long as they do it right just don't let them paint stuff that don't need to be painted, some stuff you don't want to have to replace. I agree with phxraptor, if you can find enough information you can do the sanding yourself, aslong as their is no major bodywork involved. Then just have someone paint it. Just a thought

Well, this may not be the cheapest route, but it certainly will be worth the money, Ardmore Auto Body in Landover MD did the work on my Vette and it came out gorgeous and absolutely perfect. The owner owns 3 Vettes himself, and all of the work of his I've seen is absolutely flawless. I don't have the phone number with me, but send me an e-mail if you think you're willing to go this route.

Scot
paragon75ray@hotmail.com

Hello Lauren,

It is possible to get a decent paint job for less money than just dropping off the car at a body shop. You will save money if you do not change the color, remove all the chrome, grills, light assemblies, and any other items your chosen shop requires. I saved over 1500.00 by doing this for mine.

HOWEVER, use extreme caution when you go to a shop such as MAACO or Scheib. Get some references from customers, and look over some of the cars coming out of the paint booth. It is a tough deal to have high expectations and then recieve a disappointing job.

Paint, like anything else, is a get what you pay for deal. If it is too good to be true, then it ussually is.

Seek out a trade school, or community college that offers autobody. Have them "practice" preping your car, then have a pro shop final prep and shoot the color.

Good luck with your quest for cheap paint.

Alex

You have recieved good advice here. I want to add that Maaco and Scheib are excellent paint sprayers, as it's all they do. They are terrible maskers, as that isn't making them any money. They also buy the cheapest paint on the planet.

If the car really bothers you, you can get away for the least amount of money if you remove all chrome yourself, mask everything else yourself, rough up the existing paint with 400-600 grit sandpaper, and buy the paint yourself and give it to Maaco/Schieb to spray. Check with their manager to see what kinds of paint they are willing to spray before buying anything, and confirm that they will do the final cleaning/prep before actually spraying.

Be aware that purple and red are the most expensive color paints, metallics cost more than solids, and some paints require a sealer coat to keep the previous paint from bleeding thru.

Joe

PS try www.autobodystore.com they have a great Q&A message board for paint questions.

|UPDATED|4/22/2003 12:21:09 PM|/UPDATED|