Mine did not need any major body work, Just a touch up on the right front fender (from a previous repair) and cleaning up one door seam. I did have under the hood done (in factory colors). They removed and reinstalled windows (not windshield or rear window). They removed the door handles, locks, emblems, and trim. I had all new door handles and emblems put on. I also had some chrome parts I had installed under the hood. They sanded all the finish off the car and put what seemed like many coats of primer and sealer on. Then body color. Then 5 coats of clear (ends up 3 after wet sanding and buffing). All window trim was repainted black and all new weatherstripping installed (hood, doors, and T top). Reassembled and delivered. I also had a few small items fixed. the price I paid was a litlle north of 7 Grand. I am completely happy with the job they've done. If you're close enough to MD, let me know and I'll give you my guys info. He's great! Everyone else I talked to wouldn't touch it for under 10 grand. Jaws792011-04-23 15:00:56

I had to do some body work, and I am not a body man or a painter so I had to get someone to do that work. I made some bad decisions on the paint I bought. Not that it wasnt good paint but because I didnt need the top of the line PPG paint. (paint. primer, sealer & thinners - $1800) But thats what I was talked into. We had over 250 hours in all to get it ready for paint. Depending on the level of detail you want to go to, the person or place you have do the job, I would guess that you could spend anywhere between 5K to 12K to paint a vette. I did just talk to a guy last week at a small town car show that had Macco paint his 78 and he claims they did it for around $2200. It looked really good too. But then again it was red and we all know about "Red" vettes.
Rodney

Beware of paint jobs that are too cheap. The thing that costs is the prep, not the paint. That was the problem with my car when we bought it. The first year, the paint looked perfect. The second year, a few small spots appeared, but no big deal. The third year, crack city! There was not a panel on my car that the paint wasn't cracked. All they had done was scuffed up the existing paint and sprayed! My painter said he could paint a Corvette in one day and it would look good for a couple of years. My car went in December 11 and came out April 21. Good work cannot be rushed (although I really wanted him to take his time and do some other things).

Alright Dean, we need MORE PICTURES!!!  

Guys, I am not saying get it done at a Macco. Sorry if it came across that way. I was just saying that cheap/inexpensive paint jobs are out there if thats the route someone wants to go. When he ask about the cost I was just giving a few examples. I wouldnt even have my little "red" wagon painted there! lol
Sorry again for the confusion.
Rodney

Thanks guys, appreciate the input.  Understood, - you get what you pay for!  And yeah I was figuring around the 10 grand mark, I could do much of the prep myself as I had all the trim parts off to replace or refinish already, put them back on because I'd like to drive this beast again before sending it for paint. Also should really check my frame first before painting, seems pretty rusty down there! Barry, I am in central New Jersey so Maryland is not far at all!  I have  daughter graduating Loyola Baltimore this spring (thats why no paint for me yet!)  but I would love to have your guys info so I can look him up when ready.  Can I use your name?  Thanks, let me know if you need my email.

Mario, PM sent!

Thanks, Bob