I'm looking to get my '80 painted this spring.
I have NO idea what to look for as far as a shop I can trust to do a good, no great job.
- How much should it cost?
- What are some questions I should ask?
- Any horror stories to learn from?
- Any suggestions on a shop in the Rochester NY area?

Thanks in advance!

To start with, great paint jobs won't be cheap. The best advice I can give would be to visit a couple of shops and look at the cars they are turning out. A decent shop should have a couple ready to be picked up that you can look at. Personally, I'd think twice about shops that are strictly custom shops, some seem to think that specialty cars like ours are a gold mine and prices just aren't fair. Another way would be to approach someone with a really great looking car and just ask who painted it.
Most important, get a written estimate that outlines all the work to be done and a copy of their warranty. When you finally decide on the shop to do the work, set it up where you can come see the work in it's different stages of progress. Do some research and ask intelligent questions about the process. Don't be a pain in the rear, but just let them know it's a special car to you and most good shops will respect that.
I'd also suggest a shop that takes in work for dealers of the higher end cars. They already have an understanding of a quality job. A good example; My son painted for a private shop that did factory warranty work for Mercedes and Volvo. Their people knew when the work was aacceptable.
The current condition of the car will play a big part in the price. If the paint is coming off the car, it will need to be stripped, don't settle for less! If it's simply dull and won't buff out with no cracking, a good prep job should suffice and won't be as expensive.
Some shops simply "scotch" the car and just shoot a color coat on it, I would not recommend that on an older car.
Now I've either helped or further confused.

Excellent feedback, Thanks!

The current paint is really just dull in spots. I don't believe it to be original. No paint is coming off so that's good, right?

Again, thanks for any insights!
John

Join a local Vette club and ask them for recommendations. I'm sure they will know what shops to go to, who to avoid. There are also independent people who do body and paint work as a sideline for far less than shops charge and turn out work as good or even better. Your local clubs will know if there are any of these people around.