Topic: What to look for in a paintjob
in Forum: C3 Body
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Hello everyone,
We're ALMOST done with the rear end, and the next step is the paintjob so I need to start shopping around. What kind of questions should I be asking, and where should I look? I've never had to get any of my cars painted, so this is a first for me. On top of it, it's a big job! The whole car, and I want some good quality of course. What price range am I looking at? The car needs to be stripped, the front bumper needs to be blended into the body, and not much else body work, just a patch in the rear where the PO took out the antenna. It's going to be painted black too, so anything special I should look out for? How many layers, what color, clearcoat? So confused.
Also, if anyone knows of a really good paintshop in/near Tampa, FL. lemme know.
Thanks as always
Imran
74 Convt
*pic in profile, not in sig yet*
We're ALMOST done with the rear end, and the next step is the paintjob so I need to start shopping around. What kind of questions should I be asking, and where should I look? I've never had to get any of my cars painted, so this is a first for me. On top of it, it's a big job! The whole car, and I want some good quality of course. What price range am I looking at? The car needs to be stripped, the front bumper needs to be blended into the body, and not much else body work, just a patch in the rear where the PO took out the antenna. It's going to be painted black too, so anything special I should look out for? How many layers, what color, clearcoat? So confused.
Also, if anyone knows of a really good paintshop in/near Tampa, FL. lemme know.
Thanks as always
Imran
74 Convt
*pic in profile, not in sig yet*SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
|QUOTE|Imran said: Hello everyone,
We're ALMOST done with the rear end, and the next step is the paintjob so I need to start shopping around. What kind of questions should I be asking, and where should I look? I've never had to get any of my cars painted, so this is a first for me. On top of it, it's a big job! The whole car, and I want some good quality of course. What price range am I looking at? The car needs to be stripped, the front bumper needs to be blended into the body, and not much else body work, just a patch in the rear where the PO took out the antenna. It's going to be painted black too, so anything special I should look out for? How many layers, what color, clearcoat? So confused.
I have a brother in law in the body business. I would suggest that you be as particular about who you get to paint your vette as you are when you buy any major purchase. Ask them questions, like how many vettes have you done? Do you have any references. If they answer negatively or hesitate about giving you the reference names to check...keep looking. The true artists will gladly give you references and have pictures to prove it. Of course price will be a factor unless you are loaded like Glenn.
We're ALMOST done with the rear end, and the next step is the paintjob so I need to start shopping around. What kind of questions should I be asking, and where should I look? I've never had to get any of my cars painted, so this is a first for me. On top of it, it's a big job! The whole car, and I want some good quality of course. What price range am I looking at? The car needs to be stripped, the front bumper needs to be blended into the body, and not much else body work, just a patch in the rear where the PO took out the antenna. It's going to be painted black too, so anything special I should look out for? How many layers, what color, clearcoat? So confused.
I have a brother in law in the body business. I would suggest that you be as particular about who you get to paint your vette as you are when you buy any major purchase. Ask them questions, like how many vettes have you done? Do you have any references. If they answer negatively or hesitate about giving you the reference names to check...keep looking. The true artists will gladly give you references and have pictures to prove it. Of course price will be a factor unless you are loaded like Glenn.
|IMG|http://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/901_1000/913/vetterrs1.jpg |/IMG|
Gold MemberDefinitely ask for references, extensive fiberglass work a must! Someone might be a good general painter, but Corvettes are a unique job and must have a special touch. Look for someone who is proud to show you what they have done and who will do it as is it was his own. The guy who did my vette told me upfront, I will do the right way cutting no corners, otherwise, I am not interested in doing your car. He did an excellent job that I still get comments about the paint 10 years later.
Good Luck,
Good Luck,
Tom
71 454/365 Mulsanne Blue Convertible 
Former Member
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DOWNINGTOWN, PA - USA
Joined: 11/24/2001
Posts: 962
Vette(s): 1969 Monza Red Black Conv / Black Vinal hardtop
454/480 Tremec 5 Speed 308 Posi.Black Leather Interior, PS, PW, Air cond., tilt/tele,AM/FM Cass.-5 Pack CD, Hurst Shifter, side pipes
2004 Yellow convertible with black top and black interior
I agree with the other replys. Go to a pro ! There must be a Corvette restoration shop someplace within driving distance for you. If they don't do the painting themselves, you can bet they know who does the best jobs on Vettes.
Imran,
I may have a shop for you....but first...a little history. I purchased my '72 a few month ago thru a broker, but it was a one owner car. When looking at the car, I found a box behind the seats that contained ALL of the original papers and all of the service records for the car.
In 1990 the owner had the car repainted with Dupont's basecoat/clearcoat system. The finish is flawless....it looks like glass....no orange peel to be found anywhere. A buddy of mine owns a body shop here in town....he said he was impressed with the quality of the paint.
Now, that's been 12 years ago....I don't know if the guy is still in business, or if the quality is still good....but here is the info.
Safety Harbor Collision Center
935 Harbor Lake Drive
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Phone: 726-1012
Now for the fun part:
Refinish Car Complete -- $ 950.00
Refinsh Inside -- $ 150.00
Strip Entire Outside -- $ 375.00
Paint & Materials -- $ 275.00
I don't think he will honor those prices!! I painted my CJ-7 about this time last year....the primer, hardner, basecoat/clearcoat system and thinner ran over $ 500 at body shop prices.
Let me know....
|UPDATED|6/23/2002 3:33:33 PM|/UPDATED|
I may have a shop for you....but first...a little history. I purchased my '72 a few month ago thru a broker, but it was a one owner car. When looking at the car, I found a box behind the seats that contained ALL of the original papers and all of the service records for the car.
In 1990 the owner had the car repainted with Dupont's basecoat/clearcoat system. The finish is flawless....it looks like glass....no orange peel to be found anywhere. A buddy of mine owns a body shop here in town....he said he was impressed with the quality of the paint.
Now, that's been 12 years ago....I don't know if the guy is still in business, or if the quality is still good....but here is the info.
Safety Harbor Collision Center
935 Harbor Lake Drive
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Phone: 726-1012
Now for the fun part:
Refinish Car Complete -- $ 950.00
Refinsh Inside -- $ 150.00
Strip Entire Outside -- $ 375.00
Paint & Materials -- $ 275.00
I don't think he will honor those prices!! I painted my CJ-7 about this time last year....the primer, hardner, basecoat/clearcoat system and thinner ran over $ 500 at body shop prices.
Let me know....
|UPDATED|6/23/2002 3:33:33 PM|/UPDATED|
|QUOTE|RXWHITE74 said:
I have a brother in law in the body business. I would suggest that you be as particular about who you get to paint your vette as you are when you buy any major purchase. Ask them questions, like how many vettes have you done? Do you have any references. If they answer negatively or hesitate about giving you the reference names to check...keep looking. The true artists will gladly give you references and have pictures to prove it. Of course price will be a factor unless you are loaded like Glenn.|/QUOTE|
Don't we all wish we could give car rides to make the money Glenn does... hmmm, maybe this paintjob will actually let me do that!
I've been calling up quite a few places around the Tampa area, and have heard prices from a grand all the way up to six. The Vette specialty shop said they started at 3k, that's not including any body work! But I better get some references otherwise they're not getting my baby, or my money.. I just wish I knew how to paint well, I know no one else would give it the attention I could. *sigh*
Imran
74 Convt
I have a brother in law in the body business. I would suggest that you be as particular about who you get to paint your vette as you are when you buy any major purchase. Ask them questions, like how many vettes have you done? Do you have any references. If they answer negatively or hesitate about giving you the reference names to check...keep looking. The true artists will gladly give you references and have pictures to prove it. Of course price will be a factor unless you are loaded like Glenn.|/QUOTE|
Don't we all wish we could give car rides to make the money Glenn does... hmmm, maybe this paintjob will actually let me do that!
I've been calling up quite a few places around the Tampa area, and have heard prices from a grand all the way up to six. The Vette specialty shop said they started at 3k, that's not including any body work! But I better get some references otherwise they're not getting my baby, or my money.. I just wish I knew how to paint well, I know no one else would give it the attention I could. *sigh*Imran
74 Convt
|QUOTE|Martin72 said: Imran,
I may have a shop for you....but first...a little history. I purchased my '72 a few month ago thru a broker, but it was a one owner car. When looking at the car, I found a box behind the seats that contained ALL of the original papers and all of the service records for the car.
In 1990 the owner had the car repainted with Dupont's basecoat/clearcoat system. The finish is flawless....it looks like glass....no orange peel to be found anywhere. A buddy of mine owns a body shop here in town....he said he was impressed with the quality of the paint.
Now, that's been 12 years ago....I don't know if the guy is still in business, or if the quality is still good....but here is the info.
Safety Harbor Collision Center
935 Harbor Lake Drive
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Phone: 726-1012
Now for the fun part:
Refinish Car Complete -- $ 950.00
Refinsh Inside -- $ 150.00
Strip Entire Outside -- $ 375.00
Paint & Materials -- $ 275.00
I don't think he will honor those prices!! I painted my CJ-7 about this time last year....the primer, hardner, basecoat/clearcoat system and thinner ran over $ 500 at body shop prices.
Let me know....
|/QUOTE|
Martin,
Wow, thanks a lot for the info, the pic of the car looks wonderful, congrats on a nice purchase. But this is exactly what I was looking for, I'm just praying that the same owner and care and quality is present at that shop, I would easily be willing to pay even twice that much that you have listed up there for a quality paint job that will last me 12 years! Thanks a lot, I'll call them up this week and see if they're still around... will post the answer!
Imran 74 Convt
I may have a shop for you....but first...a little history. I purchased my '72 a few month ago thru a broker, but it was a one owner car. When looking at the car, I found a box behind the seats that contained ALL of the original papers and all of the service records for the car.
In 1990 the owner had the car repainted with Dupont's basecoat/clearcoat system. The finish is flawless....it looks like glass....no orange peel to be found anywhere. A buddy of mine owns a body shop here in town....he said he was impressed with the quality of the paint.
Now, that's been 12 years ago....I don't know if the guy is still in business, or if the quality is still good....but here is the info.
Safety Harbor Collision Center
935 Harbor Lake Drive
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Phone: 726-1012
Now for the fun part:
Refinish Car Complete -- $ 950.00
Refinsh Inside -- $ 150.00
Strip Entire Outside -- $ 375.00
Paint & Materials -- $ 275.00
I don't think he will honor those prices!! I painted my CJ-7 about this time last year....the primer, hardner, basecoat/clearcoat system and thinner ran over $ 500 at body shop prices.
Let me know....
|/QUOTE|
Martin,
Wow, thanks a lot for the info, the pic of the car looks wonderful, congrats on a nice purchase. But this is exactly what I was looking for, I'm just praying that the same owner and care and quality is present at that shop, I would easily be willing to pay even twice that much that you have listed up there for a quality paint job that will last me 12 years! Thanks a lot, I'll call them up this week and see if they're still around... will post the answer!
Imran 74 Convt
in Forum: C3 Body
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