Does anyone know the average cost it is to get a paint job. Also any tips on painting an engine compartment without having to pull the block. Thanks

 

any decent paintjob will cost you at least $3000
here is a way to make it look good for cheap. The only problem it takes about 20 hours to do it. http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html I am currently doing this on my 85 BMW 535i and it is turning out really good. It is really easy and you cant screw it up. You can do it outside under a tree and it will still come out good.

 

Or you could get a cheapo job at Maaco from $200 (though it'll be really crappily done as the illegals they hire to do the dirty work aren't too keep on masking your tires....or anything else)

 

Do as much prep work and repair work as you can yourself, and you will cut the cost.

Cheap paint jobs do not have much prep work done; they just lay the paint over the imperfect old paint, and all the imperfections show right thru - they look like a crappy paint job.

 

Yes- unbolt everything you can - even the bumpers (they can paint these separately and do a better job). Frankly I don't know how much $$ you save doing this but certainly minimizes oversprayed stuff - which is a real ****-off IMHO! ZIP-LOCK bags and labels will be your friends!! Use a digital camera to record how stuff assembles!!!
As for the engine comp - try some good polish first - you might be surprised how nicely the paint bounces back - a real thorough job meant pulling most of the accessories off the inner fenders for me, but my 80's engine comp popped right back. removable items like brackets, radiator shrouds, etc can be sand blasted and either repainted yourself or go the powdercoat route, which I did. Be prepared for rust gremlins under areas like the battery tray and around the steering box - POR15 does a great job of stopping and converting rust with a bullet-proof finish. I matched up all my OEM nuts and bolts with Stainless Steel replacements to add the finishing touch.
'luck!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Thanks