XxMerlinxX, you live in the South. Prices are HIGHLY variable based on region. Over here, for a show-quality paintjob, you're looking at $5K - $7K. Moreover, a lot of the cheaper paint jobs are cheap b/c the prepwork is half-***, and the panels are painted on the car. That's a HUGE no-no. To do it right, you need to remove every panel, and strip it completely, including all the moldings etc, which means you need new moldings etc. It adds up VERY quickly, as does the labor of removing and disassembling pieces, then putting it all back together again. Also, very few shops wet sand in the final stages...

 

I've had 2 cars completely redone, one of which was my celica that had a veilside kit plus BRS fender flares molded in. It was a great job that cost less than $3k ($2400 if I remember correctly), that was including new trim plus shaping in the flares, using all PPG materials. It's all about finding the right shop. I'm having a hard time with that now as I've moved, yet stayed instate. Apparently shops up here cost a bit more, so we'll see how things go.

 

Dude, again, you're in the South. Try coming to a non-labor intensive area like the NorthEast.

 

Seriously? It's that hard to find a good shop?

Edit- What's the hourly rate up there? If you mention that you're doing it out of pocket, most shops will try to cut you a break. Anywhere from $50-$75/hr.

 

No no... I'm saying that anything that involves labor is VERY expensive. Almost prohibitively so.

 

Bodyshop’s quote was right on the money. They key to finding a good paint shop that doesn't overcharge or rush your job is to look for a place that does high-end custom work and is not highly publicized. You are most likely to find a shop like this in a somewhat rural area. The shop that I am using was referred by a friend and they are capable of pretty much everything and anything I ask for (custom sheet metal work etc.) because they are affiliated with an NHRA drag team. Also, because of their rural location they are not slammed with insurance jobs and fender benders so they need to impress each customer so that they can get referrals. Quality work takes time so if you are looking into getting your daily driver painted, I would recommend renting another car.

Shop's that are highly publicized are often slammed with work so they have two choices. Hedge off the number of jobs by setting high prices, or do **** rush jobs. In the worst case scenario they might do a little of both.

 

Rob you're absolutely right. I never gave it much thought, but I think you hit it right on the nose. When I take my car to the body shop, even for a minor repair, I'm expecting a week or two, vs. say one of the most well-known body shops in the area (and right across the street from me... Matchless, right near Baron Cameron Ave) which has a turnaround time of a day or two lol. I also never thought of using price to hedge off the number of jobs. Very interesting...

 

If you want to save some money do some of the prep for them. Remove lights, trim and anything that has to be removed, sand it at least some of the way down.

Rob