What should a paint job cost

[Doc]

I am going to have my car painted this winter and am wondering what do you think a good quality but not show quality paint job should cost? The car is now pearl white and I am planning on switching to Ford refridgerator white. There is no body work that needs to be done.

Doc

 

[98LSC32V]

A good paint job should be at least $1000 unless you get a super deal. Of course you can get a decent Maaco paint job for about $500 but not at a real bodyshop.

 

[chriswells78]

most 1000 paint jobs suck. Unless somebody is doing you a big favor. Most places that can do a decent job will charge you $2500-5000.

On the other hand, most Vocational schools have auto painting/body programs. If you don't mind a rookie doing it, you could get off real cheap. The quality of the work is hit or miss though. You might get a kid that cares a lot about his/her grade and does a spectacular job or you might just get some pot head that just wants to pass with a D.

 

[98LSC32V]

I mean I agree with what you are saying but a 1000 plus paint job is pretty much top notch if your car is worth $3-4k... this isn't a Infiniti G35 that needs to be repainted...

 

[67Continental]

I had my bumpers and rocker panels painted this summer. Cost me $1000.

 

[chicken]

usually a color change is 5k-ish due to having to paint all the door jams engine bay etc, its a lot more work than just a respray

 

[94m5]

If it's any help.....


I've got 1700 in materials alone for my 95.


Most shops that are worth a damn charge 45+ per hour to do the work.


Before I started at the shop I work at now, I was quoted 3500 to do a complete repaint of the 94. No color change, just a refinish.

You get what you pay for also. Spend a 1000 now, and in 3 years it'll be flaking off becuase they skimped on prep work. Spend the money now, and do it right and you'll have a lifetime warranty on the paint.

 

[pepperman]

Hey Doc, you looking foward to the snow already.

 

[Doc]

Thanks Pep! H#ll no I am not happy about it! We already had our first snow 2 days ago. The only good thing is we are pretty busy during sled season and it will pay for my paint job. There will be no buried car pictures this season :-}