Does $5000 seem reasonable for a high quality paint job? It will be a garaged, weekend-only type driver. That includes tons of body work for innumerable door dings, paint chips, little spots of rust in a few places, the passenger side lock that was jacked open with a screwdriver, removal of each individual part to be painted seperately, refurbishment of the rear bumper, replacement of SEVERELY damaged/nonexistent weatherstripping along the windows, etc., etc.

I live in the San Francisco bay area, so yes, labor rates are higher out here. I am getting ready to get the car painted this winter. I know nothing about body work, and between going to school and working FULL TIME, I have no time to do it myself! So, I'm paying someone else to do it. I was quoted elsewhere at $3800 for a _good_ paintjob.

Please, tell me if I should keep shopping around. This guy came highly recommended from a local auto dealer that specializes in restored cars (thirdgens among them). I want an awesome paintjob, but $5k is a lot. Especially for a 19 year old college student making $20k a year.

Feedback appreciated more than you could imagine!
Anthony Helton

 

Hello i was quote for a 32 street rod roadster to be painted in washinton state for 18,000.00 your area would have high rate also. might need to check around to be for sure that is what i am doing for my st. rod what type of work do you do. see ya rexorr@americansportscar.com

 

hey man,

i just got my iroc done..it cost me $6000 canadian...i got total customization though..the paint wasnt that much..it was the body work that killed me....50 hours of body work..i have a "seamless car" which means that the front fenders and front skirt have no "crack" as the rear skirt and 1/4 panels dont..almost as if they are one piece together..so if you get a great paintjob..it should be worth it..what colour are you going and how many hours of bodywork do you "think" that they have to do?

iroc2nv

 

For 5000 you should be able to get some custom work done.
Say flames, or shaved handles or something.

Usually 2000 is a good price for a high quality paint job, I'd say shop around.

 

Wow, I'm slow. I've got 24 hours in just the underside of my hood (filling and smoothing around the edges). I'll have hundreds of hours in the bodywork by the time I get paint on it.

 

$5k is more than enough to have those dented body panels replaced rather than fixed...