Lately I've been really into the idea of getting my 86 Bird painted.

My hood is just spray-canned, we picked it up for $100 at a junkyard and it was white. Previous one was COVERED in hail dents.

I've got black touch up all over it from the clear coat starting to flake and there's some really bad spots all over it. No visible rust yet, though.
It's still got the original paint on it, and it's been 21 years now...

I'm 17 so I've never gone out and gotten a car painted before. I've got a few questions.

The only places I know of around here are Maaco and Fact-O-Bake. How are these places?
Prices? I'm hoping I can get something decent for maybe 500-ish? If any of you are laughing, tell me now. I don't wanna have any crazy ideas in my head.

Body work. I'm thinking if it gets close to that time that it's about to get painted, I'll do that work myself with some filler. There isn't much to do, I would think the paint place would sand everything smooth before they paint.

But I've got one nice crease - shopping cart maybe? That could use some work, and some small almost not noticeable dents are around.

So...basically I'm just curious how paint-jobs go, prices, places to check out.
I'm in Jacksonville, FL, by the way, so if any close knows about some good places, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Just to throw it in there, I'm really liking the idea of a maroon color. Maroon88iroc, if you read through this, don't wanna flatter you or anything but I love that color you've got - just to give an idea. I think it would look good with the black stock wheels I've got right now, and leaves it open for new ones.

If I know the paint isn't gonna work out for a while, those are what I'm leaning toward next....new wheels.

 

i would suggest keeping it black, that way u dont have to deal with door jams and such. a 500 dollar paint job might last you a few months. you should have professional bodywork done. its not the best idea to just blob filler over all your hail damage. there is paintless dent removal....

people with more knowledge will chime in

 

Thanks. I realized after some reading that alot of people probably will laugh when they run into the "$500" statement. Should've searched before I posted.

Anyway, the hail damage is pretty much gone, amazingly it all seemed to be on the hood we replaced. Theres one visible spot on the car right behind the T-tops from hail but thats it.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Actually the body work and prep are the most important part of a paint job...you want to make sure that part is done right, or else when it's sprayed, it will look like sh*t. You could get a paint job done for around $500, but it won't be very good...places like Maaco just pretty much mask the car and spray it with cheap paint...you gotta spend your time preparing the body for paint.

If you or no one you know is experienced in body work, I would just save my money to have a professional body shop do the work. Also body work is not too hard to do, just need a good eye for detail and be patient, there are books and stuff out there to help you and you could practice on like junk parts.

 

The inexpensive paint jobs are acrylic enamel and are done quickly (scuffed & painted & trim at least partially taped off, rather than removed). Like everything else, you get what you pay for. I agree, it would be less effort not to change color due to hood jambs, door jambs, hatch jamb, etc. Be aware, black will show poor body work more than any other color. If you are concerned with how "straight" the final product is, let someone familiar with body work who knows how to block sand perform the body work. For some input in your area, look up Bailey's Body Shop and ask for Robert.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm in Jacksonville, FL actually, so Bailey's in Missourri seems a little far . Thanks though.

 

I noted your location. It's Baileys in Jacksonville.....I believe it's on Bailey ave & Robert is the owner. Good luck.

 

i payed 250 in paint and supplies... 250 for labor and a 100 to color sand and i am happy with the results..

 

Try calling Viverette's Paint and Autobody, they're located on Cassat Ave and they also have a place in Orange Park....I know a couple of people who have had their cars done there and both came out pretty nice.

 

TPI TERR- where, who, how did you get your paint job? I live in SoCal and would LOVE to only have to pay that...!

 

I have had both the expensive paint job and the Maaco job done on my car. Definetly you get what you pay for. Maaco will last a bit longer than a few months as a previous psoter said. Figure 3-5 years before fadingand looking dull. The cusom job will last a lot longer and remain in tack a lot longer. You will have to go with what your pocket can afford. If it is the Maaco route you go research the shop and be expressive in what your expectation are. And yes the prep work is the key not the final paint.

 

a buddy of mine did a decent job only thing he didnt paint the doorjambs.. i did that til later..