I posted on another section but decided to post here also. Anyone know of a good paint and body shop in the Austin area? I can't spend a fortune and don't need anything wild. My car is red and it as repainted in 90. It is an '85 Trans Am. I bought it new in '85. I haven't gotten but one person to look at it and they told me 3,000. Heck the whole car isn't worth that much I don't think. I used to have connections in this type of work and know how to do the bodywork myself (very minor dings, no dents) but don't have the time or the place to do it. I want it solid red. I wanted a different red but from talking to a couple of friends they told me to change the color to a different red will cost me mega bucks. The red in '85 is not a great red to me. But if I have to I will go back that color. I am also going to do a new interior and have a bid on that already and was going to have that part done first. Oh, I also need some paintwork on my other '85 that is a convertible. (zero body work) Paint only. It has 14,500 miles on it. Thanks for any suggestions and sorry for the long post. I am in Cedar Park which is on the outskirts of Austin.

 

You want cheap, or do you want good?

Check out maaco, they are pretty cheap

 

I know there are 2 different types. I am afraid of the maaco types of places. I don't want my paint peeling off later. I also don't want a full blown custom job. I guess I want a good paint job at a fair price for the work is all. I just don't want to get gouged. How much can someone expect to get an '85 T/A painted for in all one color? No decals. T-tops, no rust, small door dings on the doors (very small) and only one ding on the car which is on one door. (big door ding) The bulk of the work on this thing is sanding and prep work. Body work is a breeze otherwise. I haven't been into this thing in so long, I don't know what to expect. I just know the 3k for the one bid sounded too high to me. I mean is 1,500 too cheap to ask or in that ballpark?? I still have to spend about 1,000 on the interior stuff so can't go crazy on the exterior. Thanks for any help.

 

Alright, another Central Texas thirdgenner!!
I got mine painted at Earl Scheib...crappy quality...but worth the $500..now it's all one color. $1500 sounds like a reasonable price for paint. Post on www.afbforums.com and ask there....someone may have a hook up or something.
BTW, you plan on coming to any gatherings or anything?

 

Yeah, I would love to go to some of the gatherings but don't really know where or how to find out where they are. I was working on the old '85 today. I put on a rebuilt carburetor and a egr valve. I still have the oxygen sensor to go. It seems to be running good but the carburetor needs some adjustments. I have it going right out of the box but suprising that it is running so good. This car is now set mechanically. No hot rod, just wanting it to be a driver. I have an '85 2 seater Trans Am convertible that was a custom built car. I am going to work on it next. It doesn't need that much. It has 14,500 original miles on it. Pretty cool car. I need some paintwork on it (not much) and the corner of the top repaired. I have that part lined out. It wouldn't take much to get this car show ready. The interior is absolutely mint. Engine compartment is like new. It had the original tires on it when I got it but they were old and worn out from age mostly. I put on a new set of T/A radials. Well, another long post. Let me know how to find out obout some of the gatherings. I would love to come hang out and see everyones rides. I bought mine new (one I have been working on) in '85 and look forward to seeing it back to its old glory. By the way I am in Cedar Park.

 

I just moved to the Bay Area from Pflugerville. Can't say I miss it (P-ville that is).

Still, Austin is the best. I'll miss Tyrone's, Rudy's, Zilker, Barton Springs and ALL the great Mexican food. Mexican food in Californian ain't right.

FWIW, I got m bird the cheapy paint job. There are many threads in support of this... many not. The bottom line for me was the bottom line. I was budget limited but still got 6 year warranty, UV coat, metallic paint. Go figure.