I've had some bad experiences with paint work in the past. I think you
should be careful about cutting someone to their bottom dollar. Painting is a
labor intensive process and it just costs money. I had a guy cut corners on
on my paint job. He didn't strip the old paint off which was very thick. about
a year later, the new paint cracked. Prep work means everything.
Having said that, I think the prices you have gotten are very high. As
a reference point, I have been calling around trying to find some places that
restore the body on my Healey. One of the highest quotes I got was 7500.00.
This included: stripping the body of rust and paint, replacing all metal, epoxy
primer, final coat, and fitting the body panels. He stands by his work for 5
years
as does the paint company. From what you describe, your car needs to be
stripped
and painted. Let me add that I have to completely disassemble the car before I
would give it to him. I'm not sure if you are considering a complete teardown,
but you'll get the best paint job that way. Since you require less work I would
assume your cost to be less. 4000 to 6000 is not out of the question. If you
do a lot of the prep work, you could shave it down to 2000 to 3000.
woodruff@caen.engin.umich.edu
P.S. don't go cheap on your paint, you'll be sorry in the future. Before you
consider a cut rate job, think about painting it yourself. If had the time,
I'd rebuild and repaint the healey myself. Its not that hard to get excellent
results.
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