Getting a paint estimate is a sobering experience! But here goes. This seems to be a popular topic of late so I may have something to contribute. This is a local estimate from last week. Those of you who think you might find a project car and just "fix-it-up" might wish to take notice.

The total cost (in $US) is about $6,360 + possible 10% contingencies. That includes 85 hours labour for the body (stripped) and 45 hours for the paint. The labour rate is $42 (total of $5,460). Paint and other materials are about $900. Of course all trim, bumpers, headlamp pods, etc. come off.

That total includes (I have the parts):
-installation of new doorpull units (springs are bad)
-installation of door lock repair linkage units
-installation of a passenger side mirror
-new door handles
-new emblems
-installation of the BB hood (I have the stinger stencil)
-painting the existing SB hood (for possible conversion back)

The turn-around time is six weeks to two months. At least two primer, four colour, two clear. Warranty on the paint is three years.

I hadn't expected quite this much as the car is pretty solid. But the estimator had concerns about a number of small stress cracks here-and-there. In my ignorance I thought a bit of resin would fill those in but I guess there is more to it than that....

That's what it costs to have a Corvette painted. If you do your own prep, few companies will do the paint job. Sorry, fellows that the way it works!

 

I know what you mean Paul, I got 2 estimates last month one was $6800 the other was $7400.

I didn't pay that much for the car when I bought it. So I'm going to take a shot at doing it myself. I've already started stripping it. I went the razor blade route, works pretty good and it's not that bad. In two afternoons I have both the front fenders stripped and half a door. I just can't seeing paying that much for a paint job. I would bet that if it wasn't a corvette the price to paint them would be about 2-3000 dollars cheaper

 

If the shop is smart they put in a buffer ($$$) to protect themselves against unforseen f' ups, I see the 10% contigency on yours and I would prepare myself to have to pay that.

I agreed on a price when I got mine painted and I did not call or bug the painter untill it was done about 2 months later, when I picked the car up he told me all the problems he had, one being a new door did not fit properly and the other biggie was all the cracks he had to fix, told me about that a few times as a matter of fact

Another reason to buy a Vette in the best conditon you can find even if you spend a little more than you had intended, a couple thousand more for one with a good paint job will save you big time in the long run

 

Eddie,
Thanks for the reply. I just wanted to show people how a pretty solid car can cost so much to restore. Those who take on frame restorations I weep for but respect! BTW I am going for that paint.

 

Motorhead,

Yes, of course. They build in a contingency as I do I. At the far side I would suspect we will come out at the 5% +/- level of the contract.

 

Quality paint jobs come at a premium price.

My '68 below has a $10,000 paint job on it. I am glad the previous owner had it painted 6 months before I bought it.

 

Paul,

I just talked to a vette restorer here in LA, he's done several top flite, NCRS, the whole nine yards. I've seen his work and talked to people who he's worked for and has an excellent rep. $6500. for my '68

I guess that's the price you pay for a job well done.

 

I have agreed to that price. Look for a pretty 1967 Goodwood Green coupe in June or so. BB hood with new bumpers. Damn expensive but I am going for perfection. Hardwood floors in the house may take a hit. But the Wife understands. Got to love those life companions!

 

Sounds about right for a good paint job, but i don't understand what his big deal about the stress cracks? I am assuming you have stress cracks in the paint? if its on the fiberglass, then i understand somewhat. all your labor hours sound about right...it took me about 80 hours to dissassemble and strip my entire car to the bare fiberglass. I would expect that your car will take everybit of 2 months or more, so i wouldn't count on six weeks. anyways..Good luck with the paint job.

 

Paul,

For your '67 and Bama's 68 BM I'd drop $6K~$7K or more but for a run of the mill (don't mean to insult anyone here) C3 such as a my '82 I'd recommend sale it and find another car in better overall condition. No sense paying as much for a paint job as you did for the car.

Another thing, striving for perfection aint gonna happen either, especially if your planning to enjoy (read - drive) the car. The nicks on my 23 year old paint are gonna happen just like the nicks on my 4 year old daily driver Spyder. Don't matter how careful you are, a bug, rock, whatever that hits your car at highway speed is gonna leave a mark!

 

Thank RedShark for your reply. The stress cracks are minor in my view.

 

Here is what I consider a minor stress crack. I do tend to be **** about these things.

 

Sounds about right unless you have "hookups" Last week I had a $3500.00 guestimate from a corvette restorer down here in El Cajon, CA. I'm considering selling, it's in C3 for sale section, so all bets are off right now.

 

2T0NE82,

Well, I don't know what to say. The paint job does not come close to the cost of a pristine, new-frame 1967 Coupe??

 

David,
Now you have me really confused. Why would you sell that 1968 that you have put so much work into?

 

Dupe-Deleted.

 

Paul,

Thats exactly what I'm saying, you couldn't replace your car for the cost of paint.

However, compare to mine '82. I sold an identical (with exception to power door locks, rear window deffogger and a power driver's seat) two tone car and put the proceeds with other cash (about what a paint job would cost) to buy my current car, an easy 8.5 to 9 conditon '82.

First the old car, the clouds in the paint are actually clear coat coming off...



And the new car...



I finally realized that five years of blood sweat and cash wasn't gonna get my car any closer to being done. I hated my paint and the more I worked on the car the more I wanted to have it painted...the cost of paint was what pushed me over the edge.

 

I've really not put that much into it. You have alot more into your than mine. Actually I'm sort of bord with the whole thing. My friends have new C6's/ M5/ or AMG's that they drive daily and I'm tired of commuting in a Civic The 68 isn't good for daily commuting, gas prices, and I'm woried about the wear and tear everytime I drive it. With the C6 you get 405hp on tap and can use it every day and to hell with the wear and tear it'll take it.

 

The above price is the average for any car regardles of what it is.

 

I have been getting paint appraisals since Nov 04 and Paul's price is right on with what I have experienced.