How much for a paintjob?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 5
From: Frisco TX
How much for a paintjob?
Am thinking about getting my 74 vert painted. Was wondering how much I'm going to have to shell out for this. I'm sure paint jobs greatly vary in cost as low as $200 and as high as $10k or more. I'm not looking for a show quality job. I just want a good paint job that's shiny and looks professional. All accessories taken off beforehand, any fiberglass damage fixed, etc. Once again, not looking for a pristine paint job, just good. Any thoughts from the forum?
Race Director
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14,376
Likes: 1
From: Check this riff........
Its unbelievable whats out there. Just depends on who you know and what you want. I have found that younger experienced painters starting off there own business will give you about 5 times the quality of what the older guys will give you for the same price. Of course once their business takes off, so will the price. I don't know where you live, but I have also found a few mexican shops that do KILLER work for very little money.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
For my 68 coupe that I have stripped of all paint and removed all bumpers, lights, everything, I have been quoted prices as high as 10-12 thousand for a factory LeMans blue paint job. No flames, no pinstriping, no 14 karat gold, just a plain factory paint job. I found a Corvette shop that promised to do the car with 2 coats of primes , sanding, and then 2 coats of color with 2 - 3 coats of clear for $6,500.00 - $7,000.00. They are supposed to start on the car in the next week or two but so far I have not been able to reach the shop owner as he wa son vacation. It is extremely difficult to get anyone to do GOOD paint work at a reasonable price and without tying the car up for 6-12 months. I have heard too many horoor stories and have spoken with many body shops who all want high prices and keep the car for what seems like forever. I bought my Corvette so I could drive it not store it in some guy's body shop.
I am in Massachusetts and prices here may be higher than in some other states. Good luck, this painting crap is a pain in the rear.
Kurt
I am in Massachusetts and prices here may be higher than in some other states. Good luck, this painting crap is a pain in the rear.
Kurt
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Earl Schieb will run ya like $400 probably. Maaco would probably be $600. That's for a single stage paint job. 2-stage is a little more than double the cost of a single stage. Get a 2 stage from a private shop and it'll probably run ya like $2000-$3000 for a really nice paint job. I had my '94 Firebird repainted a different color and it cost just over $700 for the paint + some minor body repair.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
I got a Maaco paint job once on my 75 Camaro. It lasted one year. I want something a little better for my Corvette. I'd like the paint to stay oin the car when I wash it, not flake off. You get what you pay for.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
LoL that's why you get the top of the bottom, when it comes to cheap paint jobs. Get the best single stage from maaco and it stays on pretty well. However, I've found paint doesn't like to stick to metal as well as plastic, any ways.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
I am kinda sick of school after going for 8 years for my job, but I think I am gonna go to vo-tech for 2 years and learn autobody and paint. For the price of a decent paint job, I can get taught how to do it with some practical experience and do it myself. Also, I get to write off the tools. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Originally Posted by ksbunting
I got a Maaco paint job once on my 75 Camaro. It lasted one year. I want something a little better for my Corvette. I'd like the paint to stay oin the car when I wash it, not flake off. You get what you pay for.
