Changing paint color
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 2
From: East TN
Changing paint color
I have a Dark Red Metallic '94 that I want to repaint either Torch Red or Admiral Blue. I know this is much more difficult than repainting the same color. Also I'm not looking for a show room paint job but at least as good as factory.
I will not be doing any of the work myself and wanted to know what questions to ask to see if Im going to get a good job done. Also, what should I look for when they are in the process of prepping and painting the car. One last question is how much am I looking at spending for this sort of paint job. Thanks
I will not be doing any of the work myself and wanted to know what questions to ask to see if Im going to get a good job done. Also, what should I look for when they are in the process of prepping and painting the car. One last question is how much am I looking at spending for this sort of paint job. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
A complete color change should require the removal of all of the belt trim (with exception of the bumper trim), emblems, 3rd brake light (if it has one), mouldings, weatherstrip, weatherstrip retainers, door handles, mirrors, tailights, headlights, inner fenders, spoiler, side markers, antenna, fuel door, rockers, front fenders. Removal of these pieces make it easier to cover all of the areas that are hidden and a source of headaches later. If the car is masked then lifting is common on the edges which will reveal primer or the previous color. You can do a lot of the work yourself. Door handles are difficult but do make a difference on a complete. Ask what they will remove before painting the car. If they are going to mask everything then you can expect some problems later. Price is cheaper to mask everything, more if the parts are removed. I'm guessing $2500 to $4500 on average. This is just a guess.
Art
Art
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
I'm guessing that estimate is ALOT low unless you're looking for MAACO to do it. For a GOOD color change, $6-$10k or higher. Check around, you'll be amazed. Restoration shops usually START at $10k now.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,726
Likes: 710
From: Bergen County, NJ
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Take it as far apart as possible...Heres a MAACO color change for ya..
This guy paid $3800 to have his car ruined.
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157284
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
Before I bought my current 94 vert (dark red metallic, by the way - the best color there is! 
) I got an estimate from a very highly respected shop for total paint job. Based on me removing trim, then shop sending the car out for media blasting, then sanding painting etc. the total was $6-7,000.
) I got an estimate from a very highly respected shop for total paint job. Based on me removing trim, then shop sending the car out for media blasting, then sanding painting etc. the total was $6-7,000.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
If the original paintjob is still good (is it?) why do you want to change the colour?
The best paint is always the factory paint and if you take care of your paint it will look good for years. Take a look at paintjobs that are done from these so called pro/show painters, their painjobs last of course, but only on show cars that get out of the garage 5 times a year. Go see a car which was painted and that has been a daily driver forever, the paintjob won't last more than 5 years max.
What i mean is because you want to change your colour you think that it will look better, it will at first, but after a couple of years it wont look so good. Somebody here said that to get a good colour change you need to pay $6-10k. With that kind of money i would sell the vette, add the other money and get another one with the colour i would like.
The best paint is always the factory paint and if you take care of your paint it will look good for years. Take a look at paintjobs that are done from these so called pro/show painters, their painjobs last of course, but only on show cars that get out of the garage 5 times a year. Go see a car which was painted and that has been a daily driver forever, the paintjob won't last more than 5 years max.
What i mean is because you want to change your colour you think that it will look better, it will at first, but after a couple of years it wont look so good. Somebody here said that to get a good colour change you need to pay $6-10k. With that kind of money i would sell the vette, add the other money and get another one with the colour i would like.
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