Paint vs Vinyl wrap
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
Paint vs Vinyl wrap
My 92 vert needs a paint job, all the clear coat is falling off. I was quoted anywhere from 5K to 8K to do it. I just don't think it's worth it. Just read the maaco paint thread and I'm not too confident about them nor do I have the time to prep the car myself. So I investigated vinyl wrap. You can get pretty much anything you want with this. It won't look like paint but the possibilities are endless. Cost is around 2 to 3K and is guaranteed for 5 years. Opinions???
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Depends on if you're going to keep the Vette or sell it later on.
I've seen some vinyl wrap jobs that looked good but, looking closer I noticed the edges and curves were cut crooked and looked amateurish. $10,000 and up is what it cost for a Quality paint job here in California. I would never spend that much at Maaco.
Most in & out paint shops paint inexpensively and fast because they skimp out on the labor to Properly Prep the vehicle. I just painted the hood, front bumper cover, side gills and rocker panels and materials alone would've cost me $600. It took me 60 hours (should've taken 50 hours) but, as you can see at $76 an hour labor rate, just a partial repaint costs over $4000. A quality paint job will last well over 10 years.
Also, if you're going to wrap the Vette, you might have a hard time selling it since it might not appeal to the next buyer.
I've seen some vinyl wrap jobs that looked good but, looking closer I noticed the edges and curves were cut crooked and looked amateurish. $10,000 and up is what it cost for a Quality paint job here in California. I would never spend that much at Maaco.
Most in & out paint shops paint inexpensively and fast because they skimp out on the labor to Properly Prep the vehicle. I just painted the hood, front bumper cover, side gills and rocker panels and materials alone would've cost me $600. It took me 60 hours (should've taken 50 hours) but, as you can see at $76 an hour labor rate, just a partial repaint costs over $4000. A quality paint job will last well over 10 years.
Also, if you're going to wrap the Vette, you might have a hard time selling it since it might not appeal to the next buyer.
Last edited by GKK; Apr 26, 2008 at 11:46 AM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: GR MI
I've heard about it, but never seen it. I nominate you to try it and give results! All in favor say 'eye'!?!
I wonder... is the base coat still in good condition? Is it possible to have new clear sprayed over the old base? I don't know that much about paint, but it seems like something that could be done. Of course you need the materials to be compatible with each other and all. It could be a good alternative to a complete repaint. Thoughts anybody?
I wonder... is the base coat still in good condition? Is it possible to have new clear sprayed over the old base? I don't know that much about paint, but it seems like something that could be done. Of course you need the materials to be compatible with each other and all. It could be a good alternative to a complete repaint. Thoughts anybody?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
I think most of the wraps as expensive and look better farther away than up close.up close you see the wrinkles ,bad mounting,cuts ,flat spots,etc. I also think you are dealing with something that will only look worse with time. I don't know what shape your paint is in but have you tried wet sanding and rubbing? you'd be surprised at what bad paint can look like with just some time working on it. good luck Tim
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
There is just too much clearcoat coming off to try to repair it, and I think this is the 2nd paint job on the car. I would want to see some wrap jobs the dealer has done before i commit to it. They are a pretty big company and have dealers in several states.
Has anyone here done this yet ??????
Has anyone here done this yet ??????
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I have always wanted a car with bad paint for one reason only. Flat Black, you can spray it yourself and you do not have to be a master painter to make it look good. One thing to remember is that this will probable hurt your resale value but on the plus side you would not spend nearly as much as you would on a regular paint job. Oh don’t forget Flat Black looks awesome.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Cerritos/L.A. California
our company vehicles are vinyl wrapped and it is not that great. We have decided to repaint them all. If you look you can find someone who will do a very nice job painting your car for less then vinyl wrapping would cost.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
I will paint mine next time. Last pro paint was 5 or 6 years ago and it looks like crap now. Have you thought about shopping for a C4 that already has nice paint ?? May be less $$$$ than quality paint on yours.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
keep your eyes peeled for a guy who works at an auto body shop wanting to do some side work. the price will depend on how deep the work goes but a couple years ago i knew a guy who did exactly that. to make a long story short i spent $1000 on him for 60-70hrs of his time and a little over $400 in supplies. of course crude was $40bbl back then so supplies will be a good deal more today.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
Hey, if you are just trying to make your car presentable for cheap, I have heard about people using some kind of boat paint. The deal with it, is that it is self leveling and can be brushed on. So you wouldn't have to do nearly as much prep work, since there is no overspray. It is not quite as glossy as automotive clearcoat, but looks pretty decent. I'll try to find the thread I read about it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
If your going to spend 5K to 8K that should be a full body breakdown job, just had mine done and the money was a pain but you'll be happier with the results. If you want to spend less you could get a tape and shoot job, should be about half.
