Front bumper paint job.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Glen Allen VA
Front bumper paint job.
I am in the midwest, IL. 98-coupe, black, 74k miles. Car is in real good shape except there is a fair amount of dings from road debris on the front bumper. Before I go to paint shops asking for estimates I wanted to ask CF members,
1. how much should I expect to pay for a paint job on the front bumper to restore to original condition.
2. Should the shop take the bumper off or leave it on during the job?
in advance and thank you for your replies.
1. how much should I expect to pay for a paint job on the front bumper to restore to original condition.
2. Should the shop take the bumper off or leave it on during the job?
in advance and thank you for your replies.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, FL (UCF)
2017 C6 of the Year Finalist
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I've been looking into this issue myself. I live in Orlando and here is what I've found.
Maaco premium service, approx. $500 (didn't care if it was on or off the car)
Local Corvette paint specialist approx. $800 (Preferred to paint it off the car, but would perform the removal and install)
Later,
Max
Maaco premium service, approx. $500 (didn't care if it was on or off the car)
Local Corvette paint specialist approx. $800 (Preferred to paint it off the car, but would perform the removal and install)
Later,
Max
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
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From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
That's what I would do,but the shop may not warrant the job if they don't re-install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
The good news is your profile states your car is Black which should be an easy match. If you have the ability to remove the Bumper yourself this is the best way to do it since you can keep your car with you and wouldn't have to worry about Collateral damage from overspray, sanding, and such. Make sure the Body Shop uses the required Flex additives for the Bumper, otherwise it will chip worse then the original. I would expect $400-500 to strip and repaint it.
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If you take the bumper off yourself, I would think you could get it repainted for $250-300 - that's what it could be done for around here from what I have seen.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
Many years ago in Ft. Myers I let Maaco paint my 66 Chevy Stepside PU that was in show quality condition. After 3 tries they gave up and gave me my money back. In the 90's I tried Maaco again on my DD a Chrysler Lebaron, this time a shop in Pt. Charlotte. They didn't do much better I took it back once and just decided I'd never do Maaco again. If you've got a beater that you want to paint before you sell it go to Maaco, but anything you care about don't let them near it.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I had a shop paint mine on the 98 C5 I had before and it sanded off 3 times as fast after I got it painted. If I was to do it again I'd put Cleartastic or something like that on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
I have a spare front fascia already painted and ready to swap, the old one can come off and the fresh one back on in an hour or so. If YOU go to the paint store to buy the primer/paint/clear/reducer/hardener/wet paper/.... you'll spend $300 on material. I painted mine when I did the MCM hood and ACI spoiler. Shops that already have all the materil minus the actual color, it should cost $4-600.
Shop around online for a black cover, there all over CHEAP ($200) and many in NICE shape. If there are any vette shows in your area, they typically have many too.
Shop around online for a black cover, there all over CHEAP ($200) and many in NICE shape. If there are any vette shows in your area, they typically have many too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 0
From: Paducah Kentucky
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Glen Allen VA
Thanks guys for your suggestions. I think I will take the bumper off and take it to the paint shop myself, seems the most safe and cost effective way to do the job. I will definitely post before and after pics for future reference should anyone stumble upon the same dilemma as me. I love my vette enough to not drive in to a MAACO shop, rest assured guys 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, FL (UCF)
2017 C6 of the Year Finalist
Cruise-In VI Veteran
