New Paint for 2003 C5
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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A cost of $4-5K for a decent paint job would be about right but could go higher depending on the shop and labor rates.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would say anywhere from $5K to $10K for a good quality paint job. Most of the cost will be labor: prep such as sanding and any body work. That is a very important process for getting a good spray job. Good paint shops will do a lot of hand sanding to insure a proper base.
The sealer, primer and base coat and then the clear coat cost can vary depending on the paint brands, the amount that will be used, and possibly even the color.
After the car is out of the paint booth, there is more labor; color sanding, polishing, and final cleanup.
The best thing to do is to get estimates from a number of body shops. They should provide you with pricing details, not just a single fee.
The sealer, primer and base coat and then the clear coat cost can vary depending on the paint brands, the amount that will be used, and possibly even the color.
After the car is out of the paint booth, there is more labor; color sanding, polishing, and final cleanup.
The best thing to do is to get estimates from a number of body shops. They should provide you with pricing details, not just a single fee.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: long Island NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Leesburg Fl
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '14,'18
Painting the car the same color doesn't require dis-assembly. You're not looking for custom and maybe it's a driver so don't invest more than necessary. Check with a Chevy dealer with a good body shop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 375
From: Central Florida
How bad is paint now? Costs will very with quality, I would not consider a shop without a good recommendation from a known source! They can really screw up your car, be careful, a redo could cost way more! Good luck
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Of course you had to scrape it off of the windows and figure out how to get it off of the bumpers and lights.... 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
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From: Wisconsin
I heard they did a fairly good job. You took your car to them body worked, sanded and masked off and they just sprayed it. It was extra if they did more than sprayed it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 846
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
for 30 bucks it wasn't horrible but overspray wasn't uncommon as were runs. But again, for 30 bucks... you got what you needed - a car that looked somewhat reasonable at least.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Many years ago I bought a 64 Buick Skylark convertible as a DD to stop putting so many miles on my 69 C3. The Buick ran great and had a really nice interior but the paint had crazed badly. We sanded it, removed almost all of the chrome and old Earl painted it metallic burgundy for around $50. Came out great. The guys I worked with were surprised at how good it came out. Still, wouldn't have brought a Vette there. But for a beater, it was great.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Many years ago I bought a 64 Buick Skylark convertible as a DD to stop putting so many miles on my 69 C3. The Buick ran great and had a really nice interior but the paint had crazed badly. We sanded it, removed almost all of the chrome and old Earl painted it metallic burgundy for around $50. Came out great. The guys I worked with were surprised at how good it came out. Still, wouldn't have brought a Vette there. But for a beater, it was great.
Racer
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 433
Likes: 39
From: Miami, FL USA
Honestly, unless there is some sort of emotional attachment, you are better off IMO selling your current (needs a paint job) car. Then take those proceeds, and buy a newer, lower mileage car not in need of a paint job. If you factor in the cost of a professional paint job, I'm betting you'd come out ahead financially by taking this route. And, IMO no matter how nice a re-spray is, it still de-values a car compared to a factory paint job. Any knowledgeable buyer will always have the question in his or her mind as to "why" was the car repainted.
My 2 cents.
My 2 cents.