Hello, I am in the process of having my GM dealer install a Grand Sport widebody kit on my 2008 Coupe. I am thinking of changing the color from Victory red to Red crystal metallic. I am also installing a custom hood. Since probably 3/4 of the car will be painted would there be any problems with doing a complete paint change. Any suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

No problems in doing a color change EXCEPT for the small details...that turn into BIG details when completed.

I am NOT in any way stating that this GM dealer can not do the job. BUT...for your own piece of mind....and the best job possible. MAKE sure that you are there BEFORE the parts or the car are shot. OFTEN times the mentality of the workers in a dealership...who are normally under pressure for VOLUME or work performed..and is how they get paid...forget to do the basic things such as PROPER PREPARATION. So parts may not be completely prepped and scuffed so a product will adhere as designed. TIME IS MONEY...and any way that time can be shaved off the overall job is good for the worker and the dealership. In in most cases it is these "small" things that are shaved off. Shiny spots still left on panels at edges or areas where the wheels will spray debris, inside of fenders and 1/4's where it is hard to correctly prep, door jambs and so on. Then it is the way the car is dis-assembled to provide an excellent outcome. Often times parts will be left on due to the time to remove and properly adjust and fit as designed. Often times...they will say.."It will be alright this way"....and often times is shows up later on when paint starts to peel off. AND then when you take it back in...a "half-baked" repair is performed due to the initial prep was not done correctly...and the painter is not getting paid squat to repair it so he/she will not spend all day on something that is not making them any money. So then you will have a problem again...at some point in time. So just be AWARE. And this also goes for the initial prep on your new body panels. IF they are not prepped correctly...all products after it may or may not adhere...and problems can occur in time.

"DUB"

 

As DUB stated the dealership may be capable of doing a great job but most dealerships pay their techs flat rate or piece work. This means if they estimate that your job will take 50 hours of labor then that is the amount of hours that the tech will be paid.

It is not unusual for a flat rate tech to produce 60-100 hours or more of work in a 40-50 hour week. You can then determine that they are on the fast track to getting the job done and will most of the time cut as many corners as they think they can get away with. Most of the time the work is acceptable to the customer but for most Corvette owners it could be less than perfect.

Most flat rate painters that I know( and I know a lot of them) would rather not do a job such as yours if they think you will be a finicky customer.

You may want to seek out a shop that does more restoration type work and pays their techs by the hour so they will have YOUR best interest in mind and not just their paycheck.

Good Luck, Craig