Questions to ask @ the paint shop?

-
bighammer

bighammer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
2,389
Reaction score
143
Location
Northwest Oregon
I'm planning on taking my car in for paint pretty soon. I have never had a car painted before, so I feel a little ignorant when taking to the shop owners. The place where I think I will take it, the owner says he will remove all trim, bumpers, chrome, etc,. He plans on a base / clear coat system. I am going back to the original B5 blue. He says he will take it down to bare metal and build it back the right way (?)

Anyway, I don't really know what I should specify / ask for, etc. any suggestions?

This is a one man shop, he has been in the trade since 1981, so it seems like he should have it pretty well figured out by now! He is not a Mopar guy, but he has a 1968 Firebird that is mostly finished, looks like a trophy winner.

Thanks

Mark
 
I would make sure you are going to get the car back. get every single thing in writing. don't give him all the money up front. inspect it 100% before the car ever leaves his property. ive heard nothing but nightmares from people dealing with tiny unknown "body shops". at the very least, I would strip the car myself, good luck ...
 
So a written estimate? I didn't plan on paying up front, is that what some shops require? I remember a thread a while back where it was now one year since the shop took on the project. I certainly hope things work out for him.

I was told he wants the car for 4-6 weeks, 2 months tops. I can live with that.

Do most shops provide a written contract / estimate before work begins?
 
Every state is different, but make sure you have more than an estimate. In Florida any licensed mechanic or body shop etc, can put a lein on your car and screw you if things are put in black and white. Get more then just an estimate, get an agreement of work to be performed and have the time frame in writing. Protects you and your vehicle.. Good luck with the paint
 
Id say #1 is When will it be done! If they start out with 4 to 6 weeks, 2 months tops, that means they have no idea and it will be a fight from the start to get it done. #2 Of course you will want an estimate, but rest assured it will be more. you will forget the extra cost long before the pain of it sitting in a body shop for months being untouched. #3 Maybe a down payment, but don't get to far out on a credit or debt. maybe cut it up into 3 or 4 installments.
 
I would ask a lot of questions. Right off the bat, ask if he minds if you stop by once in a while to check on things, especially when it's time to take it down to bare metal. Ask what brand of paint system he'll be using (he might mention an expensive brand, then shoot some cheap crap on...lol)

I've also had paint shops do the ol' "oh boy, we're going to have to raise the price on this paint job; once we stripped off the paint, we found it's worse than we thought!" Better drill into his head that that's all the money you've got.

Have you got the idea that I've had bad experiences with body shops yet? lol
 
Do not tell him "I am in no hurry''.Tell him you will check on his progress once a week.Find out what kind of materials he uses,Paint and primer etc.. Make sure the materials are good quality.
 
I would ask if he can give any references. First I would search online to see if there is any info out there, good or bad. Just google the business first and go from there. If there are any bad reviews ask him about them and use your gut to tell you if he is on the up and up. If he gets really defensive I would be concerned. If he explains the situation and you feel it is legit I would be OK especially if he gives you references that check out.
 
Definitely what brand and quality of paint he plans to use. All brands have good-better-best quality. If the 'bird is his, ask if he is on the "Firstgen Firebird" site. It's a lot like FABO, and I might recognize his name if he is. If he is not, he might want to check it out.
C
 
Where is NW Oregon? Care to give a shop name?

There is a shop local to me (Gresham Or) that does a lot of Mopars. Had a Cuda, 65' Coronet, and a Fury in the shop getting work when I had my Magnum there for an insurance estimate. Sadly my car was a total so I could not use them but the owner was a nice guy and their work look excellent. The name of the shop is Al Link's Competition paint. I have no affiliation with them or have had them do work, but if your close they might be a good 2nd quote.
 
bighammer said:
So a written estimate? I didn't plan on paying up front, is that what some shops require? I remember a thread a while back where it was now one year since the shop took on the project. I certainly hope things work out for him.

I was told he wants the car for 4-6 weeks, 2 months tops. I can live with that.

Do most shops provide a written contract / estimate before work begins?
Click to expand...

On a restoration paint job it's typical to charge by the hour. You pay "X" amount of money and when the money runs out, you pay more or the work stops.

If you get a set price that's a red flag. No honest business man can offer a set price on a 40 year old car. Let's say you get a quote for $5000. Then he finds 20 hours worth of hidden damage or rust.....

20 hours x 50 dollars an hour is $1000.

Do you think he is going to eat that $1000? No way...... He is going to tell you he needs an extra $1000 or he is going to start cutting corners.

And on the time thing. Take the quoted amount of time and triple it.

Im in NW oregon and could paint your car but my price starts $35 an hour with a $10,000 minimum.

I can also put you in touch with some people I know in Oregon City. They charge $35 an hour and do incredible work. They (2 brothers own the business), will work on your car, 8-12 hours a day, 5-6 days a week until it's done.

None of this waiting around crap. Your car will be done correctly, to your specifications, and on time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top