2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission My 97 needs a makeover, shops in phoenix?

[GrantP]

After 10 years and 125k, my paint has peeled completely off the top of the cab, the hood is not far behind, dash is cracked in multiple places, and the drivers seat is torn again (my wife is tired of sewing it back together). I'm not about to sell this truck, mechanically it's the most reliable I've ever had. Cosmetically, it's the ugliest. I don't want to waste money on 500 dollar paint jobs that look horrible in 6 months, I'm wondering if anyone has had good experience with a paint/body shop in the phoenix area that does quality work. Price is secondary, I want it done right. Same goes for an interior shop, I need the seats reupholstered, new carpet, new dash.



If you've had a positive experience with anyone in the area, please let me know. Thank you.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Make sure they strip it down to bare metal before re-painting.

 

[SHobbs]

Grant,



Stock Interiors | Your Auto Carpet, Car Carpet, Automotive Carpet Experts

Auto Interior and Upholstery--Leather Seat Covers & Molded Carpets



I want mine painted and it seems that Driftwood is a bear to paint for some. Herad its a little tricky

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Grant,



Stock Interiors | Your Auto Carpet, Car Carpet, Automotive Carpet Experts

Auto Interior and Upholstery--Leather Seat Covers & Molded Carpets



I want mine painted and it seems that Driftwood is a bear to paint for some. Herad its a little tricky

I had my Driftwood re-painted and they did an excellent job. There were a dozen or so “Driftwoods”, the shop had samples, and I just picked the one I wanted. See Photo Gallery.

Like I already said, make sure they strip it before painting. More $$ but the primer is the reason they peel. There are many threads on “peeling paint”.

 

[DLane]

Didn't Dodge have a recall on some colors for the second gens regarding bad paint?. They fixed my 95, painted the hood and fenders. Maybe it was just my dealer do not recall exactly.

 

[SHobbs]

I had everything but the roof painted in 02 due to some body repairs. It was not matched worth a you know what. You can compare the doors to the roof and it is plain to see it aint right. The dealer also painted around all the moldings and badges on the doors also painted around the dually fender on passenger side which all of that is startin to peel. The color they did looks almost silver and it does not change colors like the Driftwood does. They would honor the paint on the doors and fender but that the rest was correct and they would not redo everything. I kept after them and got nowhere, trying other avenues as of late.



I really like the Driftwood color, the way it changes colors or appears to is great. I have found a couple of places that will paint it, starting from a full strip down with a little added metal flake like I want. Will be costly but I don't care as long as its right.

 

[GrantP]

I'm not terribly fond of the driftwood color, it's not unattractive, but for pure utility I'd prefer a pure white. Unfortunately to do the color change correctly would mean painting the inner fenders, firewall, door jams etc which would drive up the cost dramatically. If I went the color change route, things like a quad cab swap come to mind. And while I'm at it, dump the auto for a NV5600... $$$$ So... to keep this from getting out of control I'm ok with keeping the existing color. Just hoping to find someone who's had a good experience with a local body shop. The few times I've had body/paint work done on any of my vehicles, I've always been disappointed with the quality of the work performed.



SHobbs - Have you used those vendors you posted? If so, I'm assuming you were satisfied with the product?



Thanks,

Grant

 

[CSnyder]

Grant, I wish you lived closer to Iowa! I would be happy to help you get it done.

 

[GrantP]

CSnyder - Your post makes me wonder why there's not a list of "member preferred" vendors anywhere on the tdr. Seems like a simple directory would do, only members could post their suggestions and experiences with shops... liability I suppose?



Anyway, I don't have any plans to visit Iowa any time soon, but thanks.

 

[Ahopper]

im looking for the same thing. my clear coat has just started to peel on the bed that was repainted for body damage from the preivious owner. my dash is also crack d@mn az heat.

 

[SHobbs]

Grant,



I have not used them, yet. I am planning on new carpet with dynamat underneath next year. I found those companies in my search a few weeks ago.