2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission That's gunna leave a mark

[Jeff L]

Gettin' estimates to repaint the ol' Dodge ('96 2500 4x4). Low numbers are runnin' 3K, high numbers over 5K. So far the higher numbered estimates are gettin' my nod, as they are saying all the right things (soda blast, prime, block sand, and in one instance a lifetime warranty on the paint).

Lotta cabbage, but it's now or never, and I think the ol' plug has quite a few years/miles left in 'er.

I know exactly zip 'bout body work or paint, any experts, or enthusiasts in the crowd?

 

[Bob4x4]

90 % of getting it done right is the prep.

 

[Jeff L]

"90 % of getting it done right is the prep. "

-Bob4x4

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I have to rely on others to even know what that entails. Shop "A" (lower number) sounded okay, 'til shops "B", "C", and "D" started weighin' in. Huge differences in their approaches as to how to do the job. Shop "A" works around things like glass, door handles, etc. Shop "B", removes handles, but not glass, shops "C", and "D" strip 'er naked as a new born, then start to work on the body.

I'm learnin', and like most things in life, it seems ya get what ya pay for. But *whoooooeeeee*, 5k is BIG number (to me).

 

[GrantP]

It depends on what you can live with. You already know that shops C & D are the ones that can bring it back to showroom condition. If you can overlook tape marks, orange peel, and overspray for $2k savings then the other shops will be fine. IMHO, the pain of looking at a subpar paint job will linger much longer than the extra $2k to do it right. That 12V will last a long time, put a paint job on the truck to match....my .02.

 

[Jeff L]

Can't do anything but agree with your comments.

Makin' arrangements to blow the big wadda cabbage. Sure hope their work is as good as their talk. The lifetime warranty on their work, and the paint is what's sticking in the front of my mind. Do it once, do it right.

 

[RVTRKN]

My FIL had a cheap Earl Scheib paint job on their Mercury, I don't think they even sanded the old paint. Yes, prep is where the real work is done and the old saying is you get what you pay for. I have a one man shop (with a helper) do all of my body work and painting. I used to work on paint booth furnaces, that is another thing to consider, the paint booth should be set up properly to keep clean air with a correct temperature and positive pressure while painting. You would be surprised to find out a lot of paint booths have mechanical issues or the furnaces don't work.

 

[Jeff L]

".......another thing to consider, the paint booth should be set up properly to keep clean air with a correct temperature and positive pressure while painting."

-RVTRKN

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Thanks!

As stated, I know squat 'bout this process.
I won't claim to be an expert when this is completed, but I'll know a whole lot more than I did before. In my fifties, and been fortunate enough to have never required body shop services. One lesson has been learned already - it's not something to make a habit of (dangerous to the finances).

 

[RVTRKN]

I doubt the Painter is going to give you a tour of his paint booth and point out the issues. Its more of a reference when picking your painter, all you have to do is look to see if their equipment looks up to date and have a clean shop, thats a good clue.

 

[EDankievitch]

I've seen really poor shops poorly kept that is do some awesome work and some really nicely kept shops do poor work. Talk with the customers get referals look at other jobs they have done. One shop here in PortJeff did an awesome job on my Step daughter's car. It looked better than when she bought it. When I messed up my 05's pass door their work left much to be desired. had to go back a few times and was never really happy with it. and the Ins co paid top dollar for the repair. Do your home work and you'll be happy. As they say 99% of the job is in the prep work your perp work starts with shopping around and doing your homework.