HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pay?

[Robert K.]

I'm sure it depends on where you live for the cost to paint a vette. Well I had prices from $2700.00 to $16,000. So I decided to go with the $2700.00. From what I read $2000.00 is normal for a paint job and they wanted to charge an additional $700.00 for body work. GREAT except now after signing the proposal the father in law says it's not enough to do the car. So they came back with a new proposal of $5800.00. Saying they need to hnd strip the body to the fiberglass 30 hrs; body work 40hrs; 20hrs block and prime; 30hrs of refinishing and 30hrs now new price is $5800.00.

Body has a little crazing around the windshield, and one spot size of a quarter that needs repair. It has the original paint.

question:
1) Is the first proposal in line or the second proposal?
2) Is the second price out of line with the hours involved?
3) do they need to sand the car down to bare fiberglass?
4) Need some direction; any advice out there?

[Dick W.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

Research the archives Robert. There are lengthy threads on cost and techniques. $5,800 is a very reasonable price for a driver paint job. Show quality can go over $20k.

I do not think that any reputable body shop would repaint a car over 45 year old paint. If they did, I am sure if problems arose, the paint manufacturer would not stand behind the materials.

[Rick S.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

I know 2 well known restoration shop owners in the Detroit area and they would charge 12 to 16k to strip and repaint a midyear Corvette. The old saying "You get what you pay for" is especially true when it comes to painting a Corvette. It is not like painting a metal body car. To answer question #3, without a doubt. I would investigate this shop and any others very thoroughly, asking for photos, references and to see previous jobs in person. The price quoted, in my mind, seems like a Earl Shieb job.
Just my .02

Rick

[Jean C.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

Robert,
Another thing to consider is what are your plans for the car. If you want a paint job that will take minimum deducts on NCRS exterior judging, you are likely not getting it at the $5800 estimate. If you are painting a driver and do not mind taking the points deducts when and if it is judged, you may can get by with the job that has been quoted.

Search the TDB on this subject; heed what Rick and Dick have stated. You may want to find out if anyone in the Carolinas Chapter is familar with your paint shop. Your painter is more than likely going to turn out a paint job that is way more flashy and is inconsistent with what was originally done by GM. You certainly can't ask too many questions before selecting a shop to do the work.

Best regards,

[Robert K.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

Yes that is another question I should have mentioned go back with original paint or with the new base and clear coat?

[Dick W.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

Robert, if the car is to be primarily a driver, I would not consider anything but modern paints, just be prepared to take a points hit if you have it judged

[Timothy B.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

If this car has a nice body and original paint, my suggestion is to STOP and consider taking the car to a person that specializes in corvette paint work and has a excellent reputation. Don't do any work to the body that's not necessary, (block out body waves, try to fit doors perfect etc.)

If this is your first paint job why not carefully take the brightwork off so you can get involved.. This will give you a chance to learn about your car.

If you are not careful here you can mess up a nice original car so learn and ask questions FIRST from people in local NCRS who have nice cars and have done the same. Then decide what's best

I am sure that body shop is just getting started with price increases and if hours estimated don't equal $$$ agreed upon expect a flat rate type of job and not a good experience for you..

[Steven B.]

Re: HELP! Need and expert opinion on painting a 1964 roadster, how much should you pa

Robert, the previous comments are all very good and accurate. Check previous posts. Check out other Corvettes the shop has done for a similiar price. If they have not done any, I would look around some more..... Also, check out non-Corvettes they have painted and talk to the owners. No matter what the price it is alot of money to only be dissatisfied later.

About 1980 I had a good friend, and Auburn-Cord-Duesy restorer and restorer of his own '54 Corvette, paint '77 Corvette. It was a very nice street paint job, sanding and prep over original paint. He did it for $3,000 then and I got alot for my money fo the work he did.

Steve