How much was your paint job?

Will98D · 05-31-2002, 06:15 PM

Started asking around at bodyshops for estimates. I will deliver my no-rust 914 to them in epoxy primer. I want it cleaned, sanded in prep for paint, then painted chrome yellow to the standard of a clean daily driver, not show. The three guys I've spoken to all quoted basecoat/clearcoat: #1 = $1,600 - 2,000, #2 said $1,000, and #3 said #2,500. These prices are just for the color coat and would include the materials (PPG or Glasurit, so good quality). What kinds of experiences have people had, kind of paint used, how little can you spend to have a nice car that looks good but isn't designed to impress the judges?

Zeke · 05-31-2002, 09:03 PM

I do my own painting, so I probably won't be impressing any judges. But to me, the spraying is the easiest part. It's like a holiday dinner, 5 hours to prepare it and 15 minutes to eat it, then another hour to clean up.

The prep is what you pay for. Trust me, the shops will not take your prep for granted. the amount of time they spend fine tuning your prep will determine the price. If it was a matter of mask it and roll it in the booth, I wouldn't pay more than $750.

BTW, are you doing the under hoods and trunk walls iin the yellow? IF so, maybe a little more money. Paint and sealers for a 914 are about $125 for the exterior.

rdvnac · rdvnac's Garage

Will, I'll make you feel good really quickly. IME the kind of job you're talking about would cost almost twice as much in the Chicago area.

I have no painting skills, so in the past have turned down otherwise nice teeners for fear of instantly blowing the budget just to get a decent paint job.

BTW, I love yellow.

Post pics when you're done.

paulhagedorn · 06-01-2002, 02:44 PM

If you have the materials or a friend with them, I would try painting the trunks and engine compartment yourself.

Painting is really not that hard with today's paints.
I paid $1,000 for my paint job which was a color change. The guy fixed two defects in the body and painted the exterior and the door hinges.
I painted the trunks and engine compartment and took off everything from the car so that he could paint it. I also sanded it down for the most part, and let him give it the final prep.