Normal body prep cost? (TX)

[will69camaro]

I know it varies by area, but what are you guys spending in the way of body prep. How much more to shoot paint?

I had all the rusty panels replaced by a reputable shop locally in Houston but they dont do paint work, just metal work. I now need a shop to go into the blocking/sanding/priming of the car. The roof seams need to be filled, small dents/highs/lows need to be worked out (minor filling/primer/etc).

How many hours do most that have had body work done have in the prep? How much over that to paint?

Trying to work out how much I need to set aside for that and how much I can spend on other bits/pieces. I was hoping to get away with $6-8k for the remaining body work to get it INTO paint. As said all metal work is completed, just going forward from there. It will be solid Hugger orange primarily with a black tail panel. Many of the panels are NEW (entire rear of the car, quarters, tailpanel, rear filler, trunk as well as the hood).

Does this sound reasonable ($6-8k)? I'm not looking for showcar but I expect it to be nice. At this point I'll have $15-20k in the body alone (including minitub) after expected cost in paint.

Thanks for the assistance!
William

[Musclerodz]

You can probably find someone to do a decnt job for that number but I would look very carefully and lots of refrences. Just because metal has been replaced, it does not end there if gaps have to be worked, and hammer dolly work and such. That can be several thousand alone. We figure 250-300 hours once we have roughed one in through color sand and buff on a camaro.

[will69camaro]

Front end needs gapping I'm sure but again not looking for showcar. Doors to quarter and rocker as well as trunk lid are already done. I will get references for sure.

[BBC71Nova]

You can probably find someone to do a decnt job for that number but I would look very carefully and lots of refrences. Just because metal has been replaced, it does not end there if gaps have to be worked, and hammer dolly work and such. That can be several thousand alone. We figure 250-300 hours once we have roughed one in through color sand and buff on a camaro.

This is timely post as I've been contemplating the same. The estimates are all over the map. A lot of that is understandable too. I'd think the 80/20 rule certainly applies. That is, that last 20% towards perfection is 80% of the cost of one of those high end jobs.

Then again, I kinda think it is a sellers market on this type of thing. Most shops won't touch an old car. They'd rather turn smaller insurance jobs and such.

So 250-300 hrs at what hourly rate? 50$, 100$? That's a lot of jack.

[will69camaro]

This is timely post as I've been contemplating the same. The estimates are all over the map. A lot of that is understandable too. I'd think the 80/20 rule certainly applies. That is, that last 20% towards perfection is 80% of the cost of one of those high end jobs.

Then again, I kinda think it is a sellers market on this type of thing. Most shops won't touch an old car. They'd rather turn smaller insurance jobs and such.

So 250-300 hrs at what hourly rate? 50$, 100$? That's a lot of jack.

Yep I can understand that. We have a few places around here that are reputable old car restoration places. I know originally they said it would be a 15-20k job (paint/body/metal work). Well now I knocked out a lot of the metal issues so we'll see what they have to say when I get back from my work trip.

[tmadden]

I have just what you need. Shop here locally that can take care of you.

[FlameBroiled]

I too will agree with the 250-300hrs +, for a complete paint job. The hours will climb fast based on the quality level you want. Your 10 may be my 7??? Just saying.

All and all those numbers are not that bad when you consider its about 2000-2500 hrs for a average complete restoration. Its funny how many hours we can put in when its afterwork out in the garage.

Good luck, take your time and find the right fit. And stay on top of them or it will get away on you.

[will69camaro]

Yea as said I want it nice but this car will see the track (drag and road course). I dont want it so nice that I'm afraid to drive it. Let me know on the body shop locally. I know of a few.

Didn't realize it was 250-300 hours in body prep/paint. I can see how that will add up QUITE fast if that's the case.

[Rick D]

What Mike said, if you want it to look nice and last you will be well into the teens for body and paint. Can you get a decent job for 10k sure but it will take twice as long and in the end you go nuts bugging them to finish. Find a shop or someone on the side to do the work, get references and drop by with out them knowing your coming, look at what's in there. Then go back a few weeks later or a month or two and see how much has been completed on those car that where in the shop before. If the progress looks good and they work looks good you may have a shop you can work with.

You should also set dead lines for the shop, just as at my shop, we worked on how much money you gave, once that was used up the customers would have to bring more or no work would be done. We would tell them this much would be completed by this date and we would have it done. Tell them to put it in writing what will be done and when i did. This works well for both party's as it keeps the money coming to the shop and it keeps you car moving along getting worked on.

Another thing to look for is an open door policy, if hey don't want you to stop by unannounced then don't bring it to them.

Loooong answer to your question is yes you can get it done for the price range but make sure to do your do diligence!

[will69camaro]

Thanks for the help so far. If it takes more to paint than I mentioned I'll just have to spend a little more I guess. Really want the car done RIGHT rather than cheap.

Pics of current shape. All front metal has been repaired or is new (hood)

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-vn89t7T/0/L/DSC01735-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-PjkgnxC/0/L/DSC01738-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-D83SBBS/0/L/DSC01734-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-QhVG6Bt/0/L/DSC01743-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-xmdgfmD/0/L/DSC01733-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-XX834tz/0/L/DSC01737-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-kFJqnM9/0/L/DSC01736-L.jpg

William

[randy]

a true body or paint guy wont touch it. If everything isnt done right his rep is on the line. He cant be known to produce half ass work.


I would rather pay 13k for a paint job that i know is perfect and will last than 7 or 8k that will look "ok" for 5 years or so

[will69camaro]

Won't touch it for the price? As said that's fine. I'm only asking. If it takes 20k to get it where I want I'll do it. Just have to save longer. This is my first car and will be with me always so I care more about getting it "right."

I met my now fiancé due to this car. I was the only guy her dad would even let near the house!!! (chevy guy)

I've had the car 15 of my 28 years of existence :)

[randy]

goodluck. My build is going from a year build to a 2 or 3 so i can have it done once. I cant wait and im sure you cant either

[will69camaro]

I've been building this car for probably 4-5 years. Just work gets in the way as I'm constantly out of town. I'm posting now from Mobile (live in Houston). Came here for a 5 day trip that turned into 7 weeks. I get back to Houston for a couple weeks then headed to Israel for a month.

My goal is to build the car one time and do it RIGHT. I'm also adamant about paying cash for everything on the car I do. I had to save up for 3 months to get the metal the car needed after blast. After that it was another 7 months to get the cash together and find a reputable shop that I could trust for the metal work.

That's been about 6 months or so back now (I think, time flies). I should have the remaining cash for the paint (price depending) by end of this month to start of next.

I dont expect this car to be completed for another 1.5-2 years. As said though, it's easy for me. If I need to take a break, I know I will never sell the car so I'll just park it and save or work on something else.

William

[John510]

What brand of paint do you want? Dupont? Spies? Candy?

Materials alone will be a huge part in a paint quote. What color do you want the car? The color will affect the price as well due to the amount of body prep. A white car will have a lot less blocking than a black car.

Id also advise going to quite a few shows and ask people who painted their car. You will see paint jobs all over the map. Find one you like and get the painters #



Oh and one more thing. DO NOT PAINT BEFORE TRIAL ASSEMBLY/FITMENT !!!! I made this mistake and Im kicking my own ass everyday. It added more money onto my build because I have had to repaint stuff twice.

Build whole car, prep, tear apart, paint, then reassemble whole car.

[will69camaro]

I could use advice on paint type as well. Dupont/PPG? I'm going to be going back with the original color (hugger orange). No stripes, black tail panel.

One of the painters that I am going to go check out when I return home sent me a breakdown of what his typical restoration paint job includes. Several rounds of blocking/primering and fit/assembly.

[LSX67]

a true body or paint guy wont touch it. If everything isnt done right his rep is on the line. He cant be known to produce half ass work.


I would rather pay 13k for a paint job that i know is perfect and will last than 7 or 8k that will look "ok" for 5 years or so

I am a true body and paint guy(25yrs) and would love to do this car. I am doing a complete build for a customer w/ a new body and the gaps were the worst I had ever seen. We put it together and took it apart 3 times before painting. The car is black so everything has to be perfect. If you can't find anybody in Huston to do your car send me a message, we are not to far away from each other. I can give references and give a lifetime warranty on paint.

[sleepertime]

It looks like the car is coming along great. I am in the progress of a complete build similar to yours. Camaro Concepts did a great job on the metal work now it is up to me for the rest of it. I spent about six years doing paint and body work for a living when I was much younger, but it is much more fun now working on my own car with more patience and money now. It is absolutely amazing how many hours can be spent being more of a perfectionist compared to the old days of "just get it done!" :thumbsup:

[Z10ROD]

I'm in Texas although North of houston a little I can prefit fix all lines and paint 50 hr. depends on how much body work panel repair to make everything fit. I use PPG DELTRON 2000 base and PPG 2002 clear

[randy]

I'm in Texas although North of houston a little I can prefit fix all lines and paint 50 hr. depends on how much body work panel repair to make everything fit. I use PPG DELTRON 2000 base and PPG 2002 clear

this is where my car is being done.

[tmadden]

What brand of paint do you want? Dupont? Spies? Candy?

Materials alone will be a huge part in a paint quote. What color do you want the car? The color will affect the price as well due to the amount of body prep. A white car will have a lot less blocking than a black car.

Id also advise going to quite a few shows and ask people who painted their car. You will see paint jobs all over the map. Find one you like and get the painters #



Oh and one more thing. DO NOT PAINT BEFORE TRIAL ASSEMBLY/FITMENT !!!! I made this mistake and Im kicking my own ass everyday. It added more money onto my build because I have had to repaint stuff twice.

Build whole car, prep, tear apart, paint, then reassemble whole car.

Amen brother

[StCustoms]

There are a lot of factors to take in. A good body man is important and there are a few things that have been said that is really great advice. Body work is the base for any good paint job! Then make sure they refit all the panels. We use Sherwin-Williams Paint and the cost of your supplies and paint is a huge factor as well. You only want to do it once that is for sure. An open door policy is important...just allows for a unexpected visit and see what progress is really being done. The Hugger Orange is an expensive color. I would say definitely more into the $15K+ for a good shop with a warrenty.

[igoslow]

These guys should be able to give you an estimate...

http://www.st-autobody.com/

free plug for my buddy helping me with my car :D

[cwylie]

Why is hugger orange so expensive?

There are a lot of factors to take in. A good body man is important and there are a few things that have been said that is really great advice. Body work is the base for any good paint job! Then make sure they refit all the panels. We use Sherwin-Williams Paint and the cost of your supplies and paint is a huge factor as well. You only want to do it once that is for sure. An open door policy is important...just allows for a unexpected visit and see what progress is really being done. The Hugger Orange is an expensive color. I would say definitely more into the $15K+ for a good shop with a warrenty.

[Revved]

I'll throw in the plug for PPG. Every high quality painter that I know shoots PPG and the results are telling. Not to say there that some of the other systems aren't good... as long as you stick with a quality product it is more about the painter than the system. I have seen repetitive issues with Dupont.. especially the clear. It gets a cottage cheese reflection that you can cut and buff out but it comes right back after sitting in the sun.

250-300 hours for final body prep on a high end paint job is probably average of for a good shop to fit all of the panels on a stock bodied car, make adjustments, set all of your body gaps, fit windshield moldings and body parts as needed, prep, primer, block, and paint your car. The result of your final finish will depend greatly on the prep, and blocking. Cut corners on blocking out the body and you will have a clarity in the reflection and no matter how much you spent on the car it will be diminished by what will appear to be a cheap paint job. Average body rate across the country for custom body shops is going to be around $65/hr. If you are lucky to find a good shop that will do it for their collision work door rate expect to pay around $45 an hour. Figure at least another $2500 for paint and body supplies. So given a good quality shop that is going to be fair with you expect to pay between $15,000 to $20,000 from where you are right now.

[will69camaro]

Car is mostly through paint finally. Been in the paint shop for going on 7 months. He's done good about sticking with the original quote, car is being buffed/cut right now. He still has undercoat (lizard skin) and paint interior/cage, engine bay and tail panel.

Looking at ~$8-9k still for the paint/body work. That is aside from the metal work and the gapping that was already done (door bottom/rear and trunk). He ended up blocking the car 5 separate times to make sure it was perfectly straight. Put the color coat and 3 clear coats on it, let it cure and wetsanded with 800 and put 3 more coats of clear on it.

Going to go see it this weekend. Hoping to have it back together this weekend or next week so I can bring the car back home and start to play with it myself!

William

[tubbed69]

Car is mostly through paint finally. Been in the paint shop for going on 7 months. He's done good about sticking with the original quote, car is being buffed/cut right now. He still has undercoat (lizard skin) and paint interior/cage, engine bay and tail panel.

Looking at ~$8-9k still for the paint/body work. That is aside from the metal work and the gapping that was already done (door bottom/rear and trunk). He ended up blocking the car 5 separate times to make sure it was perfectly straight. Put the color coat and 3 clear coats on it, let it cure and wetsanded with 800 and put 3 more coats of clear on it.

Going to go see it this weekend. Hoping to have it back together this weekend or next week so I can bring the car back home and start to play with it myself!

William

good luck with it Will,hopefully its coming home

[Rick D]

Wow 8k-9k for what he did is a smokin deal!!! Car looks great Will!!

[will69camaro]

Well it was 8-9k and 3 months initially. He's more than doubled the time it's taken him and been a pain to stay on his ass to work on it.

Hasn't been the best experience, so just hoping at this point it turns out as well as the work I've seen that he's done in the past.

Just ready to have the car back at my house. I'm coming up on the 1yr anniversary of taking my car to the shop...

[cwylie]

I would love to see how it turns out as well. I am building a Hugger Orange 69 as well.

[will69camaro]

You can see updates on the paint in my build thread on here. Should be more pictures coming this weekend hopefully!

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=28470&highlight=restomod

William