Cheap Paint Jobs

[Jake Latham]

Hi everybody -

A question: I have talked to folks in the past (and if I could remember who, I'd ask them), who say they've had their cars repainted by students, (at vocational schools of some sort, or something?), where they got the work done for free, and they just had to pay for the materials used painting the car.

Does that ring a bell with anybody, or is this a creation of my own?

If so, anybody have any suggestions beyond the $500 Maaco drive-it-through-without-cleaning-off-the-bugs approach?

This would be for my '92 Civic Beater, which is a bit of a standout eyesore in the parking lot at work, which is populated mostly by cars built by guys named Hans and Franz.

-Jake

[jhadler]

Jake,

As it turns out, I'm getting my Volvo wagon repainted this month. Got hit hard in the windstorms a few weeks ago, and drove through a cloud of rocks at 60 mph. Anyway, I'm going to be giving my car to a fellow who works at one of the big body shops in boulder, but he and his son run a biz on the side as well.

Quoted me $1500 bumper to bumper. I'll let you know how it goes....

I got a quote for $1800 from Maaco, but I don't really trust Maaco... No first hand experience, but a lot of folks have told me theirs...

-Josh2

[PaulL]

I've heard stories about vocational schools, too. I don't have one to recommend, but you might just try calling a community college to get some leads.

Also, Maaco and Earl Schieb probably have some $250 specials.

[Tom Hunsinger]

Maaco did my Miata and while it doesn't look like a $2000 job, it cost a lot less than that ($800 including a lot of dent and ding fixing). I got a little overspray and they sprayed the wheel wells black to cover other over spray. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall look. It was only in the shop for a couple of days too.

[R. Makino]

I would not say that all Maaco paint jobs are bad. I have seen some of the $299 paint specials. They have alot of over spray and they will just about paint everything from trim pieces, mirrors, window scrapers, and window rubber but the overall paint that they lay is pretty good(no large orange peels or fish eyes).
I think if you can do some of the prep work(remove trim and tape stuff you don't want painted) you will be pleased with the results.
A co worker of mine had a 50 something Ford wagon daily driver painted by Maaco. He did the final color sand and buff and the car looks great. Granted its not going to win "Best of paint" but it looks better than alot of the OE finishes.

Rei Makino

P.S.
I've heard the Maaco just south of C470 on Santa Fe does the best "cheap" paint jobs.

[Tom Hunsinger]

P.S.
I've heard the Maaco just south of C470 on Santa Fe does the best "cheap" paint jobs.

That is where I had the Miata painted.

[EGbeater]

This would be for my '92 Civic Beater, which is a bit of a standout eyesore in the parking lot at work

-Jake

Whoa, careful there, you're about 2 letters away from copyright infringement. :p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/hsunchen/EGbeater%20gets%20an%20exhaust/EGbeater_rearview_after.jpg (http://photobucket.com/)

Back on topic, I'll say that I did not have a great experience having Maaco in Boulder paint my old CRX. And yes, I did all my own prep work, delivered the car with the tailights, bumper lens, turn signal lens, lower side body panels, etc. removed, and I tipped the painter $40 when I dropped it off.