Author Topic: Body Shops? (Read 2574 times)

WedgeHead · « **on:** April 17, 2002 - 07:17:40 PM »

If my Duster doesn't sell by August or September, I am considering restoring the body and interior. It won't be a numbers matching resto, since I would want to keep the 440, but just get it to look factory again.

I happened into a shop in town after work tonight that has a rotisarie, which a 73 Cuda was on. It's in a 4 bay shop, but doesn't have a paint booth. But it appears the cars are sprayed right in the shop.

Being that it is close to home and I don't own a car trailer or even a truck that could pull one, I am going to try and get in touch with the owner to ask some questions.

What type of questions should I ask to find out how good their work is and should I ask for reference customers that I can contact?

I don't know much about body and paint work, so any input is welcome!

Thanks in advance!

Rev-It-Up · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2002 - 07:45:19 PM »

Hey Wedge. Our Challenger has been in the body shop for a while now. I would definately ask for references. If they are any good, they will be happy to show their stuff off. Another thing to look for if they're painting without a booth...if there is a sand blasting cabinet anywhere near it...just say no!!

If your looking to save some money, ask them if there is any kind of work you can do yourself. Our hood needed to be totally stripped and the body guy said that it had to be done by hand because sand blasting (even with water) could warp the metal. Instead of paying the body guy $70 and hour to do a 20 hour job, my husband did it and saved a bunch of money. Turned out pretty good, too.

Laura

Dark Horse · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2002 - 10:52:58 PM »

definatelly check out there work, find out out there procedure for the work you want done,make sure its how you want it done, written estimates would be a must for all work and costs. And like rev said, if your willing to save a buck and do some of the prep work ask them what you can do, get estimates with/and with out your help so you can weigh the difference in cost.

70SassyGreenCuda · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2002 - 04:00:37 PM »

My family owned a shop for about 25 years and although we sold it a few years back there are few things that stick out in my mind when evaluating a shop.

Keep in mind that 75% of the quality in a paint job is in the prep (body work)...but the remaining 25% is the spraying!

Here are a few suggestions on what to look for:

- A downdraft spray booth...you can tell by the metal grates on the floor.
- A well lighted booth..bright white.
- Option to Bake or Oven to warm up the booth (if your in cold climates or painting in the winter...this will help the durability and quality of the finish, whether you have your car painted in single or two stage)
- Lastly....the paint shop should be spotless.

Good luck!

WedgeHead · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2002 - 10:18:20 PM »

Thanks for the tips all!

I shall put them to good use, should the Duster NOT sell!

I had one email today about it, so we'll see. Got a few months to go yet.

Anyways, this shop had 3 cars in a 4 bay all side by side.
NO paint booth, so I imagine there must be overspray onto other vehicles? Something I need to ask about, for sure!

Sandblasting was taking place, but outside. Didn't see any sandblasting booths.

Does a paint job have to be baked??? and why?

Thanks again! �

wmiller · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2002 - 11:43:07 AM »

The previous gentleman was correct. Great paint is 85% prep and 15% is knowing how to spray. Baking paint is a thing of the past. Just need enough heat in the booth to let the solvents flash off and for the paint to flow. Base Coat/Clear Coat has taken care of most of those problems.Temp & humidity also play a roll that is why manufacturers of paint supplies have many different thinners to mix with the color or clear coat. Some shops have remote/separate spray booths to prevent contamination--maybe that is why you didn't see the booth. Lots of questions you should ask:
1. What brand of material is used? Go with a recognized brand.
2. Do you do metal work or use mud? Stay clear away from mud shops.
3. Is there a warranty? Nothing worse than spending big bucks on a paint job to have it bubble through in a year or two.
4. How soon can I expect the job to be done? Get a finish date if you can and then stop and check up on them once in a while.
You should educate yourself as much as possible about the process. A good body man will recognize a rookie in a heartbeat and you stand a better chance of getting burned. Most job shops bread and butter is from insurance work and most folks can't afford that much money to come out of pocket. Consequently, special/custom jobs usually get relegated to the back burner. I used to be into Street Rods "bigtime" and have seen a lot of paint jobs that were very nice (translate that into "big bucks"). Had my first Hotrod painted by the "local legend" and was very much disappointed. Read, studied and practiced painting until I felt comfortable. Have done all my own painting since then. There is nothing magical or "VOODOO" involved with a nice paint job. Just make sure you have the right equipment, take your time, be safe and understand the process. Find a buddy that has some experience, kick back, have a couple cold ones and talk about the process. Become familiar with the "lingo" and you might find that most of this painting "big deal" is exactly not a big deal it is just understanding the steps and procedure. Hope this helps.

The Cuda Guy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2002 - 06:10:08 PM »

That is good adivce!!!

Semper Fi
The Cuda Guy

Author Topic: Body Shops? (Read 2574 times)

WedgeHead

Body Shops?

Rev-It-Up

Re: Body Shops?

Dark Horse

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70SassyGreenCuda

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WedgeHead

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wmiller

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The Cuda Guy

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