Cost of a typical restoration (metal work body prep and paint)?

[Moparal]

I guess I will consider myself lucky.  I traded 2 69 superbee hoods with breathers to do my 70 barracuda and 1500 to do the challenger. Of corse I'm way out here in nowheresville. Where I have things done, we swap out trades. He's not a mechanic and does not like oil, I hate body work. We also swap out during slow periods and work on them during slow periods. Since my cars are not concorse show cars, I don't have to worry about rotisseries and such. Also I am lucky to have cars that need no metal replacement and no dents. I do pull all the bumpers, handle, chrome and stuff off for the guy. Thank goodness for easy country living. And my cars are painted in a paint booth too. Good to have friends and other skills, and to live in a part of the country where people make do with lower incomes. It just seems odd getting a 15/20k paint job for 318/challenger/Barracuda and such or even a A body and try to sell it right a way for no profit. In my opinion, everything doesnt need a high end full blown paint job just to go cruisin. Especially with the high cost of now adays prices. I posted this just for the conservitives, I realize many people want the best of the best and can't get enough horse power. I don't need first place, a thumbs up always feels good when riding around.

[71340RT]

I had my Cuda all primed and blocked when I asked a couple shops what they would spray and buff my car base clear coat. I was quoted $2,400 and $2,550 at 2 different shops. I ended up getting a shop to let me rent the paint booth for a weekend for $200.00. I bought all the base, clear, reducer, and hardener. My buddy worked there and helped me work out the deal in exchange for a 8 3/4 complete B-body rear end. The more work you can do on your own the more money you will save. Just keep in mind that paint and primer are going up in price all the time.

[matt63]

Two years ago I paid $1200 to have my black Demon wet sanded and polished after an ordinary paint job.  He said it should of cost $2000 because he spent 40 hours.  This was on top of $1600 in sheet metal and $3500 paint and bodywork.    It would probably be a bargain these days.  This was a backyard job.  The guy did the work in his garage and rented a paint booth for final paint.  The rent must be high as he always rushed the painting.

[72hemi]

The taillight panel you would have to find used. Not sure if anyone is reproducing the rear taillights yet. The grille is available reproduced but I have yet to see reproduction grille trim yet. The headlight buckets are available from places like PG Classic (done a lot of business with them good products) and the PG Classic also has the chrome headlight rings reproduced. The front valance and insert are available as is the front blinker assemblies that go in the front valance. I heard the repo grille was made from a different material and warps, but I have yet to confirm this. they run about 500 bucks and there is an ad in Mopar Collector Guide Monthly. Personally I would spend the 500 and make the neccessary modifications to make it fit then spend up to 5k for a perfect original. Good luck and I hope this helps.

[willhaven]

Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks.