Even when doing it yourself, materials aren't cheap. To do it properly
requires coating the car up to 10 times (if not more). Of course this all
depends on the painting system you are using.
1-etching primer (for bare metal)
3-"fill-n-sand" (wetsand for good finish)
1-sealer
2-basecoat
3-clearcoat (this can vary depending on desired finish)
All this adds up and with the cost of paint and primer, can add up to easily
over $500 (if your lucky).
Get the best you can afford.
Nruff
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Porter <drrebob@usnetway.com>
To: Michael Tarelka <mtarelka@home.com>; <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2000 6:30 AM
Subject: Re: Paint Job Expense
>
> Michaelo Trealka wrote:
>
> > I was wondering what your experience is with painting a Roadster. How
> > much did you pay and what steps did you take to insure a good job.
> > Lastly, is there some Guru, with paint ability, that you would
> > reccommend?
> >
> > My last paint experience was $39.95 in 1966.
> >
> > Thanks in Advance
> >
> > Michael Tarelka
> > Alameda, CA
>
> Michael:
>
> It all depends on what you expect for a finished product (are you simply
> trying to avoid embarrassment for driving a beater or are you looking to
> show the car?), and how much work you're willing to do yourself. You can
> start by asking around for a reputable body shop (NOT one that advertises
> the $39.95, specials!), take the car in, and get two estimates:
> 1) If they do the whole shebang, which can range from $800 - $1200 on up,
> depending on how much body work needs to be done; and
> 2) What they would charge to do the finish coat if you do most of the prep
> work yourself. If you're at all handy, and the car doesn't need serious
> body work or rust repair, then you can get a book on auto refinishing, buy
a
> pack of assorted sandpaper, sandable primer, body putty and some bondo for
> small dents, take off all the chrome, lights, insignia, and get ready to
put
> a lot of elbow grease into it. You can rent a compressor and spray gun
when
> you need to apply the primer. (Be sure you check with the paint shop as
to
> which primer(s) to use, as everything has to be compatible with the finish
> coat. Test your sprayer skills with some old sheets of cardboard, and
don't
> be afraid--primer is very forgiving stuff, dries fast and can be applied
in
> amounts ranging from small spots to the whole car.) Once you get into it,
> you will understand why a good paint job is expensive. It's extremely
time
> consuming, more art than science, and if done well, the hardest part is
> undetectable when completed.
>
> Good luck
>
> Bob (no, that's not polish on my fingernails!) Porter
> Harrisburg PA
>
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