Body panel repainting - cost?

[Paraphoe]

As some of you may remember, I got keyed by some ******* a few years back. They got me really bad, and it's never been the same. It looks like hell. I recently looked into getting my door panel repainted, along with the both front quarter panels, because where I did the fender trimming the paint is cracking. I want to make sure I seal up any cracks or "weak" spots where water can get in and cause premature rust and problems on my beloved beast.

Anyway, I was quoted $1400 for these 3 panels by a very good local body shop(they repainted my rear quarter panel after last winter's accident, and did a helluva job).

I'm just wondering, is this high for a good paint job? I know I can get it done cheaper, but I want a quality job, not some cheap job with no prep that's going to fall apart a few years down the road. I'm willing to drop the cash if I know this is a fair price for the work being done. Would just appreciate any input from the experts here.

Thanks guys.

 

[Joe Dirt]

For a good quality job? Not really. I sense that it's bugged you ever since it happened. You're rolling red, so that's more expensive paint too. I'd think that they would have at least an hour per panel to mix, fill, sand, and blend the body work if they have to fill the scratch. Then they have to mask, prime, paint, clear, then if included, wetsand and buff. I usually figure about $100/hour. So, I don't think it's ridiculous for a real shop.

I had gotten a quote to fix the rust on Shamrock a while back which was repainting the 2 rear quarters, and the rockers. Similar price for the prep and paint not including the body work.

You love that rig- make sure it's done right. This was a cheap fix done on my '91 SHO. I had to fix it, can you tell which section was "matched" and repainted by the hacks?

 

[vroomzoomboom]

jay, thats not really all to bad. just like joe said red is very expensive. add metallic, and it sky rockets. as well, if it is a good bodyshop, they will also blend into the next panel as well, so it will "trick" your eyes and you wont see it as much. i would say it would be about 4 or 5 hours for paint, and depending on the bodywork 5 hours. i would have to agree with joe at about $100 a hour. good example on material costs. i am fixing a 97 to sell right now. it is gold metallic. a pint of cheap paint, with no clear, ready to spray was $100. i would say the quote you got sounds about right.

 

[Paraphoe]

Alright, thanks guys. I suppose I should start saving up, then. Sucks to have to drop that much cash, but I love the truck too much to not take care of issues that could potentially lead to bigger problems down the road. Plus that scratch is driving me up the goddamn wall.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

Plus that scratch is driving me up the goddamn wall.

whatcha going to do if you go for a run threw the bush?

 

[Paraphoe]

Ain't no bush that's gonna rip through my clearcoat down into the topcoat, Tim! A rock, maybe, but if my door is hitting a rock, I'm either joining the rollover posse or out in Moab.