Is $2K reasonable to paint job?

[3000GTCSULB]

I have a 92 VR4 that I'm doing a 99 Conversion on.

Current color is Pearl White, I'd like to paint the outside of the car Toyota Pearl White. Brand new parts on car, small dings. All hardware and parts have been removed. No re-paint of jams or motors.

Is $2000 a reasonable amount for the paint job or is it higher?

I'll be looking for estimates when my victory hood comes in. In SoCal if that matters.

[j2k4]

Dunno.

I just shopped the same paint job you're looking at - no jambs or underhood, but with all the skirts, trim, antenna, mirrors, etc., stripped off.

The guy's work is stupendous; I've seen lots of examples - anyway, mine is Firestorm Red (kinda spendy), and the guy quoted me 4K, which I thought was pretty reasonable.

Like I say, though, the material price for red is totally stupid; I could probably do a color change exchanging the cost of the paint for the labor to pull the engine and interior, but I'd want it black, so that would be a bit more labor, too...

[Emilie@GZP]

That's cheap for a pearl paint job.

[Atrosity]

I am looking to spend around 2k for a black paint job.

[RL7]

Prices are very regional. In places with lots of cheap immigrant labor such as yours, prices are often much lower, but quality often is as well. Just shop around and try to see honest examples of their work. See a car that just dried if possible. Look closely at the paint for defects. Look for minimal orange peel. In a poor economy, even skilled painters are probably willing to give a lower price than they normally would. Just be suspicious of prices that seem unusually low- the proper materials are not cheap.

[Polygon]

That's cheap for a pearl paint job.

I've got to agree. Hell, if it's good work I would call that cheap for any paint job.

[tazman]

Prices are very regional. In places with lots of cheap immigrant labor such as yours, prices are often much lower, but quality often is as well.
Pretty bold statement about SoCal, with many negative assumptions...

Where are YOU located?

To the OP, $2K is pretty cheap for a complete show quality pearl paint job (if that's what you're looking for). If you've seen other cars they've worked on, and you're satisfied, go for it!

[Atrosity]

Pretty bold statement about SoCal, with many negative assumptions...

Frank, I agree with you on this one completely. It is a stereotypical assumption.

[RL7]

Pretty bold statement about SoCal, with many negative assumptions...

Where are YOU located?

To the OP, $2K is pretty cheap for a complete show quality pearl paint job (if that's what you're looking for). If you've seen other cars they've worked on, and you're satisfied, go for it!

I think you're misunderstanding. I meant nothing negative by that- it's just the way things work. I only made 2 assumptions with that post and I don't think either is negative: 1)There are more undocumented workers in Southern California than there are in most places, and 2)The auto-painting industry is not unusually well regulated in the area. If either of these is wrong, I apologize. I'm located in South Florida and I am in charge of a business down here, so I am somewhat acquainted with the economics of this sort of thing. Undocumented workers are often willing to work for significantly less money. That could translate to significantly less overhead for the shop and would allow them to complete a job for less. When I said the quality may be lower, I'm not saying that an immigrant will necessarily do a lesser quality job, but that if you, the customer, spend significantly less for a paint job, you will not expect as much and the shop will likely cut as many corners as it can to save costs and give you a minimally acceptable product. Even shops that are following the rules may be forced to cut corners to compete with the lower prices given by the shops that are not. There are many more factors that go into why a paintjob costs twice as much in one place as it does in another, but a large population of undocumented workers happens to be a pretty strong indicator. If you still think there are negative assumptions I am making, please let me know what they are so hopefully I can clarify.

I just noticed it doesn't show my location in my thing there, I'll have to try and fix that.

[CoopKill]

I have $1200 invested in the paint and took it to a shop with 95% of the body work done. Keep in mind it is a cheap shop, Macco.

I had all but the front bumper of and ready with the exception of final sanding. It still was $1800 for them to final sand, paint with my products, and re-assemble the car.

It needs to be cut and buffed still...

So, 2g's will get you a paint job, but not as detailed as you may want...

[ElDominio]

If it's Macco, kill them. Macco should even charge $3 for their paint jobs, they barely last two months...

[mb3000]

Maaco is garbage, worst quality I have ever seen.

[CoopKill]

You guys did see the part where I purchased and supplied my own paint? longevity does not apply n this instance...

They did a decent job spraying it, although I made them spray the clear all again do to fish eye...

[nosferatudracon]

Yes 2k is pretty cheap for a paint job. . But depending on the circumstances it might be an ok paint job. Just depends on what exactly it is that you're looking for.

[JeremyG]

$2k is cheap for a 3-stage (pearl) paintjob. I paid $3500 to a "friend" (also a pro painter) for my car (white with blue pearl on top, but no different than white with white pearl). There was a ton of bodywork in the rear quarter, though.. nearly completely re-built.

We're lookign for a shop to paint my son's 84 Blazer K5, and getting quotes anywhere from $1200 to $5000 for the same color (gunmetal grey metallic). There's almost no bodywork on this one, not a speck or rust and only 1 or 2 small dents.

[3000GTCSULB]

I haven't actually found a place or received quotes to paint the car. I was budgeting $2K for paint, but it seems that I may have to double that amount based on your guys estimates and prior experience. I'll keep you guys posted.

Specs of car:
92 VR4 - 55K Miles
99 Lights
99 Bumper
Victory Hood
Cianci Side Skirts
2nd Gen Bumper
99 Sail Panels
Ugly Interior.
Uglier Wheels.


Thanks.

[sak1782]

Check on a local car forum if you have one. There might be a guy or two who work at a body shop, and can give you a deal. I think 2k is a fantastic price, if the work is done well. Do you have to prep, or is that included?