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MG MGA - Paint cost

I have had a few estimates to repaint my 58 roadster from a low of $2,000 to a high of over $10,000. The low price scares me and the high price is simply unaffordable.

That being said, I do have an experienced resto shop that will perform the required panel and body preparation including rear fender dog leg patches and any needed spot filler, etc. This price includes removal of doors, fenders, front valance, bonnet and boot for painting. Total price at $5800.

I realize that paint prices are all over the board, but is this in line with any of you who have had their cars repainted lately?

Fran
F Valenzano

What about replacing the rocker covers - if the dog legs on the rear wings are in need of repair, the rockers / sills will almost certainly need replacement (patching them is a waste of time)
dominic clancy

Fran,
That price seems about right to me. Just be aware that once the job is underway more problems may be uncovered which will add to the final cost. You can not be sure how much work is required until all potential problem areas are exposed.

Ed Bell

FWIW. I took an autobody class at adult education. Once I saw the instructor (he runs a body shop for a living) tune the paint gun, I decided to let him do the painting. I didn't have a clue what he was doing nor did I have the equipment. I asked him to treat this as though it was his own car. Paint costs were approximately $ 1,000. (US). He charged me $ 2,000. for labor to paint everything. He applied tinted bedliner to the underside for maximum protection. See if you can hook up with something similar where you are. Best of luck.

Lmazoway

My father just got his 1961 VW beetle painted by a pro shop for $6000. This included any body work that needed to be done and all prep and reassembly. This was in Ohio.

I painted my MGA myself - mostly to save money and get the experience from having done it, so I can't really comment on the outsourcing cost. But, a VW would be similar I think - so is in line with the $5800 you got quoted.

JIM in NH
AJ Mail

From what I am reading, it is difficult to know if this shop is charging market rate for the body work and paint job. That said, I did call three previous customers who had work done at the same shop. All 3 gave stellar reviews.

The shop creates a DVD of the car from the moment it arrives at their shop and throughout the entire process to completion. They will provide a DVD to me as a matter of record...nice touch.

As far as the rockers are concerned, they are in excellent shape. The rear fenders were purchased off another car, and the dogleg patch has nothing to do with my car's condition. FYI - I am replacing my 4 after market fiberglass fenders with steel as part of the resto project.
F Valenzano

Are your fenders off yet? if not there can be a lot of rust hidden. This is a picture of an almost rustfree original car. It will need the rockers pulled to fix the rust inside.
Too little work done is work wasted.
I personally feel that short of a frameoff most restorations aren't complete. The pictured car will be restored after I retire.

R J Brown

This thread was discussed between 02/08/2010 and 03/08/2010

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