Fuck me right?

"Bandit" (2bandit) 01/08/2014 at 19:19 • Filed to: emma

4

100

The bodyshop guy called today told me he doesn't want to paint my car anymore and he will be returning the car tomorrow to me with no work done. I also get the benefit of paying for the return tow. I delivered the car to him in early November and he has had it since then. I now have to go around and find someone willing to paint it for less than $6,000 (where most of the other quotes were). I really don't want to take it to Maaco and get a shit quality job. I really have no idea what I'm going to do about bodywork and paint. I guess my new plan is to get the damn thing driving (needs an oil change, trans fluid, and a driveshaft) and drive it around without a bumper cover, hood, and fenders to bodyshops getting quotes. Eventually I need to get an exhaust put on as all I currently have installed are long tube headers. I also need to find an uncracked front windshield, install my new side windows, install my new radiator and electric fans, and re-install the interior. I'm just pissed beyond belief. Any suggestions on what the hell I'm suppose to do now?

Edit: Just a thought, what if I plastidipped the whole thing? Can I get a nice black plastidip job (one that doesn't have a bumpy texture)? I've not really looked into it, but plastidip looks like a decent "short term" solution. How long does it last?

Another edit: Anyone ever painted a car themselves? Is it hard to get good results? The only equipment I have is a 60gal air compressor.

GhostZ > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:21

0

Is it possible you can paint it yourself? Are you planning to stay the same color, or change? If you're staying the same color, and you have a garage, it may take more time but you could probably do it a lot cheaper with the right equipment.

deadpedal > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:23

5

plastic sheets, shovel, 200lbs of lime is a start...

It's a "Porch-uh" > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:24

2

No reason why he's not painting it?

Either way, what an asshole.

Raphael Orlove > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:24

4

oh dude, that sucks. I remember when I was turned away from two body shops in a row with the Bug. I ended up finding a shop that would take the car the next day, if that gives you any hope.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > deadpedal 01/08/2014 at 19:30

1

Pig farm is probably quicker and less work.

KB Garage > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:30

2

Why? Did he give a reason? And do you have the ability to pull it with a dolly to the shops?

Manuél Ferrari > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:30

0

that sucks :(

i don't have any good ideas. but sorry it happened

StoneCold > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:31

0

Holy hell is that unfair. I'm looking for a place to do painting and body work now for the Mustang, but looks like I might end up doing it myself and learning the hard way (I have the paint guns but I have to buy a bigger air compressor, but eh). If it goes well, what the hell, you should bring yours (hopefully it's running) up here in Chicagoland and see what we can do. XD lol

Bandit > GhostZ 01/08/2014 at 19:31

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I am going gloss black. Currently part of the car is blurple other parts are primer, there are some dents, and a little bit of rust.

JWCamp > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:31

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Wait, aren't ALL windshields on the front?

deadpedal > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 01/08/2014 at 19:32

1

never trust a pig farmer...

EL_ULY > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:33

12

"The bodyshop guy called today told me he doesn't want to paint my car anymore"

if this ass nipple juice's work habit is anything like his painting I say you're better off dude

midnightautoparts > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:35

2

You will forget price long after the job is done. Get the best shop you can afford. Look for reputation not price, If it has to sit another year, you are better off. Do it right the first time.

Do I sound like an experienced old guy?

Oh yeah, this happened for a reason.

Bandit > StoneCold 01/08/2014 at 19:35

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I'm almost tempted to take you up on that. The PO painted the car blurple in her backyard and it ended up with mosquitoes in the paint, runs, and overspray galore.

Bandit > KB Garage 01/08/2014 at 19:36

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He didn't give me a reason, sadly I have no way to tow things.

Bandit > midnightautoparts 01/08/2014 at 19:37

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The only problem here is I am starting college next year and would like to have a car. I will also be pretty broke once I start schooling.

Brian, The Life of > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:38

1

Worse case: Get a quote to shoot the car fully prepped and do the paint prep work yourself. That's where the majority of refinish cost is, anyway and your car is already (mostly) de-trimmed.

Hooker > EL_ULY 01/08/2014 at 19:38

1

This.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:38

2

That sucks what a waste of your time. I would write reviews on google and yelp immediately. I would also demand he pay to ship it back because he wasted so much of your time. Threaten to take him to small claims court. IMO him paying shipping is non-negotiable.

MooseKnuckles > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:39

5

Did you both sign an agreement for the work to be done? Might be able to get the tow costs and any other incurred fees out of him

As for plastidip, doing trim pieces, rims, and emblems is easy because inconsistencies aren't as noticeable, on an entire car with large flat sections you will likely notice. People that plastidip entire cars that look like an actual matte finish do it with a legit spray gun. Rattle cans with the nozzle/trigger attachment aren't suited to do an entire car. I'm sure if you were unreal with rattle cans you could pull it off.

shpuker > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:39

1

Holy shit. 6 grand for a paint job? I mean I know it isn't some Maaco crap job but hell even most shops I've heard of wouldn't charge more than 3 grand unless you were doing some insane pearlescent job.

And no, don't plasti-dip it. Yes you could do it for cheap, but it's pretty easy to chip/tear it. If anything a wrap would be a better solution to keep cost down for the time being.

DasWauto > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:40

2

At the very least they should pay for the return tow. That's a bunch of BS they've saddled you with.

Best of luck.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 01/08/2014 at 19:40

2

SOmeone's watched snatch.

KB Garage > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:41

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Where are you?

StoneCold > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:42

2

Well I have a garage ! :D

and dozens of square feet of plastic from when I thought I would have to paint it last time. I have a %*$% ton of Bondo and body work tools left from doing the hood and panels on mine. If you haven't found something by May, let me know.

shpuker > shpuker 01/08/2014 at 19:42

2

Sidenote: Sounds like you don't have any of the prep work done, would explain part of the insane pricing. If you have time to pull it off I'd say do the prep work yourself, may it take a month or whatever it'll save you a ton of money.

webmonkees > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:43

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Don't come to me for suggestions.. (Cannonball livery, probably an old stunt Bandit car, given Hal)

Need to find a paint shop that can navigate a price point for you. There's bound to be some procedures that you could do in prep that would save their labor hours.

MooseKnuckles > JWCamp 01/08/2014 at 19:44

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Wait, ALL asses aren't smart?

Bandit > KB Garage 01/08/2014 at 19:46

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Indiana

JGrabowMSt > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:47

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All the more reason to not have a new paint job.

The dings and scratches I get from campus lots......

desertdog5051 > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:48

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I know Maaco gets a lot of badmouth. There is one about a mile from me and I have been to their shop and looked at their work and I see nothing wrong with it. Disclaimer: I was looking for a shop to repaint a friends M/C tank and fender. Looking for Concours quality, maybe not the best place. Good paint job, they do alright. Price isn't bad either.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > MooseKnuckles 01/08/2014 at 19:48

2

What, you tryin to tell me that you've never met a dumb ass?

Bandit > shpuker 01/08/2014 at 19:48

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I've only done the work on one fender, the hood, and trunk. I might as well start sanding the thing.

shpuker > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:49

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May as well. 6 grand is a bit insane for a prep and paint.

KB Garage > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:50

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Awww crap. I was like Texas, Arkansas, or Louisiana and I'd come pull it around for you =\ sorry.

Bandit > Brian, The Life of 01/08/2014 at 19:50

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At least that would give me an excuse to learn how to remove dents and fix a bit of rust.

Bandit > KB Garage 01/08/2014 at 19:51

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Thanks for the offer. My first job when I get the thing back is to get it driving.

KB Garage > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:57

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Best of luck to you. Keep us posted.

Spanielmander > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:57

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Not trying to be a dick, but why are you trying to get it painted when it needs a driveshaft? Shouldn't painting be the last step, if for no other reason than you're not immediately working on it/having it worked on, and possibly messing up the paint in doing so? Having the car working is probably a lot more appealing from a paint shop's perspective, too...

Bandit > Spanielmander 01/08/2014 at 19:58

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http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/tag/emma I'm on practically the last step.

Frank Grimes > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 19:58

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What a douche!

Get this book and do as much of it as you can. This book is text book but it is really great and very detailed in depth but straight forward and clearly written with great pictures. It is whats used at the school I work at and I read it alot on my lunch breaks etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Tech-Manual-Du…

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BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:06

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Well that's shitty. Hopefully the next guy's less of a prick.

Stef Schrader > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 01/08/2014 at 20:08

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Bingo. I'd think sitting on it FOREVER and then randomly returning it for no reason would rustle the Better Business Bureau's jimmies, too.

Go to all of them. Immediately. All while raising hell about those tow costs. You shouldn't have to pay if they're lazy fartknockers.

StoneCold > desertdog5051 01/08/2014 at 20:09

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It really depends on the people working there. For some, it's just a job: spray, spray, get pay. Some really take pride in their work and do a good job. But it all depends on who you get :/

Aaron James > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:12

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Man, I'm sorry to hear that.

Stef Schrader > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:12

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Eesh, I'm getting bad flashbacks from the Porschelump's problems just reading this. Especially the waiting forever part—do people not understand how time works? SMH.

Did you get anything in writing first? So, for future reference, get everything in writing. Be a PITA until they finally give you that, too.

Whatever's not on that written agreement should be their problem to pay, not yours—although if it's not been running, how were you planning to get it back?

Don't plasti-dip over a crappy job with bugs and crap in the paint. Just don't.

Also, go for the best job you can afford. Sounds like you dodged a no-talent shop for cheaper than I did.

chiefstinky > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:13

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"I will also be pretty broke" Sounds like Maaco's calling your name. Save your money until you're out of school and into a job.

Takuro Spirit > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:16

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Fuck it, who needs paint? Or windows? Or interior?

YORO (you only roadkill once)

Aaron James > Spanielmander 01/08/2014 at 20:17

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A lot of cars, especially restorations go to the paint shop as just a shell, no motor or interior at all. Makes no difference to the body shop.

lucky's pepper > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:18

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Sorry to hear about this. Just a suggestion but why not buy a beater POS for school and do the TA slowly when time and money allow? Unless you can weld (I can't), the rust repair will have to be farmed out. Shallow dents are easy to fix when you're repainting something. And pulling off a decent paint job is not terribly difficult, even in a garage. It literally is all in the preparation.

JWCamp > MooseKnuckles 01/08/2014 at 20:20

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??

Bandit > lucky's pepper 01/08/2014 at 20:21

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The only rust on the car is in the inside of the door skin, an old repair needs to be redone. My current beater is a 2000 Chevy Blazer but I won't be able to take it to college because the car is intended to be my brother's first car.

Bandit > Takuro Spirit 01/08/2014 at 20:22

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But a mix of blurple, grey primer, and bare metal isn't as badass as a 69 charger that is mostly black.

Bandit > Stef Schrader 01/08/2014 at 20:24

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The shop I took it to does absolutely beautiful work (they had a car like mine in the shop) but I won't be using them ever again. I bugged him for a long time for a contract but never signed anything.

MooseKnuckles > JWCamp 01/08/2014 at 20:25

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Called you a smart ass lol

Bandit > It's a "Porch-uh" 01/08/2014 at 20:25

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Didn't give me a reason

awe46m3zcp > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:28

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Sounds like he was afraid of the level of quality you desired, and was afraid you'd be making him respray it afterwards. Probably saved you a lot of hassle in the future. Find another place.

I had a show quality paint job done once, and it took almost 2.5 months to get my car back. I got it back 2 days before the shop was closed for bankruptcy. Others were not so lucky. I felt really bad for the owner of a 50's F100 that was completely disassembled in a million pieces. Must of been a nightmare to go get all those parts.

Stef Schrader > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:30

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Yeah, they can do pretty work all they want, but that's just shady. :o( Sorry, dude.

Bandit > Raphael Orlove 01/08/2014 at 20:30

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There is something undeniably awesome about a primered baja bug.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:37

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Where in Indiana are you?

Bandit > Where have all the lightweights gone? 01/08/2014 at 20:38

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West Lafayette (Purdue University)

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:42

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Bummer...If you were in NW IN, I would've had someone in the SW burbs of Chicago I know does good work.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:44

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I took my pinto to maaco not top quality at all, but if your going to be DD the car, you don't want a really expensive job.

Spanielmander > Aaron James 01/08/2014 at 20:45

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Ah, I have no real experience with this except my dad, who would always drive the car to the paint shop. I haven't had anything sprayed myself.

lucky's pepper > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:49

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Take the door off and take it somewhere to be fixed. Get another beater for school and take your time and do the car yourself. If nothing else you can sand it down, fill in all the dents (if none of them are too deep) then prime the thing and smooth everything out. Taking it to a body shop primed and ready for paint would save you a ton of money.

You'll need a good size compressor if you don't have one, but it's something you'll have forever. And a decent spray-gun isn't expensive.

Bandit > Where have all the lightweights gone? 01/08/2014 at 20:50

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Link/contact info? I have relatives up in the area. I am looking for a good paint/body shop.

Bandit > lucky's pepper 01/08/2014 at 20:51

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Since I'll have the car back I plan on sanding it and I'll attempt some dent repair. I've got a 60gal compressor.

Takuro Spirit > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 20:56

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I got some multi-colored parts. Lets mix it up......

Bandit > Takuro Spirit 01/08/2014 at 20:59

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If we're doing that can we throw dual tanks and a spare in the back? Let's mad max this bitch!

desertdog5051 > StoneCold 01/08/2014 at 21:01

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True. I guess this is a better place. I was quite happy with what I saw.

Reigntastic > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:02

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I paid 3 for full prep and paint for my MR2, and got a quality job. You need to get some more opinions.

Aaron James > Spanielmander 01/08/2014 at 21:03

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You wouldn't start up a car or drive a car in the paint shop because of the exhaust fumes that have all sort of nasty chemicals including unburnt fuel that can wreck a paint job. So even if you drove it there, they would still be pushing it around the shop and into the paint booth.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Takuro Spirit 01/08/2014 at 21:11

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Dude, that's ok on a MOPAR. This is a GM.

f86sabre > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:11

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Have you considered finding a vocational school and seeing if they have a mechanics program that would paint it for you? Might not get top notch paint, but you might get it cheap/free.

Bandit > f86sabre 01/08/2014 at 21:14

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That's a good idea, I don't think there is anything by me though.

Bandit > Reigntastic 01/08/2014 at 21:15

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Most shops in tow were around the $5500 mark. It's crazy and stupid.

f86sabre > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:19

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

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This Ivy Tech campus in Lafayette offers automotive training at the certificate and associate degree levels. Earning general certificates requires completing 18-24 credits; certificates can be earned in power train, engine performance, electric and hybrid vehicle technologies, and automotive electrical/electronics.

The college offers technical certificate and associate degree programs in automotive technology with an emphasis in automotive service. This location also offers an accelerated program through the school's Ivy Institute of Technology.

http://education-portal.com/auto_mechanic_…

Bandit > f86sabre 01/08/2014 at 21:25

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Hmm... I'll look into that

Casper > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:33

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That sucks. My paint job kept getting delayed (ended up being a few months) but I'm so glad it didn't get canceled. I would lose my mine being over a year into this build and still waiting on paint/body.

Raphael Orlove > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:51

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yeahhhh buddy

Shift24 > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:52

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Dude that looks good for 79-81 firebird (judging by the fenders). Is there a reason it needs to be painted?

Takuro Spirit > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 21:54

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I have a welder.... it can be built.....

It's a "Porch-uh" > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 22:02

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Yup. Asshole.

Skif6996 > JWCamp 01/08/2014 at 22:17

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What do you call a rear windshield?

Jedidiah > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 22:39

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It depends on what color you want to paint it. Flat colors are harder than you'd expect because you see deformations under the paint surface. If you want a good texture on the paint you should wait till warm, dry weather or else it will get orange peel. You can also wet-sand it to get rid of some the unwanted texture. White is the easiest color to paint while darker colors are harder. If you electric orbital sanders you will see path it takes under the paint. You have to sanding blocks and do it by hand if you want the body work to be top-notch. You'll have to use body filler if you want a really good looking paint job. If you have to strip anything use soda-blasting. Chemical strippers will cause scratches on the metal surface because you'll have to use a scraper and sand blasting heats up the metal and deforms it. You also need to paint everything at once or else they'll be a chance things won't match, so you'll need a big damn compressor. You'll never find a good paint job for under 6k

Bandit > Jedidiah 01/08/2014 at 22:49

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I plan on going back to stock:

I already have the decals

Bandit > Shift24 01/08/2014 at 22:52

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Here's my built page: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/tag/emma . Basically, this is my first car, I bought it using money I saved up and am restoring it. I've finished my engine swap and it is time for paint. The car came out of the factory as a 1981 Turbo Trans Am Special Edition and I'm turning it into a 1978 Special Edition. The PO put a Chevy 350 in it, I installed a Pontiac 400 I built. Before the engine swap started it was my DD.

Fast, Faster and Fastest > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 23:00

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How much do you want for it? How is the rust?

Jedidiah > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 23:02

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Gloss black isn't very hard to do. It's easier than trying to do flat black. When I painted my car I borrowed my friend's compressor. I'll have to find out ho big it was, but it had enough air to paint the entire car in one go.

Philbert/Phartnagle > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 23:07

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You have a compressor, spring for some "How to do Body Work & Paint Your Car" books and some tools.

You'll learn something, experience a good amount of satisfaction for doing it yourself and you will have all the tools left over to do another if you wish, all at a price that's probably much less than what you would have paid someone else to do it for you.

Bandit > Fast, Faster and Fastest 01/08/2014 at 23:19

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I don't really want to sell it (unless it was an awesome offer). It's my first car and I plan on keeping it for a while. Also, you can't deny the value of these 2nd gens is going up, I can't complain about that. Amazingly she is almost 100% rust free (a tiny bit of surface rust inside the door). I replaced the trunk lid that had a bit of cancer growing with one that is mint. If you have nothing else to do this is the build page oppositelock.jalopnik.com/tag/emma

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Bandit 01/08/2014 at 23:50

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E&T Motorsports in Frankfort. 815.806.8935. He's fine some body work for both myself and my sister. He came highly recommended from the family's longtime mechanic. Ask for Terry.

Shift24 > Bandit 01/09/2014 at 01:02

1

Sorry missed the reply but the Bandit black with 77-78 nose and the Firechicken with the shaker hood? Looks pretty good so far but from what you said in the other comments to be honest i would wait until after college. Its up and running and looks better than what my 80 firebird looked like. Not sure what your College stuff looks like but you will need some part of that $6k some time during college. Books, tuition, food, gas money or/and housing, and unforeseen shit happening. Money never seems to last in college. And from what it sounds like, and if it were me, it needs to be perfect. I wouldnt get over if i didnt do it right and/or the way i wanted because money was an issue. I have my first car a 98 Camaro that i am waiting to restore until after college. I have done some little things to it but major stuff including paint and ground up rebuild will start when i get a job. But that my opinion. So whatever happens best of luck and hopefully that Firechicken will be dusting some smokeys soon.

My 80 chicken

Zibodiz > desertdog5051 01/09/2014 at 01:27

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The big thing about going to a chain-driven shop like maaco is that you have to prep the car yourself if you want good results. Take off all the badging and trim, get the texture right if there are any rough bits, mask everything... then they'll give you a decent paint job.

Color-Commentary > Brian, The Life of 01/09/2014 at 02:34

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Yup, what he said. The prep work is the really labor-intensive part, but spraying takes practice. The other thing I've learned is to talk to used car lots and see who they have do their body work. The guys with 4 rows of $5k cars definitely know who does good bodywork on the cheap. That's how I found a certain Maaco in a bad neighborhood that does surprisingly good work, particularly if you let them know that you actually care about the car and pull off the rubber moldings yourself to save them some effort in taping.

matthewklein220 > Bandit 01/09/2014 at 03:04

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If you lived in California, my dad could call up one of his friends and get you a decent quote. If you brought the car out here, we know a guy who lends us his booth for projects, we could just help you paint it!

MonkeePuzzle > Bandit 01/09/2014 at 09:41

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bandit, where are you located? I'm pretty confident some opponauts have trailers, and possibly someone local may be interested in helping with painting options, recommending some good places, or perhaps helping you with a weekend of plastidipping for temporary solutions.

StevenG > Bandit 01/09/2014 at 11:55

1

Shop around for another painter and have it towed there. Save yourself the extra cost.

Painting cars is not easy if you want it to look good, been there, tried that, had the shitty paint job to prove it. You would need a HVLP gun, paint, some kind of booth even if just tarps, the proper respirator. That last one is key, you do not want to breathe clear, I have seen the results of that. Not good.

Bandit > MonkeePuzzle 01/09/2014 at 11:57

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West Lafayette, Indiana. Aka Purdue University. I called the guy this morning and told him no way was I going to pay for the tow. He said "Fine, I don't care anymore." But yeah, if you know any good shops within an hour or so of my town, I'd love to hear about them.

Bandit > matthewklein220 01/09/2014 at 11:59

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Ha! Now that would be one expensive road trip. Those 400s do love gas.