body and interior Paint Job

[American Mister's 2002]

Hello everyone, recently been working on my 1976 and finally decided it deserves a professional exterior paint job and some body work here and there. I am reaching out to the community because There is only one shop in my city (gainesville, FL) that is willing to do the job. They quoted me $5000, which I am ok with but if anyone on the forum in florida knows of a better place in florida I am willing to take it somewhere out of town if they can give me a better price or guarantee a quality job. 

Thanks, 

Frazier 

Other recommendations are welcome too such as DIY and things like that, recently painted it myself and it didnt work out the best... as one could imagine 

[jrhone]

Depends on what that quote includes.  $5k for a paint job thats a windows out, doors off, hood off, trunk off, is good.  Are they replacing all the seals?  40 year old seals USUALLY disintegrate the you pul them off for paint.  Those can EASILY be $1,000-$1,500 alone.  What about rust repair?  Yes there is rust on a 40 year old 2002.  If they are stripping it down, they will find it...will they cut it out and weld in new metal? How about straightening the panels?  I was told one day per panel is what it should take to make it ready for paint.  Thats usually a week of prep work.  If they are going to do all that then $5k is a good price.  I'd get it in writing EXACTLY what they are doing.  Other options?  Cuba?  lol...just kidding.  If u were on the west coast though, Mexico is a real option.  

[Vicleonardo1]

Definitely check out JR's thread on his very nice Tijuana paint job. Price may be worth the drive. 

[echappe]

I'm in St. Augustine, there are a couple of shops here that will do a good doors lids off paint job for $3500. A lot depends on whether you strip the car down or they do it.

 You can save some bucks by popping all the trim off, removing lights and bumpers and glass.

[Emyers]

Attend a few car shows in your area and seek out the guys with the cars with nice paint . As around to see where they are having there cars painted and how much.  I have found these guys are more than happy to share info on good body shops as well as tell you who to avoid.

Earl