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tncean · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 1652 Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

Not a bad dilemma, I guess. The car is in very good mechanical condition. Suspension, including sub-frames, less than 20k. Cold ac, etc.

No rust. Body "straight". A few dings, dents, all trim in place, etc. Clear coat getting milky on roof. Could use a paint job for cosmetic reasons.

Go with the "base/clear" @ 1600, or, go with an acrylic with graphics, 500$?

Neighbor and I will remove trim, bumpers, some base masking, etc. Paint and body fixes dents, repaints.

Input welcome..

tncean

85-325e · Joined: 30 Jun 2002 Posts: 4712 Location: Southampton, NY

Hi tn...

When I had my car painted, it was at Maaco, and like you, I had removed everything I could before I brought it there to them.

They did it with base and clearcoat, and it came out looking pretty nice. It's not the thickest set of coats I've ever seen, but it's held up well, albeit garaged all of the time. I think I paid $800 to get it done...
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Cosmo - 1985 BMW 325e, Single Owner, 265,000+ ORIGINAL miles and still going strong! But now on the East Coast and the salt air corrosion is eating my beautiful car alive... Sad

idanity · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 3097 Location: N.W.U.S.A.

^^ me too.

the door handles are the easiest, and the trim is the most difficult.
locks were easy too, just take your time, and leave nothing for them to prep...spray only and it will save you $$ and you will know it was done right.

a friend of mine works at a local maaco, and they use dupont paint, which is good, i just wish i went with a 2 tone (which i still may do).

post pix, we want to see.
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