Sab

I would like to get my '87 S4 repainted. I want to keep the color (cassisrot), the car is in pretty good shape besides some scratches (most of them caused in the shop around the hood and some door dings...). The front bumper is not even with the hood and the rear bumper has a dent.
So my questions:
- How can I find a good body shop to do the work and how can I assure I will get a good result?
- What type of paint would I use?
- Can the bumpers be fixed?
- I would like to get the car to look very nice but not necessary disasemble the whole car to get it repainted. What should I expect to pay for this project?
I am sure I am not the first one doing this so some useful tips woul be great.
Thanks,
Sab. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Aaron Rouse

I looked into getting my 84 repainted, going with the same color and brand paint that Porsche used, I think Silkens? Anyway, I think it was going to run me $6800, but maybe it was $5800. All that I recall is they were going to remove the bumper covers when repainting the car but I do not think any other body panels. That also did not include misc trim pieces that might need replacing, I was going to provide those.

Sab

That sounds very steep. I was hoping to do this for a lot less.
regards,
Sab <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

reptileis

There are a lot of guys out there that do custom paint jobs (i mean real quality work) and they are just independants. I have 3 of them at my dosposal.
They work hard, fast and cheap compared to shop overhead and labor. But they do a really great job- because they LOVE what they do and the vehicles they choose to work on (my guys only do Classics and Euro's). Cost for my last 5 coats of paint + 2 gallons of clear, complete color change= 1,500 plus paint.

Hell, ship the car and you still save money.

Aaron Rouse

Yeah, if you can find a person who does it more of a side job then you can save a ton of money. I used to have a connection for that here in town but he decided painting cars kills people in the long run and switched to solely body work. The big thing down here is you can get in a ton of trouble with the law for painting a car and not having the proper safety measures.

Sab

Now that sounds more like what I had in mind. He can handle the shipping? But how do I get a proper quote up front? I wouldn't want to leave that open before sending my car somewhere a couple of thousand miles away. I would definetley prefer someone in South Florida, but if I can save some money and get a good job why not.
regards,
Sab. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

reptileis

If your really interested. Pick your color from a auto paint store chip book. email me what you want (color change- interior exterior, new trimmings seals etc, so that i may give him a hard copy. Be sure to include your contact info.

you'll hear back from at least 2 of the folks I use.

Standardly- the cars are prepped at their house and then driven to the storage garage wharehouse for painting. (Approx 5 miles)

However- the shipping could be as expensive as the paintjob (to and fro). so Talk to some classic and muscle car guys in your area for closer leads on good painters- then interview them (i like to dress in my worst car work clothes, and play like I sunk all my cookies in this machine. that way I overshadow the Porsche owner image.

mb

John V

Sab,

The price ranges I've seen in these threads is pretty typical. I'd be surprised if you find anything less than $1500 (and I'd be real careful going with someone near that price). Over $10k is not unheard of if you want a top knotch job.

Your expectations will determine how much it should cost. If your body is real clean and you just want to restore the appearance $2000-$3000 should get you there. This approach is not witout risks becuase it is unlikely that the old finish will be removed and any underlying problems may find their way to the surface after the old finish is exposed to the solvents of the new paint or sealer.

If your looking to get a quality prep and base\clear paint (including disassembly, strip, jams, appropriate prep for alimunim, steel and uerathane, with wet sand polish) I don't think you can do that for under 5K (and on a 928, thats a bagain!).

Yes, bumpers can be fixed to a degree. Scratches, cuts and small deformations can be repaired with flexible agents. Larger imperfections such as warping (like many 928 bumper covers) are nearly impossible to fix long term.

With respect to what paint to use, any of the newer base clear (2 part catalized) formulations from Dupont or PPG will produce excellent long lasting results. Some may prefer German formulations, but IMHO, I don't think that buys you anything and may be more difficult long term if repairs are needed.

Big Dave

I'd recommend checking with a good detail shop before dropping the cash for a re-paint. Professional detailers can do wonders for normal scratches and scuffs.

A top quality repaint requires that the car be substantially disassembled and stripped down to bare metal. Repaints that do less than this will invariably leave tell-tale signs of a repaint that, if you ever sell your shark, will cause potential buyers to suspect that the car has been in an accident. If you do get it repainted, take pictures ahead of time to show that it wasn't repainted because of an accident.

Ern

The last car I had painted cost $6K and the job was better than new, but the car was worth $45K when down. Mid-eighty Sharks may go up in value but it is real easy to get upside down in one. I have learned how to repair scratches and nicks so that it is nearly impossible to notice the repair. I like the suggestion to see if you can get it detailed. If not possible, then spend a couple of K and learn to love the results. The front and back will be a little warped from age and the paint is surely checked from flexing. For a couple of K the painter can spend some extra time on the front and back, but it may not be perfect. There is not an easy solution for this. Ern

Nicole

I got an estimate for my previous 928 ('91 GT), for removing all exterior trim, glass, moldings, welding the molding holes, straightening out some minor issues, then stripping the paint down to the metal and rebuilding it from scratch with German made and mixed paint. The offer was $3500 plus whatever rubber pieces needed to be replaced.

I saw a Mercedes SL that the guy did a color change on, and must say I have never seen a new car with paint that nice. I sold the GT and bought an S4 that is in good enough condition to not need a paint job (yet). But I will keep that paint shop in mind. He had been recommended by the people at a local auto paint store. I had him redo my rear spoiler and one scratched rim in the meantime, with excellent results.

Sab

Thanks everyone for the input, I have a much better idea now and I will go out and get some quotes here in the Miami area. I like your aproach mb regarding the scrubby clothes, I will try that.
I guess there are very few members in the South Florida region or just no shops good enough for a referral. Which the later wouldn't surprise me after all the setbacks I had from poor craftsmanship.
cheers,
Sab. <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

Dave A

If your willing to do the disassembly/ reassembly work you can save a lot. I'm getting my '83 painted in a small shop that does really nice work. I know the guy, he has done other work for me, and he's doing it for $1500 that's $1000 off the regular price for what he's doing. I'm taking everything apart, bumpers, lights, mirrors, everything that will unbolt. He's going to strip the clearcoat, sand, seal and repaint then I reassemble. You could try that approach and probably save.