Everyone has an opinion and here's mine
if you go to Maaco and tell them to paint your truck one or two steps up from their normal 'quicky" job for 200 bucks, you will get a cheap paint job done by guys who rush to get as many cars done as possible. If you strip the emblems, mirrors, etc off and learn a bit about "roughing up" the paint and tape off the areas you want taped off, then you can get more for your $$ at Maaco. I have actually seen some great paint jobs come from a Maaco here in Seattle (the guy did all the prep work first!)
another choice is to pay for everything from the professionals in your area. It takes time to strip a car/truck just to start doing body work. i saved money by doing it all myself and having a paint guy help me shoot it. (69 Camaro) Another alternative might be to get to know someone in the business and ask for them to paint your truck on the side. It's worth a shot anyway. Good luck with your decision!
Dano
