The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop cost to paint box?

I bought a box for my 49 from Mar-k. What a great fit. I'm very pleased with it. My issue is getting it painted. I checked with 2 places and they want as much for the paint (primer, base and clearcoat) as the Mar K parts cost. Is this fair? The price also includes the rear fenders which are already primed. Your thoughts?

It is ALWAYS best to shop around. I'd visit at least 3 shops and be explicit in exactly what is to be done and what kind of paint as the price of paint alone will very from paint to paint.

For an example: my friend is finishing up the touches on his 50 Ford sedan. A local shop wanted $2500 to do the job..... my friend then checked around and found a very reputable experienced shop that is doing the job for $1500 using same material. (I'm talking complete upholstery)
I'm guessing your talking a couple grand and I think that would be a little pricey just for the box.

There are some good guys out there but there are also some that think they can just name their price and get it. With you having new stuff this should be a "dream job" for most shops!

The price to paint something now days can be shocking! Figure at least 12-15 hrs @ $40.00 or $50.00 plus materials, another $500.00, just an estimate, and probably in the low range.

Or be brave and do it yourself.
My Pickle was my first paint job all by myself. Here's the Fried Green T'Mater.

I really enjoyed painting my truck. I think the more I do the better I would get. Nowadays you just about need some sort of booth to get the proper air flow. Even a homemade booth like I had setup will work as long as you get get enough air movement. If we lived closer I would help ya for the practice. For sure IA is too nasty cold for a southern boy like myself...It makes my knees hurt to just think about it..

If you do it yourself good luck... It could save you some green if you already have the compressor, gun, sanding blocks...etc.. If you have to buy all the tools and stuff needed it may not be any cheaper and a lot more work. I would be happy to tell you some of things not to try. It seems I learn the hard way.:)
God Bless....

THX for the feedback. It seemed to me that $850 to $1000 was too much for the labor. I guess I'll check around. One wants to paint parts and the other wants to paint it assembled. It seems to me the "parts" approach would be better as paint would get into places not hit by painting it already put together. Does it matter? You can't paint the inside of the tailgate etc. anyway.

I would go for the painted apart and assemble it your self. Those new parts are going to look awesome. I only have one new part on my bed, the front panel. It is by far the smoothest piece on my truck.

1. If you already have the materials it should be cheaper as the shop does not have to buy the materials to do the job.
2. Remember that the cost of paint varies with the color you use with Red's being the highest cost. That is the way it is around here anyway.
3.Even though the part you got from Mar-K is new there could be improfections that needs to be taken care of. If you want it straight they have to block it out to make sure there isn't any waves on the metal while being made. There are so many variables when painting a truck or car and the shop may be bidding high to cover unexpected costs. Prepration is what a great paint job is all about. Now if you are going to use this truck for a work truck or daily driver there companys like Macco or Earl Shibe that will paint a truck cheap but one caution you get what you pay for and yes I agree there's some companies who think their POO does not stink and think they can get what ever price want. Then on the flip side of the coin there companys who really deserve their price they command. My .02 cents here.
62Blue
Don

Just a thought, but have you checked craigslist, etc? I found a guy nott too far from me who works in his own shop and works for half or less what the others want. He's very happy to get my work because it is in pieces so he can do it as he has time, which keeps him working and saves me money.

I know a Maaco here that does great work and is very reasonable. They are spraying alot, so the guy gets great practice and does nice work. I was thinking of going that route myself.

Look around ask around and see what you come up with. Hopefully you can find someone you like at a better price.

As to the assembeld/parts discussion, by all means do it seperate. Like was noted, you get coverage on all parts of the panel that way.

Good Luck, and if you are any where near 35/80, wave to us as we drive through for Christmas!