I plan on taking my 65 and doing all my own stripping, priming and blocking of the body. I want to get it solid and as straight as I can. Now, once this is done (and I have never done any of this) I need to get it painted and was thinking that if I had gotten it all prepped, and then did all the masking and removal of trim,lights, etc. myself I could take it to somewhere like Maaco and have them paint the car. I have a couple questions though:
1) These guys know how to lay paint, they do it every day and they do use good products. Would they give me a satisfactory "Sunday Driver" paint job? I don't want to win any shows here, just have something that looks good that I can be proud of and enjoy driving.
2) Will doing all the prep work myself reduce the price any? And if so, would it be better to take it to a resto paint shop or something and just have them lay the color and clear?

I want to get a good paint job that will last, and not pay thousands of dollars for it. I don't feel up to the task of tackling it myself...opinions?

If you haven't already, follow the thread on "painting yourself" They are doing a nice job of covering your question. Karl

Pauly,
I think if you are going to do all the prep yourself that you be be ready to paint it too or you will give up before and let a shop do it all. Here is my experience:
I paid to have my elky blasted:$600
Bought primer, filler, sandpaper etc:$230
Bought a budget spray gun, filter/regulator:$150
I already owned a line sander, DA and compressor:$400 est
now for the paint BC/CC:$575 for Sunset Orange Metalic, 2001 Trans-Am color
Paint booth rental:$200
More base and clear because it had so much trash in it I had to wet-sand and re-clear it again:$175
It still had trash the second time...so here I go again:$175
2x wood and plastic, furnace filters, hi-volume fan for a tent in my garage:$75
+ misc stuff like tape, paper, thinner, tack rags, mixing cups etc:$50
Now for the time:
EVERY WEEKEND at least 15hrs for 4 mths:240 hours @ 35:$8400
So I will have $11030 %^&* paint job
but I will be able (or embarassed) to say I did it myself ha ha ha ha ha I AM tottaly nuts and I hope my wife don't read this and find out how much I have spent.
I got a quote for $6000 and went "Holy moly" I can do it cheaper myself.

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71 SS-454 El Camino

I did my own prep and trim removal and took my car to Maaco for the $200 paint job. I chose white to minimize flaws but overall I'm very pleased with the outcome. The acrylic enamel has a very good shine to it. The shops may vary but I would do it again unless I wanted a pristine show car.

The local Maaco here in town, will shoot your car with your own paint. You have to supply them with the entire system, reducer, paint, hardener, etc. This is so everything comes from the same manufacturer. Now, they paint anywhere from 12 to 15 cars a day, so don't expect a show car, but if you don't have the room or the proper equipment, it is an option. See if yours can be the last car of the day. A little "monetary persuasion" to the painter can't hurt either. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
580,000+ miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

Thanks guys. I know it's a HUGE job to do it all yourself, but I figured if I could get the thing all primered up and ready to go then I could have someone shoot the paint. I guess once I get closer and start actually doing all the work I will make the final decision. Also, thanks for the comments about Maaco (and similar places) I know that they aren't the guys who will win you trophies but at least you didn't scream "GOD NO!" or something to that effect.

Im in Cincinnati, I had a Macco in Blue Ash paint my 1970 Monte. If you wana see how they did let me know. They have a board with the pics of old cars they have painted also. Not all Macco's are the same. But i would be sure to take off as much as you can. The less the have to mask the more time they can spend on painting. Let me know if you wana see it.

Rich