Hey guys, my 3 year old 66 restoration project is finally at the bodyshop!

I did all the metal patchwork, chassis & underside detail myself.

I was talking to the bodyman today, and he's giving me some rough numbers on what the final bill will be. Mind you, I had all the removable body panels sent to Detriot to get them stripped and e-coated, and the rest of the car is in PPG DP90LF. Even with all this work done, the paint & bodywork is still going to be in the $6000-$7000 range! Ouch! He told me he will be using PPG DBC base coat. He also mentioned some kind of incredible clear coat the costs $1000/gal! He did not give me the specifics on this clear, but he said he loves it, and it makes the paint job look so much better.

Do any of you guys know what he is talking about, any recommendations on this clear?

My car is not going to be a show car, I built if for the fun of the hobby, and to have an awesome classic muscle car.

I'm just a little hesitant if this clear coat is for my type of project, or reserved for trailer queens?

Congrats Gene!

Sounds like approp. price for having a quality job done...you don't do the work you have done and then go for the $3,000 paint job...good for you. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Mike

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MY 66 SS.COM (http://hometown.aol.com/mysterychevelle/66CHEVELLESS.html)
ACES # 1493
TEAM # 751
MCC # 501
AACA # 112348

6 to 7k for a paint job after you've done all the metal work.... http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif I'd drop over of a heart attack, or maybe laughing.... Must be the falls folks have more money now than they did when I lived up in that neck of the woods.

My body guy has let me down, as my car has been sitting for over a year at the shop. Not all that uncommon so I'm told. I'm about ready to fire him and move the car. I've talked to two other guys in the area, both recommended by guys in my car club. My car has all the metal work done and is ready for the last minute mudding and paint, replace the glass, and then put it back together; the high bid was under 3 grand.

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70 and 72 Chevelle
ACES # 4051 MCC # 448
TC # 1549 81/70 Cruisers

If he asks you if you want to buy any "Snake Oil" I would be a little concerned. $1000 a gallon for a non-show car seems a little ridiculous. If you have money to blow, then go ahead. Just seems a little steep for a gallon of clear paint. Get something more practical if you are gonna be driving it around.

Ask him for the name and maker of this "Wonderous Clear" I'm sure that someone here has heard of it! 1000.00 a Gallon is a bit steep for clear IMHO. And I have yet too hear of a clear that is THAT good... I would also ask particulars on what exactly he will be doing to your car.. If he promises that the car will be straight with minimal mud I'd say 5-6k is good pricing.. I would also ask a timeframe.. Good Luck! Can't wait too see some pictures!

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)

$1000 for a gallon of clear???? The most expensive that I know about is under $300 at retail pricing, including the catalyst!! I've been away from the business for about 7 months, but I don't think anyone has invented the $1000 per gallon clear in that time. Maybe your body guy is using some of that snake oil as a fisheye preventive. That might explain the high price. A word of caution...do not bend over in the presence of your body guy. You may get something that's not included in the prices he is quoting. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Ok guys, got more info on the clear coat my bodyman wants to use.

It's PPG California Clear. He will use DCX61 Hardener & some kind of extender.

He's telling me that for the gallon of clear, Hardener & Extender, that the total will be about $1000.

He says this clear & hardener will give the best results, especially for a driver, because it is very maintenence free and very easy to buff back to an incredible shine.

Anyone with experience using this product, please advise. Right now I plan to go with this stuff.

For a non show car I wouldn't spend a 1k for the clear coat components. I would just ask him to use PPG Concept Clear and save the money for something else. I'm sure someone has the info on PPG Concept components.

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Jeff
Georgia
69SS Nov'99 Feature Car
67 Elky L-79 4spd