after years of working on my car and months preparing and thinking long and hard about it, i finally handed my car over to maaco.

maaco in delran, nj. they have a great reputation for older cars like ours that they take care of. i was recommended by close to a dozen people. i also did some computer repair for a guy who races at my local track and he is buddies with the painter, so he really has treated me well so far. he went over the car with me and asked me my expectations. based on what i knew, and what he noticed, i needed some help with body work on the passenger quarter. so i accepted that fact and let him do it. i went for the single stage urethane, with 2k primer and all jambs except the hood. total cost with body work on the quarter is $1400. it was tough but i chose to have it done. they said its perfectly fine for me to come up and track the progress and take pictures too, so i am definetly going to do that.

for now, take a look at the progress i made in my driveway, getting ready to drive the car over. by the way, the color i chose is 2003 gm indigo blue pearl metallic: http://www.cobracountry.com/cobra4salefolder/cobra-donohue-il.jpg


here are the pics of my car as i started and up until i dropped it off at maaco:

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9118/2quarter2.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3466/chevelle52009.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8099/chevelle520091.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6919/door.jpg
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/7964/etchingprimertrunk.jpg
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2111/fender1.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3565/hood.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7638/omnomstripper.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2284/quarter3.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7293/quarter1.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1039/quarter4.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8257/quarter5.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7303/quarter6.jpg
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9361/rear1j.jpg
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8159/rear2.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7969/rear3.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/2284/quarter3.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7149/roof0.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7455/roof1.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4350/roof2.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5867/fenderon1.jpg


i will have more pics and of course, finished pictures when its done...

Sometimes you just have to know when you are in over your head and farm the the job out. As for quality of work - I have had quite a few cars donw over the years at MAACO. They're all independently owned. Thing is, they will do the National Sales Specials [scuff/seal/shoot] and up. SS Urethane is a good choice. Very durable, good color hold out. From the pics, overall, youy car looks like it was fairly straight to start with.

PS - is that Code 57 Frost Green Metallic - and your not redoing it that????

PS - is that Code 57 Frost Green Metallic - and your not redoing it that????

You mean someone actually likes light Green??? :p
Just kidding, mine was '70 Mist Green, and I had considered returning it... But not my favorite...;)


I just dropped mine off yesterday at a west coast "chain": One-Day Paint and Body... I also spoke with a local MAACO and a Miracle Autobody (independantly operated, California chain) that does alot of local "classic cars"...

I don't expect it to be perfect, but it also won't cost as much...

I am on a self-imposed, tight budget, and after having the car for 2 years, I haven't been able to work on it as much as I wanted to (kids, new home/yard, work, other cars/projects)... I also have two little kids and a full garage, so enevitably, it will get chipped, etc... And I really didn't want to wait a few more years before I can do the body myself (I have another Chevelle project, and this car was supposed to be a temporary cruiser until the other was done)...

I didn't care for the current green paint (older respray with a yellowish-green), or the unpainted hood (replacement SS hood), or all the little chips and blemishes...

Mine will be a bit more money, as I am having a 2-stage (BC/CC) that includes color sanding and buffing/polishing (I went with a metallic color, so I couldn't color sand a single stage paint)... Mine also includes filling all the Malibu trim/emblem holes, fixing various dings, replacing some "bondo cracking", sanding the car with a long board looking for/repairing minor imperfections, painting all the jambs and complete underside of hood and trunklid (color change), and replacing the windshield along with prepping and painting the window channel and top of the dash. 5-year FULL guarantee on the paint (not prorated)... All for under $3K

Mine was pretty straight, without much rust or wrecks evident... A few places that were previous repaired "correctly" (not just slathered with Bondo)... A lot of chips that are to be fixed/filled, not just "feather-edged"... I removed all the trim...

The manager was very helpful, and actually suggested getting the lower-priced paint (saving $1250+), because "it is not a restoration, you will find minor dings"...

Of course, with new trim/mirrors/front bumper/grill/weatherstripping/lenses/etc, its going to be closer to $4200...

I am going with Mini Cooper (BMW) "Electric Blue"...

Spoke to a fellow TC member, who said his body guy (he has no booth himself) sometimes sends cars to be painted by this same shop...

Best part is No paint Jail... Should be done by next weekend (then the reassembly fun starts)...

I'll be sure to post pictures once its done (unless its so bad that I want to hide) :p


And Now I have to think about changing my interior. Not sure how the dark Green will look with the Blue paint...:sad:

Sometimes you just have to know when you are in over your head and farm the the job out. As for quality of work - I have had quite a few cars donw over the years at MAACO. They're all independently owned. Thing is, they will do the National Sales Specials [scuff/seal/shoot] and up. SS Urethane is a good choice. Very durable, good color hold out. From the pics, overall, youy car looks like it was fairly straight to start with.

PS - is that Code 57 Frost Green Metallic - and your not redoing it that????

hahahaha no that is etching primer lol

Thats good news Mike, Keep us posted

Curley. Thank you for sharing this with us. We have been watching your progress from the time you 1st got her running. Right from your struggle with your engine build, though Pinks all out, your NEW AFR heads and now finally finishing the body work. You would be surprised just how many builds just barely get passed building a new motor let alone how far you have come. My hat is off to you. :yes:

Keep us posted, good job Curley. :thumbsup:

keep us posted Mike..looking forward to the finished product :thumbsup:

Thats good news Mike, Keep us posted

Curley. Thank you for sharing this with us. We have been watching your progress from the time you 1st got her running. Right from your struggle with your engine build, though Pinks all out, your NEW AFR heads and now finally finishing the body work. You would be surprised just how many builds just barely get passed building a new motor let alone how far you have come. My hat is off to you. :yes:

Keep us posted, good job Curley. :thumbsup:

keep us posted Mike..looking forward to the finished product :thumbsup:


thanks guys i really appreciate your support. i am a little nervous, obviously, but ultimately i think it will come out pretty decent. i am and will continue to plug away with this car until it is exactly as i want it to be. giving up has crossed my mind a few times, but as the old saying goes "if it was easy, everyone would do it". rest assured i will be posting pictures of the progress as it comes along in the shop, and the final product will be well-documented. look for new ETs within the coming month, and look for the solid roller for the 327 later on this year...

now that my work has slowed down and there is no chevelle to work on, i dont know what to do with myself...that's the only barrier between me and trouble i got:yes:

Mike great to see its all coming together for you cant wait to see her in paint and sporting a new solid roller cam.

first day of work on the chevelle at maaco, here are some pictures:

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4092/maacobodywork1.jpg
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3479/maacobodywork2.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/8000/maacobodywork3.jpg

from my own maaco experience, ask about a color-clear coat over a single stage deal.

It will last alot longer and if their surface has some orange peel, you can always just buff it yourself.

just alittle input

PS - is that Code 57 Frost Green Metallic - and your not redoing it that????

Frost Green is code 59 ;) :)

from my own maaco experience, ask about a color-clear coat over a single stage deal.

It will last alot longer and if their surface has some orange peel, you can always just buff it yourself.

just alittle input


the deal is already done, contract is already written up. i trust the painter to take care of me. i showed up and he told me it will be inside the shop for the rest of the time its there. he made me that promise and he has kept that so far, so from where i sit, i have nothing but good things to say about the guy.

good stuff mike cant wait to see it when done:thumbsup:

Frost Green is code 59 ;) :)

My mistake. Knew it was 50 something.



Think 70 Mist Green is different from the '69 Frost Green. 69 color has a silvery tint to it. I wasn't a huge fan of it back in the day either.

Heck,you'll probably get it back sometime late next week!

Mike can't wait to see the final result. I'm looking for someone to just shoot my color and clear. Good Luck


Don

took a trip over to see the car and it is now in 2k primer.

here are some pictures:
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9918/chevellein2k1.jpg
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4586/chevellein2k2.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5591/chevellein2k3.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/9839/chevellein2k4.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4673/chevellein2k5.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1821/chevellein2k6.jpg


it is supposed to be in paint mid-late next week with a finish date of friday/saturday. hold on for more pictures!

lookin good mann.... i envy how straight the body is compared to mine lol

another update: continuing to sand the 2k down. should be in paint tomorrow or thursday. let me know what you think.

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/3331/primer1.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2711/primer2.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6607/primer3.jpg
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4443/primer4.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/340/primer5.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/484/primer6.jpg

I expect the anticipation is killing you!! I am envious!! I hope the paint turns out better than you expect!! I plan on going this route myself if I can ever get far enough along with my project:thumbsup:

Mike,
the car looks like is is coming along great,,gotta be exciting for you. My 69 is down at my dads in south jersey,,working on finishing a BB conversion. I'm about two weekends away from being on the road !

Would love to line them up and shoot the breeze one day.

Good luck with ur car and keep the pics coming.

car is in the booth as i write this. i managed to sneak a couple snap shots in:

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/5769/chevellebooth1.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/450/chevellebooth2.jpg

Cool, can't wait to see the final pics!

well guys, the day has come. i saw my car in paint today and i am very happy. it is a tad darker, but its very sharp. came out great. it is a little lighter than the pictures make it out to be though. have a look!


http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7083/paintedfinally1.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7536/paintedfinally2.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5881/paintedfinally3.jpg
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/108/paintedfinally4.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/425/paintedfinally5.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9864/paintedfinally6.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/8854/paintedfinally7.jpg

Looks good to me and a very straight car as well. GOOD JOB !!

Looks good to me and a very straight car as well. GOOD JOB !!

THANK YOU ERIC! it looks really damn dark in the pictures. crappy camera phone. anyway, ill get high quality pictures of it in the sun when i actually get it back.:D

THANK YOU ERIC! it looks really damn dark in the pictures. crappy camera phone. anyway, ill get high quality pictures of it in the sun when i actually get it back.:D

I thought it was going to be blue..;)
Looking good Curley. This has to be the best part of any build. :beers:

cool , my 68 is in the shop gwtting new floors then I 'll be putting the BB in and then it will go back for paint and body

I thought it was going to be blue..;)
Looking good Curley. This has to be the best part of any build. :beers:

i know i know. those pictures totally misrepresent the actual color.

:cool: looks good!

Looks awesome! Gives us all hope not to spend 30K and still look great. Good job they did, great decision you made. Enjoy it!!! ---Rich :beers:

here's a couple more cell phone pictures of it in my driveway, starting to put all the trim back on:

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7626/indriveway1.jpg
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1435/indriveway2.jpg

pictures still look way dark.

shot of the rear after i finished putting the bumper on:

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/4/rearshot.jpg

ok, i finally have a DECENT representation of what the car looks like in person:

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3707/chevelleblue.jpg

I already knew because my car has the same exact color. :D

That looks really good.

It looks great Mike:thumbsup:

btw, how did that carb work out for your buddy?

ok, i finally have a DECENT representation of what the car looks like in person:

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3707/chevelleblue.jpg


looks real good Mike. :thumbsup::beers:

ok, i finally have a DECENT representation of what the car looks like in person:

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3707/chevelleblue.jpg

Looks great and even has a shine to it now.:hurray:
But Curley, get that chrome piece on. Been looking at it too long with out it.
I think it was the drivers side before that was missing...:thumbsup:

Looks great and even has a shine to it now.:hurray:
But Curley, get that chrome piece on. Been looking at it too long with out it.
I think it was the drivers side before that was missing...:thumbsup:

yeah haha, it was actually the passenger side door piece that was missing. i just started putting those pieces on and i need to figure out how to get it clipped on the front last clip closest to the fender. still havent messed with it enough to figure it out. i posted a question here but got no response

Looks real nice. What color top will it get? Need someone to photoshop both a white top and a black top. Could go either way. Personal preference would be a white top to really make that color pop. From the looks of the roof and roof- 1/4 seam, you could possibly not even install the top and install the trim only ( a lot of guys used to do that back in the day)

Very Nice.

way to go!!

Looks real nice. I like the color choice

Wow, that looks really good. You always hear horror stories about Maaco paint jobs. That really looks great

thanks for the kind words guys i really appreciate it. i will be at the track next week once i get the starter in, the timing set again and a couple other things. hoping to finally hook and post up some halfway decent times.

Looks real nice. What color top will it get? Need someone to photoshop both a white top and a black top. Could go either way. Personal preference would be a white top to really make that color pop. From the looks of the roof and roof- 1/4 seam, you could possibly not even install the top and install the trim only ( a lot of guys used to do that back in the day)


it is getting a black vinyl top within the next couple months. i did have just the trim on when i originally got the car. the previous owner cut it off. this is what it used to look like back in feb of this year:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4075/321/22685160044_large.jpg

I remember seeing it now. The one thing I regret not doing when I painted my car was ditching the stock SS hood and adding an aftermarket cowl hood. This is something I may still do at some point. Car looks nice painted though - no doubt about it.

CONGRATS!! It's really looking good :beers:

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the link.

The car looks great!:thumbsup:

That's most likely the route I'll take when mine is ready.:yes:

Looking forward to some new bests from you this weekend.
That paint will probably create less drag.:p

thanks guys. look for more pictures with a real camera with all the trim back on soon!

looks good Mike !!!