So according to the previous owner back in Texas, which is the guy who my dad bought my car from in 1989, my car has it's original laquer paint except for the trunk lid and the stripe was redone (slightly incorrect I know). The paint is VERY thin in some spots like the fender lines and edges of the hood scoops.

SO, my ? is, is how much is this new paint job going to cost me? I know guys like Chip Foose and such charge like $10-50,000, but I can't afford that right now. I need a high quality paint job to the original LeMans Blue code 72 specs and a correct stripe placed. I'm praying for under $5,000.

Any thoughts on cost and places in Northern California I could take my car to? Most guys I've asked in my Chevelle club haven't had thier car repainted and those who have, have not been 100% happy. Thanks in advance :)

under $5,000.00 :noway:

You need a high quality paint job for under 5K? Forget it. The car needs to be stripped and disassembled to do it correctly. Start adding up the labor plus materials. Not to mention what's under the paint when it comes off.

For $5k you have got it stripped to bare metal, taken apart, materials bought and are asking to the guy why it will take that much more to finish.

It is possible for $5k IMHO as long as your willing to accept a $5k paint job. I did all the major body work on my car myself and the paint on the car to begin with was pretty darn straight but this paint job only cost me $3650 with PPG in base clear. I removed all trim and bumpers, repaired all rust. I asked him to remove the hood and trunk and he did the jambs with the doors on. I have a vinyl roof so he didnt have to touch that. He blocked out the existing paint, added some primer, blocked again, and painted/buffed. Paint is not perfect but VERY respectable IMO. :yes: Plus he did this all in 14 days.

Also, try to find a guy that will do it on the side, maybe at his place. Shop rates are too much!


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There is also always MAACO. Previous owner painted my camino at Maaco for $1600, I added the hood and black stripes. Definitely has issues if you look up close but not bad for a driver.
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It depends on your definition of "a high quality paint job". Don't expect to just drop your car off and have it done for that price. Maybe closer to $10,000. But if there isn't much body work needed and you can do some of the work yourself or help somebody out, you might be able to do it for under 5000. Just depends on the car and what the jams look like.

Well my car is 99% straight and as far as I can see, there's no rust. No bondo either or signs of any wreck, ever. The door jams are very nice and look like a nice LeMans Blue. So maybe I can ask the shop to pass ont he jams and under the trunk?

I would be willing to remove the bumpers, grill, taillights, chrome trim, windshields, and anything else in my power. But I would want a nice, deep looking LeMans blue with a perfect set of SS stripes. Does everyone pretty much do a clear coat these days?

Are there any questions I need to ask a prospective shop? Should I call some local Muscle Car dealerships and see where they get paint jobs done? I think I definitely need to go with someone who has some good Muscle Car and hopefully Chevelle references right?

?? Paint code 72 is orange

?? Paint code 72 is orange

I missed that. Yes 72 is Monaco Orange. Sergio - you meant paint code 71 - Lemans Blue or also known as Bright Blue Metallic - right?

Lol that would have been a surprise when you went to pick up the car! :eek: ;)

Don't be fooled by what the car looks like with paint on it!!!!:noway: You can never see what kind of damage a car has until it's completely stripped. I'm doing a restoration right now on my '67, and we found lots of surprises after the interior came out, and the car got back from being blasted. I am about 8k more into this project than I originally thought it would cost me!!! If you are going to do it, do it right, and spend the extra dough. Even if that means saving up for a while.

Well my car is 99% straight and as far as I can see, there's no rust. No bondo either or signs of any wreck, ever. The door jams are very nice and look like a nice LeMans Blue. So maybe I can ask the shop to pass ont he jams and under the trunk?

I would be willing to remove the bumpers, grill, taillights, chrome trim, windshields, and anything else in my power. But I would want a nice, deep looking LeMans blue with a perfect set of SS stripes. Does everyone pretty much do a clear coat these days?

Are there any questions I need to ask a prospective shop? Should I call some local Muscle Car dealerships and see where they get paint jobs done? I think I definitely need to go with someone who has some good Muscle Car and hopefully Chevelle references right?

I think what you said is possible. Hopefully you can get a shop to work with you on what you want. Yes, if there isn't any bodywork needed, the jams look good and there is not a lot of paint on the rest of the car right now, you MIGHT be able to do a good scuff on everything, make sure everything is clean and paint it. But that can only be determined by the person who is going to spray the paint. Most shops probably won't be willing to do that, but it is possible.

Good luck.

Yea sorry guys, I meant code 71 - LeMans Blue. That would've been bad news to get my car back orange. I'm gonna start shopping around and see what shops say. I'll post some responses I get to see what kind of b/s I get from these guys.