I've talked to a coworker who fixes up cars and sells them, he's been doing it for years, basically what he told me is when you pay to have a quality body and paint jjob put on your car you will usually be into the car more than it's worth, what he usually does is to install a big block in his cars gets them running leaves the body alone and leaves the interior alone and sells them to folks who wants to finish them up, I'm to the point on my 70, got it running, wired, upholstered,braking,etc now to the painting stage, thinking of just priming it and use some kind of sealer and calling it quits, I've got less than 2K into the whole project and don't want to get upside down in it, do you think leaving it as a rat rod is better than a $199 paint special? Jim

I dont look at these old cars as a way to make money. So I guess in my eyes, I dont really care if my paintjob costs more than what the car is worth, as long as I like the paint job. While these old cars are often good investments, I dont modify/restore any vehicle simply to increase the selling value. I modify/restore the vehicle so that I can better enjoy it.
I think in the end, you will never get back the money that you put into the vehicle when you sell it. I figure when I am done w/ the 70 'velle I will be into it 30K. But it would probably sell for 25K... but I dont care because I dont have plans to sell it.

As far as throwing on a 200$ Maaco style paint job vs. leaving it in primer. I would say do a good job on the body work, get in a good final primer state and sell it that way.. That way the next owner can put on a paintjob that is the quality THEY want. If you plan to keep the car, then dont ask us what is better... ask yourself, do you want it painted or do you want it in primer?

I agree, if your into it for the money, switch to DRIPS and investments in medical and pharmaceuticals stocks and sell the 70 to someone that will appreciate it for what it is.

I've got 2 grand in materials alone in the paint on my car, and I had two buddies help me paint it. A nice 70 malibu is worth 10 to 20 grand around here, depending on how well it is done. Unless you've got a real piece of crap that needs some attention, or is so far gone that it should be parted out so another's life can be saved your car is worth more than a 3 to 500 dollar maco special paint job.

These cars don't look good with rat rod paint IMHO. While running one around for a season in primmer is acceptable if it is an "in the process" car. But, if you throw some black primmer paint on it, it will look like a red neck field car.

If you're into rat rods get a thirties or early forties coupe or pickup.

I agree with Bill and Rick, these cars are NOT the best investment if you restore one... Buying one already restored, and reselling it later, now that might be a decent investment.

While the $199 paint job is probably not going to be very good, you could still lay down $500-$1000 and probably get a decent paint job (YOU pull off all chrome, weatherstripping, etc)... Not going to be the best, and might not last too long.

But, if you are selling, some people don't want to hassle with a project... If the paint job looks decent, then someone would probably be happy to own it. I would think there would be wore value in a $500 paint job then a cheap primer job...

The really cheap paint AND the primer are BOTH going to make me wonder "whats he hiding? Rust, Bondo, Duct Tape?" Remember, the guys who will pay "big Bucks" are going to look for quality. The guys that can't afford perfection will probably still look for something that "looks" good...


I honestly had an El Camino Painted by a Maaco competitor (back in 1993 or so). For under $500 (including my prep work/supplies), they sealed and painted the car (including door jambs, bed, hood jamb and 5 stock wheels)... Two weeks later, I won second place in an El Camino/Ranchero class (total show was around 1000 cars)... BUT, I pulled everything off, I sanded/filled/primed any small chips, etc... 3+ years later, the paint still looked great, so great that no one believed me when I said "Maaco" (actually the place was called Miracle)...



Your coworker has a point... while its nice to have a nice looking car, most people are going to probably want something running... And a running BB!!!
I doubt you would make money on a "quality" paint job...

I've got a 71 camaro, had it since 78 it's my first car, had it painted at one day, actually pretty nice 20 footer, had a bunch of different motor in it over the years, and spent way more than the car is worth, nice thing about the econo paint though, when my daughter banged her softball bag into it and scratched it , it didn't hurt so bad, asfor the chevelle I just picked it up and found a bunch of right parts for the right price just not sure what to do with it, it's not costing me anything but the stuff I keep buying for it, grille and cowl hood next, maybe I'll read up on paint and body work and try my hand at it, figure just get it straight and have a production shop shoot it, Jim

I've talked to a coworker who fixes up cars and sells them, he's been doing it for years, basically what he told me is when you pay to have a quality body and paint jjob put on your car you will usually be into the car more than it's worth, what he usually does is to install a big block in his cars gets them running leaves the body alone and leaves the interior alone and sells them to folks who wants to finish them up, I'm to the point on my 70, got it running, wired, upholstered,braking,etc now to the painting stage, thinking of just priming it and use some kind of sealer and calling it quits, I've got less than 2K into the whole project and don't want to get upside down in it, do you think leaving it as a rat rod is better than a $199 paint special? Jim

A quick paint job would lessen the car's value to me. I'd MUCH rather buy one in original paint, no matter the condition of the paint. ...but maybe I'm weird. Someone who is unknowledgeable might be swayed by cheap paint, but I run away from it.