[highxhopes]

my buddy and i were referred to a body/paint guy here in san diego by an enthusiast who swears by him. we called him and were quoted at $250 per day, we provide all materials (paint, sheet metal, etc). he says we are more than welcome to come take a look at what he is working on right now so we can make a decision. my question is, is this a good/reasonable price? for an 8 hour day it breaks down to about $31 an hour. for a weeks worth of work around $1500. how much could get done in that amount of time? i've got some sheet metal to replace, body prep and paint to be done and my buddy basically needs the same. how much time would this take? any advice would be appreciated.

 

[budynabuick]

my buddy and i were referred to a body/paint guy here in san diego by an enthusiast who swears by him. we called him and were quoted at $250 per day, we provide all materials (paint, sheet metal, etc). he says we are more than welcome to come take a look at what he is working on right now so we can make a decision. my question is, is this a good/reasonable price? for an 8 hour day it breaks down to about $31 an hour. for a weeks worth of work around $1500. how much could get done in that amount of time? i've got some sheet metal to replace, body prep and paint to be done and my buddy basically needs the same. how much time would this take? any advice would be appreciated.

I didn't see a name so i'll just hi. I have done body paint for 30 years and you asked for oppinions so here is mine- I would not take that deal NO WAY!!! That is not a good way to deal as you could really get short changed. They could work on your car for two hrs a day and charge you for the whole day and your hands would be tied! What kind of sheet metal work do you need? how is the body? Get everything in writing for each aspect of the work. I don't know these people (I am not saying they are dishonest) but i have seen others get shafted with that kind of deal. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!! If you were closer i would fix you up. Later.

Keith

 

[highxhopes]

keith,
sorry about that, the name's chris. i'm at work (actually on deployment) so i was trying to rush to get the post finished before getting caught haha. anyway, i need drivers side quarter replaced, patch on passenger quarter and since it would probably just as much to patch the fenders i'll probably just replace those too. other than that, the body is pretty straight. what kind of agreement do you think i should work out in advance? should i set a deadline for the work to be finished to ensure i'm getting what i'm paying for? just as you said, i don't know this guy either but he has a good reputation (friend of a friend, you know how that goes) and invited us to see what he's all about. i want to be happy with the finished product but since i'm in the military and hence not rich i'd like to get the most for my money (and not get ripped off in the process). thanks again.
chris

 

[budynabuick]

Hey Chris. So you need a full 1/4 and a patch panel for the other. First, I would call around and get some different prices for the full 1/4 panel and the patch panel. Depending on how much you can get fenders for, it may be cheaper to have them patched as well. I don't know much about california body work prices but as i stated, i would get some different prices from various shops for the sheet metal work and then ask the shop you were reffered to what they would charge. Most shops that procure the parts for you will mark them up quite a bit so i would get the sheet metal myself. For the materials (primers and so-forth) i would get a price up front as well since many shops, for example, will use maybe 300.00 for materials and mark them up to much higher. Also, if you are going to replace the fenders (as opposed to patching), do that yourself as you will save a good bit. Tell them you are in the service and maybe they will cut you some slack. If i left anything out, or you have more questions, feel free to ask. Educate yourself (as you are now) in this matter as some will take advantage of the uninformed. SALUTE!!!:thumbsup:

Keith

 

[hmott]

Check the goodmark website, they do quarter replacement for set rates. You may not have one close enough to use but it will give you an idea what the charges should be. I would also take Keith's advice and get EVERYTHING in writing. How much you will be charged, how long it will take, how much is paid and when, what happens if you aren't happy with the work (warped pannels, etc.) I would get as much of that in writing as you can to try and help cover you. That and do a search here, I think this has been covered lots of times, you aren't the first to worry about getting ripped off. But I think $31/hr is Really cheap for body work, if they are on the up and up.