VampireHunterC

Ok, here's the deal. I am going to be enlisting in the Army soon. My wife said that, as a graduation present, she is considering taking my Camaro to Maaco to have it painted, as the paint on it now is in really sad shape. It will probably be a basic paint job, just enough to make it look nice again. Prior to painting, it will require some rust removal: One spot on the center-front of the roof, right above the windshield, about the size of a saucer; one spot on the passenger side corner above the windshield, about as long as half a pencil, wrapping around the a pillar; some light rust at the base of both a-pillars, along the back hatch glass, plus a few minor dents. Does anybody have even a remote ballpark figure on how much it would cost? Quality? Keeping in mind that the car has a few more years to be worked on before it is "finished", due to time and money constraints.

joshp14

there have been lots of posts in the Appearance boards...here are some threads with exaclty what you are looking for...

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ighlight=maaco

all-in-all, Maaco seems if you just have them paint it, i would suggest that you do the body work, or have someone else do it, maybe even your 5 year old kid, cuz he will do a better job than Maaco. Dont forget to tell them to not paint over decals, dont paint over weatherstripping or seals, use a flex additive when painting over fiberglass, or any other pieces that can and will flex, also have them tape off everything very nice so overspray doesnt hurt anything, i am sure i am forgetting some details...

Diabolical

oh lord here we go. the only people that can really tell you if maaco is good, are people you know that have had their car done at the maaco you're going to. you could take a car to one maaco, and get a surprisingly nice looking paint job, but you could take that exact same car to a different maaco and get a terrible job like i colored it with crayons. see if you know anyone that's gone there, ask about their experience with them. also, if you decide to go there, do as much of the body work yourself as you can. take your time doing this, and not only will you decrease your cost, but you'll also decrease the chance that the paint job will be poor due to half assed preparation. also try to remove or tape off as many parts you don't want painted as you can, because they have a reputation for being careless about preventing overspray.

VampireHunterC

Thanks...I did the search AFTER I posted... From the consensus, it seems that, if it is a good job, it will lasts for only 4-6 years. It was just something my wife was considering as a grad present. As far as prep, I would not be able to do it because I would be in boot camp. I plan on sanding out the rust on the roof, however, as the small spot in the corner is causing water to leak into the car. Nothing smells worse than wet upholstery! If it would just stop raining and snowing long enough for me to do it. It has been raining for 2 weeks now, and this morning it is 27 degrees and snowing.