Anybody ever use a franchise paint place?

[Captain Knievel]

Earl Scheib. Maaco. Etc. I need paint and a dent removed real bad on the 70LWB, have no tools, no garage -- you get the picture. So I was thinking of getting it done at one of these type of places. Anybody have experience with this? Cost?

If this topic is already in the paint forum, let me know and I will go searching. Thanks.

[GMCPerson]

I used to use MAACO. I would do all of the prep work - sanding and bondo and give it to them stripped of all emblems and chrome. I found that they have some great painters and some not so good but for $300 or less, I did not think I could complain much. Stop by and see the work at your local shop.

[cdowns]

for a daily driver it's a good way to go//if you do the prep and masking you can get a decent paint job for not much money that'll last you 4or5 years

[DUD2STUD]

I used Macco to paint my dodge about 2 month later the paint started coming off. Do the prep work your self because they don't do the prep work good enough

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by DUD2STUD

I used Macco to paint my dodge about 2 month later the paint started coming off. Do the prep work your self because they don't do the prep work good enough

I've heard others say that same. If you do a great job with the prep yourself the paint job will reflect it. They don't spend much prep time on a $300 paint job.

[SactoJim]

I'm in agreement with everyone else.

Bring it to them with all the prep and bodywork done and everything off that you don't want masked.........pick their best paint grade and give the painter a 12 pack.

you'll probably never end up with a "show quality" paint job, but you can end up with pretty decent results.

Just hope for the best results the first time because the more you want fixed (if they will), the more material buildup you get.....and that's not good.

[Captain Knievel]

Thanks for the help, all. What are everybody's definitions of prep work?

[Psycho71]

Most people's definition of "prep work" is everything but spraying the paint. And from what I've just discovered, the prep work can be the hardest part. It is definitely the most time consuming part. I've tried doing the bodywork on my bed, I suck at it, and now I'm looking for someone to do it for me. But I'm just gonna wait til fall, and put it in the paint shop so it'll get done right. I know it'll probably cost me an arm and a leg, but it's gotta look better than my attempts.


Jay