cgtracer

Im not paying for the Maaco Paint job. Some one is doing it for me. And i really dont have money to get a very good job. I have already sanded down the whole car, and removed everything. Also i sanded down the front and rear bumper to get painted. what do u think>?

StormChaser404

<center><img src="http://members.***.net/duandcc/1985ss1.jpg"></center><p>I had my 1985 Impala 9c1 (police interceptor) repainted at Maaco (it used to be white/baby blue). If you get their REAL clearcoat paint job, it's 1/2 way decent. It looks good from 10-15 feet back, but not impressive up close. But do NOT get their integral clearcoat. That sucks big time. Expect a few runs/sags and a decent amount of orange peal and a quite few fish-eyes. With that said, a el chepo Maaco paint job will look decent for a couple of years IF you was it VERy often (like every 60-90 days)...

PJM99

Maaco is only good if you do all the prep work yourself and specify the paint and clear coat you want them to use. Also make sure they have a good painter. Around here in CT, there is a Maaco in Middletown and I knew the painter there and he was good.

If I were ever to use Maaco........

1. I'd do all prep and body work myself, which includes removing all trim, moldings, lights, etc. I'd also tape the car myself, such as the engine compartment, door jams, underneat, etc. And I would do any dent removal or rust repair myself. This includes wetsanding, stripping, primering, etc. I would primer the car with my choice of primer and make sure it was all smooth and straight. I would trailer the car down the day they are ready to paint it and clean myself with prep cleaner.

2. I would choose what paint/clearcoat I'd use. If I have to go buy the paint than so be it. I like RM Diamont.

3. I would only have them paint and clear coat the car. I'll take car of wet sanding and buffing myself.

But honesty I would just do all of the above myself.

ATMOS

you might as well by a spray gun &amp; compressor and do it yourself.

thatgirl

i agree with antirice. luckily, a buddy of mine and his dad do body work, so i get a deal. but when it comes to finding a good shop, the best thing to do is ask around. find out where people have gone, how they liked it. you might also check with your insurence agent, see if they have any recomendations. but yeah. just check around, call places, maybe even see if they can give you a "tour", then you can see what kind of work they do. again, just my two cents.

'81 tic-tac

with out much trouble.. only recently some tiny rust is poking through. oh and they didn't match my color correctly, but hey, it's Maaco..

with the proper care of the paint and if you do your own prep work you should be happy with it. people always are surprised when I say the car is a re-spray from Maaco.

the people at Maaco can spray well, but that's about it. Do your own prep and don't expect a showcar and you should be satisfied.

PJM99

you need to find someone who has a good reputation. Go to local car shows and ask around.

JeromeS.

In general, a 900 dollar paintjob won't be as good as a 1900 dollar job. The easiest way to think about it is, it takes more time for the job to come out nice, therfore costing more money.

And im not talking about 'Oh, I know this guy, who knows a really good painter'. Thats not taking it to a shop.

PJM99

and seeing the work that has been done to their own cars. I don't mean just taking it to some guy, but there are good shops out there that specialize in custom cars or oddities. A collision shop may not be your best option. I like to got to car shows and see cars that have nice paint jobs and inquire on where they were done.

StormChaser404

people have seen my car. That was a $1,500 paint job that included fixing 4 LARGE dents, a bunch of small dents and at least a dozen rust spots...