Old Sprint Paint Costs

[BEast750F@xxxxxxx]

Peter,

1)  I'll bet the $2500 Quote was not!  I'll bet it was an estimate -- and a
LOW one at that!  There is no way of knowing what is under the old paint until
it is gone.  Anyone who does this for a living knows it.  He probably should
have old you in a forceful way.

2)  Sanding paint off a car is neolithic and increases the required work many-
fold.  No doubt he loved it when the 10" sander bit into the lead!

3)  There is even more rust and you haven't found out, yet.  Be glad this guy
is looking, cause now is the time to fix it.

4)  Five grand is about right for what you have described, if the job is done
properly.  The use of etching primers, and catalyzed sealers and top coats.
Providing this guy can make the car straight and flat.  Providing he is using
high quality materials and does the job in a timely manner, and does not break
or lose too many things.  Put  some more stuff in writing, not that it will
help in court, just to remind him.  Total Cost, Due Dates (in primer first
time, in primer second time, in color and cleared, sanded and buffed, et al.),
Scope (trunk, jambs, engine bay, dash?, inner doors and rear quarters?),
Responsibilities (who moves the wiring harness?, who pays for the parts lost,
painted, or broken?, et al...).  Be clear about your priorities, and remember
that this is as much art as science.  Start taking pictures NOW.  Pay with
plastic after work is done, NOT before!

5)  Relax.  This stuff is always a pain in the ass!  More will go wrong,
expect it -- start saving now.  

If you just don't trust the guy, if you have a strong guut feeling that he is
not the right person for the job, take it somewhere else.  I doubt if you will
get it done right much cheaper, though.

Good luck,
Bill

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