[alfa] Re: MAACO Paint Jobs

[TWFAUST@xxxxxxx]

 I have gotten some very good paint jobs from MAACO. In looking about, I 
noticed that the two local MAACOs had the best equipment, so I realized that the 
sticking point was who was doing the application. A couple of pointers. 
Stripping trim from the car, rather than relying on them to mask it, makes the point 
that you have high expectations. Like anyone, they want to feel that their 
work is appreciated. A small gratuity to the guy actually doing the squirting 
will not go amiss (I have spent a life time dealing with municipal employees, 
this may be easier for me than it is for some). Going for the shorter money paint 
jobs sets you up for "What did you expect for that kind of money, you cheap 
bastard". As to custom colors. I have had them mixed elsewhere. Whether MAACO 
will use them depends on the owner, it is helpful to find one who is a car guy. 
I would look at the finished products to see how many are collector cars. 
Those shops will be used to customers with high expectations. 
        For those willing to go through the trouble of stripping the car, I 
would look into color sanding the car and then returning it for the clear.
         It is fair to assume that the guy doing the squirting is well 
equipped and has developed the knack of painting a car, it is only question of 
getting them to take the time. Unfortunately for us, most will have more 
appreciation for a "muscle car" than for "furrin cars". Bring in a 1970 Trans Am, and 
they will understand that only the best will do. Tell them the Alfa is just your 
"beater", that you use when the weather is too poor for your Dodge Charger.
          Remember, these guys are not "Professionals". They will not respond 
to demands. They will respond to "Joe, I really put my heart into this one. I 
really need your help". Or. "You know Joe, I drove a lot of Sh--boxes when I 
was a kid. That isn't going to happen in my second childhood". Do a little 
homework, to appear knowledgeable? Do not go overboard by requesting a specific 
procedure. Ask their opinion about it.
           Tom Faust
>  
> 
> I got a more than decent paint job at a MAACO shop in Oceanside, CA but that
> may be a mite out of the way for most.  They can't mix custom colors but in 
> my
> case white is white.  Mine was kind of a custom job because I had twin blue
> stripes ala the Cunningham race cars.  Even did the hardtop.  Came out 
> great.
> The only trim that I removed were the bumpers and headlight covers on a '69
> Spider.  There was a lot of overspray underneath the car so that should be
> masked off.  I'm sure that capabilities vary widely with the individual 
> shop.
> I look at cars at that have been freshly painted and try to judge the
> cleanliness of the shop.
> 
> Cheers and ciao,
> 
> Dave Mericle the Elder
> Leucadia, CA  BEACH-N-RIDES
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