Inspired by the New Paint thread... thought I'd start doing some recon

I need new paint badly. Previous owner got a cheap job done to cover up the fading original paint. Now both coats are just flaking off and starting to develop some rust spots on the hood and trunk lid. At this point it is literally the ugliest x300 I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I can't be without the car for more than a 2 days for the foreseeable future. But, if I did find the time and some spare cash, I'd consider painting it.

The car just turned 163,000 and I'm putting around 3,000 miles a month on it right now, and with the condition of the interior, don't want a full blown top of the line job. I'd be happy with something that looked good for 2-4 years, as I should be well over the 200k mark and looking for a new car.

What would I expect to pay for an economical paint job? Doesn't need to look factory new, just better than it does now and protect it from further rusting.

 

Its hard to say, I would guess 1500-2500. The problem is the rust and if it is just in those areas. Mine was a lot more because I had some body work and they fixed previous bad repairs that rusted under the paint. Also, they took off all the trim instead of just masking and painting. The paint is relatively inexpensive compared to the prep. My car is going to end up taking 6 weeks. Obviously they were working on other cars, but it also includes time to source pieces that broke or "needed" to be replaced. That is the joy of having a car that only had a three year run. So, if you are not going to keep it forever those are some things to consider

 

Like most things...you get what you paid for. And that includes paint jobs. $1500 is a Maaco paint job. I was just quoted $4-5K to paint my rust free XJR.

 

Man, 2 days? Budget a rental car for a week, or be prepared for to get a car that smells of spray can propellant.

 

Yeah, I don't see myself putting 4k into the paint... I'd just pick up a different car for that money. $1500 seems reasonable. It's been a California car all it's life, so no major rust problems and no repairs to the body. Just rust in the 2 or 3 spots where the paint has flaked away. I wonder how much of the prep work I can do myself...

 

I am in the same situation. I bought the car 2 1/2 years ago with a small area that had some flaking clearcoat. Last year, it got worse. This spring after winter, its shedding clear from all top surfaces (hood, roof, trunk) and a little on the upper sides above the body pinstipe line.

There is a Maaco being constructed locally that I've been eyeing up to maybe take over for a quote when its open but I know it will be $1,500 for a subpar paint job. On the other hand, I don't want to put $3k+ into a car's paint when the car will still only be worth $3k at best.

I'm leaning towards doing nothing and just keep driving it ,or, possibly selling it to someone who wants to take that on and get something newer or in better shape.

Its sad that the paintwork doesn't hold up on these cars. Everything else seems more durable.

 

I just got back from getting some quotes for painting mine at maaco. The total for the paint and dent repair mine needs was 1700, but I don't recall the breakdown. I'll get the paperwork and let you know if you'd like.

 

.....well, these cars are 17-20 years old now, so


I've never owned a car at this age where the paint was perfect. All of mine were showing fade, oxidation and clear coat failures by now, so I'm pretty impressed that SO FAR the only paint peeling on mine are the mirror covers.

I dread the day that the paint starts to fail (hopefully haven't jinxed myself), but I suspect it is inevitably soon in the next year(s) just due to age.

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True enough. You have a point there. However, I have an 80's Porsche and an 89 XJS will like new original paint. These cars are garaged 90% of the time. I suppose I should have said that I wished my XJ6 was garaged more.

 

Yep, I'm certain that being garaged most of their life is a huge factor.

My 97 XJR was garaged most of its life with the previous owner, so the paint is good for now. But I don't have a garage to keep it in, only a carport, so it still gets some regular sun and elemental exposure which is too bad. I'll just have to keep it waxed and clean.

I've thought about a cover, but I've heard those can be worse as they hold moisture against the car and rub (with wind) any prominent points and dirt in the cover will act as an abrasive.... *sigh*

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