Next week we are heading to Myrtle Beach for 2 weeks. I have read on the forum about people getting an extra clear coat on their paint jobs which led me to look up the Macco in MB. The premium paint job is about a $1000, and the best I can do here in Canada for base clear is about $4000. I have no body work it is just scratches and chips of a 13 year old car. Does anyone have any experience with the Macco premium finish that would influence my decision to go ahead with this.

 

My first question would be, What sealer is going to be used before paint?
Are the chips going to be filled with glazing compound and sanded.
They do a good job of painting, so that's not a concern, it's the prep that will make it last or not.
Had a friend get his GT6 done on the cheap and they painted right over a grasshopper on the front, so they didn't even wipe it down.
Get a understanding of what will and will not be done before giving up the car.
Check out the BBB, and have a great time. I will be down next week, staying at Windy Hill (North Myrtle Beach), hope it's cooler.

Wayne

 

The quality of any paint shop has everything to do with the people working there, so its hard to say. Getting automotive work done in SC is probably a good idea, they are cheap and love cars, but I have seen some really bonehead stuff done if you aren't exactly specific about what you want and don't spell it out multiple times verbally and in writing.

I was the member of 4 car clubs and had 13 cars when I lived in SC back in the 1990's. I could write a book on the stupid stuff shops did to cars they weren't familiar with, but have cars that have amazing work done to them and people don't believe me when I tell them what I paid for the work.

 

Maaco did the rear bumper on my car, and the clear pealed off......I would not recommend them.......Mike

 

had a friend get her Miata repainted at Maaco 2 years ago due to an acid spray getting on car (no dents/dings) but sand some areas to bare metal/prime & paint - $3200 - she had to have them fix a few spots they did not prep properly but after that head ache - still looks like it just drove out of showroom.

 

I have heard mixed results from these places. I suspect ones end result depends on how goo the workers are.

 

Unless your going to prep the car before hand I would stay clear of a repaint on the cheap. The key is preparation. When we had our collision repair shop we would have Earl Scheib paint the used cars after we prepped them. always got a nice paint job virtually no runs or dirt. They would shoot 35 to 50 cars a day at $39.99 You wanted to do all of the trim removal and taping yourself plus sanding. We couldn't mix our paint and pay a man for 39 bucks.

 

I had my "97 resprayed at MAACO. There are 2 shops in SLC. I told by a high end body shop to go to one in particular. In February, I got the middle priced respray & needed some deep scratches repaired.Cost $1200. Not a $4000 respray by any means, but it is satisfactory for me.
As the others have said, its all in the prep and the skills of people.

 

I have booked an appointment for a quote on the 21st and will keep all of the suggestions in mind when I am discussing details of the job. Before I go I am going to make sure I have the tools with me to remove, tailights, the nose badge and antenna so I dont have to deal with masking tape lines anywhere I don't have to. I figure that will make their life a little easier as well and might encourage some enthusiasm for the job. Thanks again for all of the suggestions.

 

A big box of donuts might go further to stroke their enthusiasm.

 

I have personally used Maaco a couple of times and both were excellent results. I had them paint my Miata and it was the best paint I have ever seen in my life. It was painted 'Coach Black' Stage One paint. Seriously...it was that good.
The paint lasted for years and there was no overspray anywhere. I sure do miss that car....

 

1- guard against the upsale
2 - get a role of blue painter tape and put a piece on any significant areas that need to be glazed or glaze yourself
3 - take pictures close up before and after, maybe a slow around the car video
4 - walk the car with them and point out any specific areas that should not be pained over like the jag emblem
5 - During the walk around make sure they explain the process
6 - Ask to meet the person that will prep and paint. I like the box of donuts, but I found chickfila morning biscuits get even more love, just do not forget the gallon of sweet tea
7 - be nice about it, but make them know you are a car lover and picky so they know you will go over the work
8 - go over work when you pick up the car, if anything happens after your f_cked. Also you want to take a video when you get the car, so if something peels off soon after you have the before pain and right after paint pics to work with

Look forward to seeing the results!

 

It all depends on what your looking for as a final product. We had two Maaco shops close by. I say had because one closed a few years back. They didn't do good work. I'd say it was more like borderline. Now the other Macco shop,they do fantastic work. I've seen a number of classic cars like a 67 Eldorado,70 Chevelle,66 Toronado,and various other cars and they do a phenomenal job. I'd wait till you get in the area and go to various mechanics shops in the area and ask what they think of the shop.You might even want to ask around at a local weekly car show. Car guys usually give you fairly good opinions about who's reputable and who's not. Document everything you want done and double check once the job is complete because once you drive your car away and they have your money you might not get any additional repairs if it's not done right. Good Luck! P.S. Don't let that shiny new car distract you from looking over your car carefully to make sure they didn't miss anything or damage anything on your car,because it does happen!