hello, its been a while, i know this has been discussed sometime back, am contemplating about a whole paint job on my 81 celica with same color, how much do they ran these days body work if needed and the usual dings and surface rust if there is , i would like some info on how many members had theres done and paid, any recommendation here from socal members, any info much appreciated, thanks

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1981 Toyota Celica GT 530,000 miles on original engine and tranny,79 Supra F312 rear
1996 Lexus LS 400 264,000 miles going strong
2002 Toyota Sequoia 4WD 125,000 too young

I'm doing my 70 Crown. I dismantled it myself and will be re-assemblying too. The paint job is gonna cost me around 2200 euros ($2600 APPX) TO tell the truth I don't know where I'm gonna start ;-( I sent almost all nuts and brackets to be re zinced electroplated and overhauling the engine.

Hi guys im new here, australian. Im a qualified panelbeater, and have been in restoration and customizing for about 12 years, specializing in concourse show and race cars. And also a paint representative for speis hecker and crash supplies. I'm currently working in the UK building classic and vintage race cars.

But definitely shop around and ask to see some previous jobs in person if you can, in Australia a cheap respray, providing the body is in good shape with no rust,dents,paint fade or flaking will cost $2000. But it will not be a long term paint job because you don't know whats underneath the original materials.

Bare metal resprays are what i would recommend and is what i do on my own cars, time consuming but much better and rewarding at the end product.
When looking for a shop ask to see photos and if you can view a car that they have done ALL the work, check for gapping, panel alignment and speak to the owner about costs ect.

As far a diy do some research, find out about processes, procedures and use quality materials not cheap if u want it to last! It will save u a heap but make sure u do it properly, don't be shy about asking for help because its all about preparation!

Hope this helps guys!

Nate

Unfortunately, you're in a bit of a bad location. It usually runs $2500-5000 here. Out there it can be easily be double that. With all the new EPA rules it's getting quite expensive to paint cars in SoCal.

You'd almost be better off to ship it to another state to have the work done. I know several SoCal guys who are contemplating that.

But, the more work you can do yourself (trim removal, sanding, etc.), the more money you can save.

I paid $5000 for my MarkII without taking to down to bare metal as it had original paint but couple of good size dents. (socal)

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"Life can only be understood backwards. Unfortunately, it must be lived forward." ... Kierkegaard

thanks a lot for the response,

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1981 Toyota Celica GT 530,000 miles on original engine and tranny,79 Supra F312 rear
1996 Lexus LS 400 264,000 miles going strong
2002 Toyota Sequoia 4WD 125,000 too young