Why is it so hard to find a quality paint/body shop?

[gggoad]

We have been through terrible times trying to find a shop that can back up their talk with the quality of their work. It is terrible the quality of work that is being turned out of the so called "quality shops" Thought it might be a great idea for everyone to give a shout out to your local guy if they are really good - I'd love to have some local contacts in OKC of some painters that can not only talk quality - but actually pull it off.

We just stripped a car that was painted "show quality" to find bodywork done on top of rusty bare sheet metal. Uncured bondo. Amazing....

WHO CAN YOU TRUST?

[John Wright]

Gerald....where are you located?

edit...nevermind, I see you said OKC...

[MrQuick]

Good luck, I've been through 12 body shops and have yet found one that didn't piss me off in one way or another.

If I can find a vacant body shop I'd love to get my own guys in it.

Vince

[JEFFTATE]

They're not hard to find ..
You just have to pay out the rear for a good one..

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

its even worse when they look at you like a cash cow.

[MarkM66]

They're not hard to find ..
You just have to pay out the rear for a good one..

:1st:

[2Bad4Ya]

Best best is to see a car you think is painted nicely at a local cruise in or small sho, etc... and chat with the car owner. Tell them you like what you see on their car and wondered who painted it.

You gotta look around and see who's name pops up is my suggestion. Hard to beat your own eyes/opinion of someones work.

[gggoad]

Last job wasnt a matter of money - guy priced the car, price was accepted, he guaranteed the work - car looked like a bunch of amatuers went after it. After all was said and done, it was discovered what really happened to the car. It's just a shame. Everyone I talk to has had similar experiences. I mean - 12 shops! This is really ridiculous. I found a guy I am pretty comfortable with that is getting my car in 6 weeks. But I feel bad for guys having to go through this ****. Thought it might be a good idea for some to share their success stories to other members. Maybe the horror stories too!

[2Bad4Ya]

There are sadly more horror stories than fairy tales I think.

I myself am the worst type of customer, I am hardly ever happy with someone elses work. Which usually means I end up doing it myself and still go over budget cause I may have to do something over 3-4 times before I am either happy with it or admit my limitations and have someone else do it in the end (which I usually find fault with).

/shrug

[12meni]

Well, I guess I'm just lucky. Rob MaCauley at RPM Autobody in Tannersville PA has painted 3 cars for me including a full-on resto of my 67 fbird with butt-welded quarters and Sickens paint in my garage 20 years ago. He recently painted my 85 Porsche and Amargari on this list had his 2nd gen Camaro painted by him as well. No complaints yet, Anthony?

He is anal to a fault, but will work with you as well. My Porsche is a track car and he knocked it out for $2500 including some minor dents and rust repair in a single stage Guards Red. Then he buffed it out to a really nice shine and I couldn't be happier.

If you live in NJ/PA I highly recommend Rob.:1st:

[ProdigyCustoms]

You have to get some firm numbers. Some little things can be left open (unknown) but there is no reason 90% of a estimate cannot be closed before stripping and there is no reason once the car is stripped that a firm cost cannot be given.