What to do what to do?

[MoeBawlz]

I am currently faced with a new dillema of sorts. Well actually it is more of a new oppourtunity. I just graduated college and am now at age 21. I have had my 68 Camaro for over 5 years now and it is still not done and needs quite a bit of work. My main decision is do I want to take a loan out for a new car to replace my Mazda MX-6 that currently runs just fine and has no issues that I cant live with minus the fact that if it breaks down I am stuck. OR!!!! do I take out that loan and send my car to a shop to get the body done so I can just assemble it and drive the damn car?


The car needs rear quarter replacement on both sides, tail panel, and one sail panel with a roof. The rest of the car is rust free and clean as heck. It needs those parts replaced of which I have all of the panels in my possesion and it needs paint, the rims, tires, and rear end could wait a little while if needed. First off does anyone have any clue as to what this might run me so I have an idea as to what kind of loan I would need as in how much?



With this loan I have it figured out that I would still be able to put a large chunk of change away for future investments as well as downpayment on a home eventually. So I am not to worried about that. Just curious of your input.

[dropit69]

well could sell me the camaro and buy something else ya like to drive..lol..id say your looking at prolly 8-10k for the work..a decent paint job is 5k these days..any chance of getting some buddies with tools to do it yourself? save ya alot..

[baz67]

How about stay out of debt. You can save all of your money and then get the stuff done when you can pay cash for it.

[Steve Firebird]

How about stay out of debt. You can save all of your money and then get the stuff done when you can pay cash for it.

Thats a good idea do not take out a loan save the money up for your toy and leave your credit alone so if your MX-6 gives up you will be able to buy some thing else. Worst thing would be to borrow money for your toy and then have your driver give up and have to make two car payments. I have a feeling the economy maybe on the verge of a major down swing with the gas prices and all the world issues the US has there nose in and the national debt something is going to have to give! Debt for toys is bad, saving money is good.

[MoeBawlz]

I guess you have a valid point. I dont want to be in debt but I want my car DONE!!! and the problem becomes having no time for it. This summer may change a few things though, but I also said that last summer and I got little to nothing done last summer. If in all reality it will be 8-10k to get the body done and paint laid I would be OK with that. Just a matter of getting the coin together, which I could probably do within a years time.

Do shops ask for like 1/2 up front usually or can you pay along the way or jsut do one lump sum?

[rockdogz]

I guess you have a valid point. I dont want to be in debt but I want my car DONE!!! and the problem becomes having no time for it. This summer may change a few things though, but I also said that last summer and I got little to nothing done last summer. If in all reality it will be 8-10k to get the body done and paint laid I would be OK with that. Just a matter of getting the coin together, which I could probably do within a years time.

Do shops ask for like 1/2 up front usually or can you pay along the way or jsut do one lump sum?

Never pay for it up front!! The shop I used wanted about 1/4 up front, then another 1/4 mid way, then another 1/4 after primer, then the rest at the end after everyone's happy.

[MoeBawlz]

That makes sense... I didnt think it would be pay up front but I figured pay in increments would be reasonable.

So any other ideas as to how much this may cost as a whole? I will go at it this summer all I can to work on it, and depending on how much gets done I can see where it may lead for the winter and just get it finished over winter so I can assemble the rest of it.

[mikey]

Some will also take weekly or monthly payments that are based on progress. Only do this if you can come to a pre determined schedule that you are both happy with. Stay out of debt long as possible because you may not be able to get a loan when you really need it.

[AllenW]

I work at a resto. shop, ... The rate is usally around $50/hr at most shops for sheet metal and around $30/hr for body, and paint work.. Dont know if this will help you or not..

[MoeBawlz]

that does help... now i just need an idea as to how many hours it would take to replace those panels and how many hours it would take to prep and paint.

[Rick D]

Just to give you some info. Just paint and sandpaper and the rest will run you $2500.00 to $4000.00. Beleave me I sell paint for a living. I also do high end resto work with a shop in Schaumburg IL. If you are looking to get first class job from start to finish $30,000.00 to $50,000.00. Thats every thing complete car. We just finished a 69 Chevelle BB the customer has close to $100,000.00 in it. If you want just body and paint $15,000.00 to $30,000.00. Everyone will say I'm nuts but but I've been doing paint and body for over 18 years. Call around to some shops most will tell you anywhere from $50.00 an hr to $100.00 an hr. Go to car shows ask who did there work ask what they paid then ask your self why can't i do it myself. It's not that hard to replace panels bond just takes time that will cost you money for someone to do for you. Just my .02
If you want to come by the shop we can show you some cars.

[MoeBawlz]

Im in Palatine so im VERY close. What shop in Schaumburg are you at? I would love to come by and see some stuff if you wouldnt mind.

And I know I can do the panels its just a matter of finding the time. I hope to have all the metal work done before it goes in to a shop but I really want this car out in a years time so if its going to take some money I may have to go that route.