Getting Body Work Done on my Car

[Burnout]

I was hit in a parking lot a few monthes back, but decided to keep driving until summer started since I got keyed earlier in the year, and rather save my new paint from that. What kind of questions should I be asking when looking for body work and a new paint job?

[nda0602v6]

I'd ask to see examples of work the shop has done in the past. Maybe a few pictures or an actual car.

I'd also ask them what process they use to prep a car for paint. What I mean is do they remove trim pieces, rubber seals/gaskets, tail lights, side marker lamps, bumpers, etc... Good body shops do these things to prevent overspray plus it simply provides a better looking paint job. If all they do is "mask" things off and don't remove anything at all, I'd go somewhere else. I'd also ask them if they have warranties and be sure to get it in writing.

[Ted]

If you say they should remove accessories from the car to prevent overspray on them, what the hell is wrong with masking? I really really really honestly doubt you will find a bodyshop that doesn't mask anything off. Naturally they are going to take easy things off like tailights or headlights etc... But do you honestly think they are going to take out the door handles and lock just to paint your door? They'll laugh in your face. This is what you should do. Go to your insurance company and ask them what bodyshops around your area do the best work. Go to a few of the bodyshops and check it out. Like 'nda0602v6' said ask about warranties on the paint and their work. And you should be good from there.

[nda0602v6]

Originally posted by Ted:
If you say they should remove accessories from the car to prevent overspray on them, what the hell is wrong with masking? I really really really honestly doubt you will find a bodyshop that doesn't mask anything off. Naturally they are going to take easy things off like tailights or headlights etc... But do you honestly think they are going to take out the door handles and lock just to paint your door? They'll laugh in your face.

OF COARSE bodyshops are going mask things off, give me a break. :rolleyes:

I was only referring to bodyshops that take the easy way out by masking off the so called "easy" things like tail lights. Believe it not, I've seen places (even places insurance companies use) that do things like this. Removing door handles and key locks ... you're right because most bodyshops won't remove those kinda things; however, some do. It all depends on how much you're willing to spend.

[ April 22, 2004, 07:37 PM: Message edited by: nda0602v6 ]