Time for a respray I think

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I can't imagine any reputable paint shop doing a high quality re-spray on the front bumper for anything less than $800-$1000. Also, you'd be wasting your money if you didn't add the clear bra. That stuff is worth every penny if you want to preserve the paint.

Check out the price at your favorite paint shop. You'll be surprised.

[Johnny Danger]

Perhaps the word "excellent" as it relates the paint work is subjective. But, about 7 years ago I had the original bumper on my vehicle re-sprayed by a renown paint shop because I didn't like the marks the oem plate holder had made . The cost was $900 without clear bra. No doubt that there were probably some smaller lesser known shops that may have done it for less. But, that was about the going rate for most of the upper scale shops that I spoke with.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I can't imagine any reputable paint shop doing a high quality re-spray on the front bumper for anything less than $800-$1000. Also, you'd be wasting your money if you didn't add the clear bra. That stuff is worth every penny if you want to preserve the paint.

Probably right.

[shadrach74]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I can't imagine any reputable paint shop doing a high quality re-spray on the front bumper for anything less than $800-$1000. Also, you'd be wasting your money if you didn't add the clear bra. That stuff is worth every penny if you want to preserve the paint.

I have who moonlights for cash that is doing a complete hood and bumper on my other half"s Cooper S for $350. He uses PPG paint and wet sands it to a glass finish. I suppose it depends on where you live and who you know. I'll be the first to admit that he under charges for his work, but his margins must be adequate for him. The fact that it's a cash deal probably doesn't hurt... "Upper scale" always yields an upper scale price, occasionally it yields an upper scale product. I'm sure your guy has a much nicer reception area than my guy. Does he have a Keurig or a Flavia machine in the waiting area? Either of those alone is worth the premium...

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by shadrach74

I have who moonlights for cash that is doing a complete hood and bumper on my other half"s Cooper S for $350. He uses PPG paint and wet sands it to a glass finish. I suppose it depends on where you live and who you know. I'll be the first to admit that he under charges for his work, but his margins must be adequate for him. The fact that it's a cash deal probably doesn't hurt... "Upper scale" always yields an upper scale price, occasionally it yields an upper scale product. I'm sure your guy has a much nicer reception area than my guy. Does he have a Keurig or a Flavia machine in the waiting area? Either of those alone is worth the premium...

Does he have a Keurig or a Flavia machine in the waiting area? Either of those alone is worth the premium...


Thanks to my Hamann body kit project, the shop nows has bidets in the restrooms.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Topless

I removed the nose to replace a cracked radiator and after giving it a close look, had it resprayed for $250. The color match was excellent and that was 4 years ago. Probably time to do it again.

And for anyone who hasn't done it, taking the bumper off is about a 20 minute job at the most.

[mistermac99]

I had a local reputable shop quote touching up all the dings and nicks on my front bumper, hood, and both front fenders. The quote to do this and repaint was $1,7000.00. This included touching up a few spots on sides and rear.

I am worried about repainting, because it won't be the "original" paint any longer. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.

[Perfectlap]

spending a great deal on the front or rear bumper seems like a waste of money. Sooner or later someone will get you from the rear or some A-hole in an SUV will back up onto your bumper.

for doors, fenders and hood I'd take it to a good shop. I've had to paint and repaint my bumpers at least four times. Some times I had it done by higher end shops sometimes the places that deal with regular cars. To tell you the truth from afar, only a well-trained eye could tell the difference. And even with the higher end guys I still saw slight imperfections here and there.
I guess if this a collector Porsche that sees very little if any mileage, the only way these cars can retain any value, then it makes sense to be anal about it. But a car that's going to be driven daily or regularly not so much.

[southernstar]

I have a 2000 Boxster in Ocean Blue Metallic with 92000 km (about 56 K miles) and decided to give Dr. Color Chip a try. Their site suggests that it works better on darker colors, so it may be worth a try on the OP's black paint. In my opinion it does a great job at covering up small chips/road rash and the improvement in my car was really quite dramatic - especially from a few feet away. I have actually had some people look at the front and mirrors and say 'remarkable, it has no chips'.

Apart from the cost savings over a respray (and the risk of an imperfect colour match, or inconsistent fading over time), many purchasers including myself would rather buy a car with with the original paint: in that way they can be completely satisfied that it hasn't been hit, or in an accident. Decent original paint on an older car also speaks to the level of care and maintenance by the original owners. Please understand me, it isn't perfect. It really does not do anywhere near as well on scratches as it does on chips. And I used up quite a bit until I got the hang of it (good thing I bought the large containers). However, in my experience it works extremely well within those parameters - certainly much, much better than attempting to effect repairs with a small brush or match stick.

Brad

[Bob O]

Wow..go away for a few days and the post gets bombarded! Thanks guys. I appreciate all the information and advice.

I've tried the Dr Color Chip, and most of the other similar products out there with minimal results. With the amount of rash on the front I'm not sure anything short of a respray will get the results I want anyway.

As for the clear bra....I'm of the opinion that, properly priced, they're well worth it. I certainly wouldn't pay anywhere near the 1500 some of you have quoted, but something around 600-800 for the front end seems reasonable. If I can't find one the 3M products installed for that price I'll just forget it. And yes, you have to wait a few months to put it on. Since it's getting to be "that" season again, waiting shouldn't be too big a deal.

I'll try Eveland's. I've heard they're really good..but pricey. Thanks for the tip Sweeper.


Bob

[cbbepop]

I thought about car wraps. Price wise it will prob balance out with a front bumper/hood/fender respray + clear bra but a wrap can give you the option of a different color