I'll be shopping for a paint job this weekend and I'd like to learn from everyones experiences. I know the: Get the written estimate, set a payment schedule, no alterations increasing cost with out permission, set a reasonable expected completion date...What else?

Do you have a recent example of your work that I can see?

Warranty?
What if it looks like crap?
How about blems?
What kind of paint?
Color sanding and polishing after paint?

Do you have a recent example of your work that I can see? Dan;
This guy comes highly recommended from a local hot rod builder who I trust. But being a rookie at paint jobs and dealing with such folk, I want to protect myself. I've heard too many horror stories of "trusting" recommended body guys. Oh it'll be done in a week kinda thing and six months later deeper in debt you get your car back in worse shape than when you drove it in. To be honest with you, I told him to take a look at her and back off a bit. I can't afford a show car job (5K+) 8O which is what he does. I'll keep everyone posted as to his estimate.

Establish up front what it is you expect to have painted. Are you including the door Jambs, under the hood, bed etc........ Talk to him/her about the type and grade of paint. PPG does make some good paint and they also make some cheap crap, for me I only use Dupont finishes.

Will he color sand or let it go with orange peel. Most new cars don't get color sanded so they are all about orange peel. One, two or three coats of clear? And then what about nits and bugs/dust in the final stage.

The other replies cover the legal and basics, but unfortunately the only way you can do it is to be sure that you are comfortable with the shop owner. If they don't do what you hired them to do, often the only option is to hire a lawyer which costs you money and lots of time. Talk to people who have had him do work and talk to him so that you're sure that you are happy with having him do the work, then stop in every day or two to see the progress and fix things as they come up and before it is too late to fix a simple problem with 5 minutes of work as opposed to showing up to pick up the completed job and finding a problem that becomes a major issue for you which means a big dollar problem for him. Paying attention to the progress of the job is good for you and keeps him reminded that you really care about the work.

Take a look at other paint jobs done by the painter to check the quality of the job. Reputation...speak with past customers to see if they're satisfied. Don't rush the job...give the shop plenty of time to do it right! Make a deal with them, let them have the car longer than a normal job and then request them to give you a deal because they can work on it during slow days or in their spare time. Offer to let the painter or shop put their name on the car (a small logo or name on the lower tailgate)...Painted By: Rembrandt.

I know its been a few since this was posted. I work in a body shop and the worst thing you can do is rush them. If you want the job to be done right and look good, let them take their time.

hey, newbie here,
just got an 84 quista after many months of searching. now the fun starts.. where can i get the original paint codes and a build sheet?? any sources for a hood and 2 doors in central florida? so many questions but i will start with these. thanks