Body shop estimate

Stuff · 05-25-07, 12:30

Not sure where to put this. Figured there might be some body shop people in the professionals section.

I have some small-ish problems with my car that I have decided its time to fix. I just went to a local body shop guy. Not a giant place just a guy that works out of his house. I just want to know if his estimate sounds normal. I'm going to take a look at some other guys just to compare. Anything I should ask? Things to keep in mind? Also I'm really paranoid about take my car any where. I don't want to be a victim of some idiot that decides to wash the car with a steal brush.

Total $550.....$120 for supplies and 10 hours of labor at $40 an hour . To repair.
1. one dint easily reached size of an M&M or so. Going to do PDR
2. 2in by 2in messed up spot on lower bumper. (done by previous owner). He said he was going to re-clear the whole bumper.

3. The bad part. 2in long by 1/2in high bubbly paint rust area on rear fender right above bumper.

So any ideas? Is this guy way off? Thanks a ton for your help!

xtremekustomz · 05-25-07, 02:34

That is probably about right. It takes alot of tape and paper to mask up a vehicle for spot painting which equals alot of time if done right. Just make sure whoever you take it to understands what it is that you are expecting the turnout to be. Alot of guys get overspray on vehicles when doing spot panels.

David Fermani · 05-25-07, 04:19

Without seeing pictures or getting a better description of the damage, I'd say $550 is ok to do 2 panels. When somone does body work out of their garage, they most likely don't have insurance. If anything happens to your vehicle, then it's on you. Also, keep in mind if you do body work out of your garage, your costs are much less than if you had a full blown shop. With this in mind, the price *should* be less.

xtremekustomz · 05-26-07, 10:14

Depending on the quality of the guys work it may be worth it to have him do it anyway. Most "shops" are in a hurry with everything so they can make the most money possible and if the guys is doing it out of his garage he isn't having to worry about being rushed by the bossman to get it done and out the door so he can bring another one in.

Stuff · 05-27-07, 07:26

Thanks a lot guys that give me somethings to think about. Let me re-define garage. Its more of a very large barn and he does have a make shift paint booth. I saw some of his finished work and it looked good to me. I was thinking the same thing as xtemekustomz. This guy did not have a lot of work right now and I think he would care about the project and not just try to get it done. And I will gladly pay more for a guy who cares and takes pride in his work.