Painter selection

[broku518]

I am working on body work now.

My neighbor mentioned I should talk to his painter. I heard he is running his paint for years and is pretty good. Don't think he painted any ffr before. Mostly antique cars and collisions work.

What kind of questions I should be asking? I know nothing about paint or the painting business.
Just wanted to make sure I cover the important points.

Thanks!

[Sdonnel]

The question you should ask is whether you want someone to learn the ins and outs of painting the ever changing curves of a cobra on your car. I was given many names of painters where I live. None has done a cobra before and most did not have experience with fiberglass. With that in mind, I have gotten on Jeff Kleiner’s list to paint mine. I know it will be perfect and that’s what I want. I’m not trying to be mean, just honest.

Scott

[tony]

I talked to a handful of some shops. Some were interested and some not. I found a local shop that didn't have ffr cats but has done fiberglass cars. Just call up and somebody knows somebody who can point you in the right direction

One guy I was amused by was him saying it takes 1000 hours to get right....and he only worked hourly.

[silver_pilate]

Yeah, guys with experience can get it done better and faster (and thus often more affordably) than a pro who has to figure out all the body fitment and tips and tricks on these cars. The Bat (Jeff Miller) or that other Jeff ;) both so amazing work at a deal of a price for what you get.

[Olli]

I heard he is running his paint for years and is pretty good.


I wouldn't call that a glowing endorsement. ;)

Olli

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Besides the paint these cars are not run of the mill fiberglass. Better to get someone who has done FFR cars.

[Presto51]

I am working on body work now.

My neighbor mentioned I should talk to his painter. I heard he is running his paint for years and is pretty good. Don't think he painted any ffr before. Mostly antique cars and collisions work.

What kind of questions I should be asking? I know nothing about paint or the painting business.
Just wanted to make sure I cover the important points.

Thanks!

Questions to Ask:

Where is my car going to be painted at, the collision shop, or does the painter have a set up to do the job at his house? (If the answer is at the collision shop, that gives off a red flag, which usually means it will get done when time allows. If the answer is at his home shop, then you would like to see that shop)

Does he want to do the body work himself or follow behind your work?

What painting system does he use? If given an name of system look up reviews of it. Don't be shocked by cost of paint and materials, the good stuff is not cheap.

Does he offer any warranties?

Can you see finished examples of the work that he has done in the past and can you talk to those owners?

Has he done any fiberglass in the past?

Can you have a set time of completion ?

Is he willing to write you an estimate ?

Is there any money up front before the job is started? (Could be red flag. If he knows he won't get paid till the job is done, that might be enough incentive to finish in a timely manor)

Can you see the sanding blocks that he will use? (if the answer is no, or they look brand new, and if not that many that can be a red flag )

Does he have to see the car before he can answer a lot of these questions ? ( if the answer is, I have to see the car before I can answer your questions, that's a good sign)

That should give you a good start in the questions category .

Ron

[2FAST4U]

Look for someone experienced in painting kit cars.

[DavidW]

Take it to Whitby Motorcars for paint.

[broku518]

Hi,

All good points, thank you. He is coming to my house this weekend. My neighbor (also a cobra owner) is recommending him. He is a vintage cars club sponsor and worked on many vintage cars. I am not sure about fiberglass.

I have a feel the business is pretty slow, and he would complete the job in timely manner. His paint shop is only 25 min from my house and I plan to visit and tour his place.

I am doing the bodywork and won't hold him liable for any mistakes that I would cause.

[rich grsc]

Take it to Whitby Motorcars for paint.
Never, unless you're ok with leaving it for a year or two

[GoDadGo]

Consider Contacting Henry Renard.. (65 Cobra Dude)

He's a professional builder who has several body shops that work with him.
Henry's shop is on the Western Coast of your home state in Port Charlotte.
He's a great guy, a real patriot and one heck of a builder to boot.

https://youtu.be/sUAnYcvbxyE

Now if you want it done to car show quality: Sir Jeffski.. (Jeff Kleiner) ..is Da-Man!

[broku518]

Consider Contacting Henry Renard.. (65 Cobra Dude)

He's a professional builder who has several body shops that work with him.
Henry's shop is on the Western Coast of your home state in Port Charlotte.
He's a great guy, a real patriot and one heck of a builder to boot.

https://youtu.be/sUAnYcvbxyE

Now if you want it done to car show quality: Sir Jeffski.. (Jeff Kleiner) ..is Da-Man!

I am in touch with him as well. Waiting for his painter to get back to me...

Thanks.

[WBILB]

I am in touch with him as well. Waiting for his painter to get back to me...

Thanks.

FFR just had Jeff Kleiner do paint and body on their 25th anniversary give-away car to be auctioned off at LCS. If not the best he is, without question, in the top tier of FFR paint and body men in the country. Long wait so if you are interested you need to get on his "list" ASAP.

[DavidW]

Never, unless you're ok with leaving it for a year or two

True!