My intro

[Jfunk]

Hey everyone. I’m a younger guy looking to get into the Factory Five scene. I’m in a remote town in Eastern Utah. I’m about a month away to pull the trigger on purchasing my kit. I’ve been doing research and feeling pretty good on the direction I want to go with the build. The one thing I’m getting hung up on is the body and paint work. I’ve gotten 3 separate quotes (we only have 3 shops capable of doing the fiberglass/paint) that are all around $15k. This seems very steep to me but I could be wrong.

I’ll post more about it on a separate thread. I would really appreciate it for advice on this part. I’ll also detail my plan for the build to see if anyone can correct any errors I would make before purchase. This forum seems like a great group of knowledge and experience.

[cob427sc]

$15k seems a little steep but a lot depends on the quality of work and final appearance you are looking for. I know one car that was done at MACCO for around $1000 and looked great at 10'. I would suspect to get a decent looking job (panel fitting, seams, sanding/prep, paint and stirpes) will be at least in the $8-10k range. I've had body shops do some of my cars and also done more myself. Just the materials alone can easily run $1000.

[chris10F]

Hello and welcome (https://www.google.com/)

[Gordon Levy]

Hey Jordan, Hows things?

[BadAsp427]

Welcome to the craziness. When the time comes to get the paint and body work done, there are several folks here on the forums that do nothing but paint these and your out the door below $10k. They are much cheaper because they all ready know all it is going to take. How to make things work and do not have to learn on the fly. Names that I'm familiar with off the top of my head. Jeff Kliener (where my car is right now; Bloomington IN) Jeff Miller (so cal) Ken Pike (in Cali somewhere I believe) those are just 3. I'm sure others will be happy to chime in.

[progmgr1]

As others have said, $15K is on the high side for a roadster, but may be good for a Hot Rod / Truck with full fenders and roof (I didn't see what you were planning to build). Material costs are significant, but the main cost is labor hours. There are a lot more seams and panels on a Hot Rod with full fenders, etc., and at least on the older kits the panel quality and fit was worse (needing more labor hours to gap and finish). You can probably save a few $ by doing the rough body work yourself. I have found that many shops will work with you so you can do as much or as little as you want. Just be sure to use products (body filler, primer, etc.) that are compatible with those your shop is using - otherwise you may have future problems and no warranty coverage. HTH, Keith HR #894