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There have been a few articles in Camaro Performer, Hot Rod etc all with great tips on DIY paint and prep. As you mentioned removing the interior is a good step. The more time you can put into the prep the more you can save. For example, all body trim, lights, emblems; however to continue the savings you must also be willing to reinstall these parts. Also deciding if your estimate will cover the door jams and other concealed areas will be a factor in pricing, again if the car is gutted its easier to prep and paint those areas, but still requires the time and material. Complete color changes and the actual color are also a factor.

I refuse to use cheaper paints and clear simply because it requires more work to get the results of a higher quality product that is typically what most people set their expectation to when they set out to paint their car. The cost difference in materials is negligible once you weigh the labor costs against the savings, not to mention the longevity of the re-spray and what it will look like in a year from now.


With that being said a typical breakdown is as follows:

Materials costs: Between $2-2500. Included in that are primers, sealers, sand paper, body fillers, color and clear.
This is based on a 4 coat factory base color and 3 coats of clear.

Disassembly - Depends on the complexity of the car

Prep: With 0 rust or panel replacement most shells require 40-80 hours (or more) of prep time, all depending on panel damage and alignment. Could it take less, yes, but it all depends on the condition of the shell and the clients expectations. Do they want all the paint removed? Or is the current base able to sustain new layers of materials if prepared correctly.

Paint prep: Once body work is completed at a minimum of two stages of complete body primer and blocking is needed in a high quality paint job. 24-32 hours. For a simple production style re-spray this step will likely be skipped all together and only the areas where body fillers have been applied will be primed and wet sanded in preparation of sealer and paint. Again if the current base is in good shape this is an area of time and materials that can be reduced.

Paint prep: Masking the body, application of sealers (often skipped in a lower quality job), base color and clear. 7-8 hours

Color sanding: Again assuming a quality job the entire car is wet sanded from 1000 through 2000 levels, and then buffed. 24-32 hours depending on the size of the car. I see cars leave body shops every day with no color sanding at all, again client expectations and knowing what to look for. This is also a step that can fall under DIY if your willing to take the time.

Reassembly - All depends on the complexity of the car.

A 3000 budget is nothing to shake a stick at. With regards to the cost vs value of the car, thats a real world factor that most never consider. If this is a car that you have spent many hours on and will keep for the next ten years then aim for a higher budget and level of work. If its a car you will have for the next 2-3 years I would forgo the paint job altogether and do your best to keep it rust free as that will be an important selling factor for these cars. A cheap re-spray will most certainly damage resale value.

Hope that helps in your decision making.