NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

I'm having a hell of a time getting some fresh paint on my bird. I live near Bloomington, Illinois and I can't find a paint shop that will even paint my car. They only work with insurance claims

After my first question to them on the phone is, 'Do you do refinishing work, or just insurance claims?' and they say, 'yeah! come on in and we'll give the old girl a look see' only to hand me a 3 page estimate with vastly padded labor times (3 hours to remove hood and headlight doors e.g.) then tell me they won't paint the car anyway because 'they don't offer that service anymore'. Why waste both of our time like that?!? This has happened at more than one place. The one guy who I thought might actually take a gun to this thing (phrasing) tells me he'll prep and spray the hood alone for $1700.

So, I'm reaching out to the LS1tech community. There has got to be shops in central or northern Illinois that do labor under $50 an hour, right? I looked through old threads and Good Guys on Fort Jess sounded promising but look to be out of business.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

yenkomike

iTrader: (2)

how far you willing to travel?

NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

south suburbs of chicago, springfield, peoria, but not as far east as indiana or west as st. louis

blue99ta402

I hear this a lot from people. Most shops want to deal in insurance business only. I do both but you are a long way from where I am. Good luck in your search.

NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

Thanks and I'm still looking. I am considering getting a WS9 hood and selling my OEM ws6 hood. Weighing cost and options

BlackCowl

iTrader: (15)

I am in the same boat as you no one wants to even do it

I need my whole car repainted and im in the south suburbs of Chicago

NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

Well I just purchased an outlaw hood from roger at US exotics, it still blows my mind that it was much cheaper purchasing new hood, headlight covers, rearview mirrors etc. than doing a repaint on universal black.

As it stands, I am still on the lookout for a reasonable paint shop in the central IL area. Still gotta repaint my hatch/spoiler and get a replacement sail panel painted/installed.

transdamn

iTrader: (1)

I have been looking for the same thing! Here in Downtown Chicago we have a paint shop on every corner but they want insurance only. I was quoted 2 hrs ($190) to remove my hood. Not paint, just remove. It is 4 bolts..............

I wish we had an option...

NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

No doubt, those estimates are padded. Now, I have alot of respect for the knowledge and skill of auto body and paint professionals. I have buddies in the business and I seek their wisdom constantly.

However, if I am paying $70/hour for your service, it is not to unscrew bolts and lay tape down. Especially when those tasks are unreasonably quoted like transdamn has experienced. What really gets me is when they will not take a prepped item or out-of-pocket payment.

Honestly, though...$190 to unbolt your hood? That is

nofun

The Paint Spot in Addison il. painted my bird a few years back.

nofun

Here's the info for the paint spot
contact Vince at
Ph: 630.543.7111
email: vince@go2paintspot.com

Did me right, had my body guy go over the car a second time because he
seen thing I didn't.

Please let me know if you use him, I have a few nicks that need touching up.

NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the tip, I will get a hold of them and see what they have to say.

NightHawwk

iTrader: (2)

Over a month later and I finally found a shop that seems reasonable. Funny thing is, I had never found them doing google searches or through word of mouth, but they are literally a stone's throw from my work. I just happened to take an alternate route to work one day on a side street and there it was:

Autobody Alternative

I went in for an estimate the same day and was blown away by their knowledge and quick turnaround (estimated, to be sure). Their quote was less half that of the next cheapest estimate and as much as 2/3 lower than upper-end quotes. I know what you are thinking...you get what you pay for. But, with a lifetime guarantee on the paint, is there really any reason I wouldn't?

In short, the TA is going in the next week, will post up some before/after pics for anyone else who might be looking for a reasonable cost/hi quality paint shop.

joeZ96

iTrader: (3)

Good luck with everything. Another recommendation:

Ron @ All Auto Body
Elk Grove Village