I have a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup that is in need of new paint. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a truck this old. I found a really cheap deal at Earl Scheib paint. I wonder if any of you auto body guys have any experience with them or any advice what to look for in getting a vehicle painted. Here is the deal-----
Earl Scheib's Pro 1 Package
Great results at a budget price, Pro 1 includes a one year warranty.
At $259.95 it includes:

* Chemically clean & dewax
* Dual-action sanding for adhesion
* Careful masking & taping
* Air-blown dust removal
* Tack cloth cleaning
* Paint coats #1 and #2
* Masking & tape removal
* Infrared Quartz Drying System
* Final cleaning

I could get the following deal on sale for 399.00
Earl Scheib's Pro 3 Package
This top of the line package includes a six year warranty. At $499.95 it includes:

* Chemically clean & dewax
* Dual-action sanding for adhesion
* Careful masking & taping
* Air-blown dust removal
* Tack cloth cleaning
* Paint coats #1 and #2
* Masking & tape removal
* Infrared Quartz Finish drying
* Final cleaning
* Many additional colors
* Paint coat #3 (base coat) for a uniform finish
* Bumper & Tire Conditioner
* Additional sanding & preparation for adhesion
* Integrated clear coat
* "Starfire Colors"
* Extra final cleaning
* Six-Year Warranty
Any advice or experience would be appreciated. Thanks much!

 

The only thing I really know about Earl Schrieb paint jobs dates back to the '60 when they had a $19 special - limitted colors and prep. I wasn't overly impressed but did see some cars that came out looking great.

There are 2 main reasons to be able to paint a car for less. You either spend less on material or labor [or both]

I'd recomend talking to some of their customers. I've seen some cheap paint jobs [not E.S.] that contained runs, sags or even areas that didn't completely cover the old color. That isn't to say that, your particular shop doesn't do good work. Many 'cheap' jobs don't come with a garuntee of satisfaction They will do just what's specified on the contract and you either pay or don't get your car back.

Providing this particular shop does good work a cheap paint job should make your truck look decent for several more years.

 

29.95 any car Earl Schieb he has been around a long long time. You really get what you pay for with this guy. You get what you pay for. If you are going to keep the truck go for bust or if you just want a 2 year paint job go cheap.
One thing is this company has been around a long time like I said so you can always get warranty work.

 

3 more years and it qualifies as an antique, give it something a bit better the Earl. Maaco is a short step up, but only slightly better.

But the more body prep you can do on your own will save money for the paint.

 

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll spend some time doing body prep myslef. I'll post results of the paint job when done if anyone is interested.

 

Any specific advice as to body prep that could help insure a better finished job? I'm going to fill a couple of small dings and sand out some chipped areas of paint. I'll also remove all trim and bumpers etc. that I can. I'm not looking to spend too much on paint. The vehicle only cost me 650 bucks. I don't want to spend more than that for paint.

 

Sometimes a cheap paint job won't include any 'real' prep. Some will just wash the car with a solvent to clean and give the new paint a chance to bond.

If you fix anything that needs repairing and wet sand the car with 400 grit, you will only have to worry about them doing the masking and painting correctly.

 

Thanks much. I'll do just that.