Body Shops, WTF???????

[CookieRoe]

Last Saturday, a large chunk of ice/snow came crashing onto my hood after leaving a drive up ATM. It caved in my hood and so it has to be replaced. Friend of mine got the evil idea in my head to change to a scooped hood. Went online and saw that they are the same price (not including scoop retainer/plate/Guide/etc). Filed a claim, got a check and now I'm looking to get this hood and painted with the intention of me installing it. Anyway, I used to go to a body shop where I would bring in mirrors and other small parts to get painted. Went back the other day to ask about bringing in the hood. They refused and said they don't accept customer supplied parts. I understand the whole "can't guarantee" thing, but I also know they make money off of buying parts. Anyway, I've phoned a few shops and was told the same thing. One shop wants to charge me $700 while another $560. Urghhh. For a freeking hood!!! Anyway, I know not to expect to pay $200, but I think even $500 is excessive. $700 is just bonkers. Where do you guys get your "stuff" painted? Is $560 reasonable?

Thanks.

 

[T4R2014]

Not surprised. Body work is a ducked up business where the only money is in insurance work. You need a good connect.

 

[CookieRoe]

Not surprised. Body work is a ducked up business where the only money is in insurance work. You need a good connect.

I hear ya. Very frustrating and at the same time mind boggling. Someone will "take my money". Sort of reminds me of the sham that is dental insurance.

 

[A.Wilson013]

If I didn't have a hook up I would look at Craigslist. It's not a show car, and the hood reflects differently than the panels all around it. If it's a little off, is it a big deal?

 

[Hepar]

If I didn't have a hook up I would look at Craigslist.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mhU0ooeLJQw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[aa.allen]

From someone who works in the the collision industry. I'd say $560-$700 is about right. Depending on where you live the labor rate is usually 60-$75 an hour in this day and age.

I would guess there is 2 book hours to sand and prep the hood. Primer, jam the underside of the hood then flip
It over for paint and clear on the top.

Prep solvents, sealers, Paint, clear, reducers and hardners are not cheap. Plus the mark up on those materials then the painters labor. If you live in a area with higher VOC regulations the materials cost is even higher than say here in Oklahoma with lesser National Rule regulations.



I personally would not paint a hood as a side job in my garage for under $300.

Heck I won't even touch a motorcycle tank anymore for less than $500 on the side.

Prep for paint is very labor intensive even on a new panel that has little or no damage.
I hate to drop that on you but that's reality


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[Antman]

Last Saturday, a large chunk of ice/snow came crashing onto my hood after leaving a drive up ATM. It caved in my hood and so it has to be replaced. Friend of mine got the evil idea in my head to change to a scooped hood. Went online and saw that they are the same price (not including scoop retainer/plate/Guide/etc). Filed a claim, got a check and now I'm looking to get this hood and painted with the intention of me installing it. Anyway, I used to go to a body shop where I would bring in mirrors and other small parts to get painted. Went back the other day to ask about bringing in the hood. They refused and said they don't accept customer supplied parts. I understand the whole "can't guarantee" thing, but I also know they make money off of buying parts. Anyway, I've phoned a few shops and was told the same thing. One shop wants to charge me $700 while another $560. Urghhh. For a freeking hood!!! Anyway, I know not to expect to pay $200, but I think even $500 is excessive. $700 is just bonkers. Where do you guys get your "stuff" painted? Is $560 reasonable?

Thanks.

Try this place- Bryan's Body Shop in Jarretsville MD small shop/crew and nothing fancy. He hooked me up by painting a bumper cover for $300 in 2 days. Great guy.
Bryan's Body & Fender

 

[BrianSD_42]

Why don't you install the new hood and try saying you bought the truck that way and need a quote for just the hood. $400-$500 seems about right.

Another strategy would be to go to the place in your city that is a professional paint supplier/store. You know ... somewhere they sell the raw paint, especially the high quality stuff. Then talk to them about the hood. I'm sure they know a guy with a good shop at a fair rate.

 

[Unner]

Try smaller shops, and mention you'll be paying cash, possibly under the table if they want to do it that way.

 

[CookieRoe]

If I didn't have a hook up I would look at Craigslist. It's not a show car, and the hood reflects differently than the panels all around it. If it's a little off, is it a big deal?

Because I don't want my rig to look like a beater.

From someone who works in the the collision industry. I'd say $560-$700 is about right. Depending on where you live the labor rate is usually 60-$75 an hour in this day and age.

I would guess there is 2 book hours to sand and prep the hood. Primer, jam the underside of the hood then flip
It over for paint and clear on the top.

Prep solvents, sealers, Paint, clear, reducers and hardners are not cheap. Plus the mark up on those materials then the painters labor. If you live in a area with higher VOC regulations the materials cost is even higher than say here in Oklahoma with lesser National Rule regulations.

I personally would not paint a hood as a side job in my garage for under $300.

Heck I won't even touch a motorcycle tank anymore for less than $500 on the side.

Prep for paint is very labor intensive even on a new panel that has little or no damage.
I hate to drop that on you but that's reality

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That's helpful,thanks for the insight. I remember a time (circa 1993, where you could walk into a shop and have a panel painted for $150 for a top notch finish. Guess those days are gone, LOL.

Try this place- Bryan's Body Shop in Jarretsville MD small shop/crew and nothing fancy. He hooked me up by painting a bumper cover for $300 in 2 days. Great guy.
Bryan's Body & Fender

Thanks for the tips, but MD is a bit of a hike for me.

Why don't you install the new hood and try saying you bought the truck that way and need a quote for just the hood. $400-$500 seems about right.

Another strategy would be to go to the place in your city that is a professional paint supplier/store. You know ... somewhere they sell the raw paint, especially the high quality stuff. Then talk to them about the hood. I'm sure they know a guy with a good shop at a fair rate.

I finally found a shop close to me where they will do it for $400 ONLY if the hood is OEM. He'll even guarantee it. I thought of what you suggest, but the winter isn't done here, I don't need another "winter storm" messing with a primered hood (how Toyota sells them) and possibly compromising it.

Try smaller shops, and mention you'll be paying cash, possibly under the table if they want to do it that way.

You're absolutely right, I tried the "chain body shops", but they, of course, only do insurance work and THEY have to supply the part (hood). Pure crap.

 

[aa.allen]

Yes stay away from
MSO's ( the chain shops) they are ruining the Industry

And the those days are gone sadly I remember when I started in the mid-late 90's I could buy paint to do a two tone on a full size truck for around $250.

I sold a pint about two weeks ago that was $396 it's self. It was a red with a lot of pearl in a high quality paint line but I got sticker shock my self just giving the customer the price.

The recommendation about visiting with a jobber about smaller shops that might do a good job is a good one. I have here local 2 I'd recommend and 75 I'd tell you to stay away from. So be careful and look at some of the work they have in the shop currently


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[1engineer]

Last Saturday, a large chunk of ice/snow came crashing onto my hood after leaving a drive up ATM. It caved in my hood and so it has to be replaced. Friend of mine got the evil idea in my head to change to a scooped hood. Went online and saw that they are the same price (not including scoop retainer/plate/Guide/etc). Filed a claim, got a check and now I'm looking to get this hood and painted with the intention of me installing it. Anyway, I used to go to a body shop where I would bring in mirrors and other small parts to get painted. Went back the other day to ask about bringing in the hood. They refused and said they don't accept customer supplied parts. I understand the whole "can't guarantee" thing, but I also know they make money off of buying parts. Anyway, I've phoned a few shops and was told the same thing. One shop wants to charge me $700 while another $560. Urghhh. For a freeking hood!!! Anyway, I know not to expect to pay $200, but I think even $500 is excessive. $700 is just bonkers. Where do you guys get your "stuff" painted? Is $560 reasonable?

Thanks.

$500 isn't a bad price to paint a hood. Go to a body supply store and price the material nowadays. Once you see what all the material costs that are needed to paint a hood (sandpaper, primer, sealer, paint, clear coat, buffing pad, compound, glaze, rags, tape, etc ) then you will see it's not such a bad deal. In addition to that you also have the install. Plus, painting a hood is a PITA because of dirt in the paint. I'd rather paint anything than a hood, except for a top. Those two are the worst.

 

[CookieRoe]

$500 isn't a bad price to paint a hood. Go to a body supply store and price the material nowadays. Once you see what all the material costs that are needed to paint a hood (sandpaper, primer, sealer, paint, clear coat, buffing pad, compound, glaze, rags, tape, etc ) then you will see it's not such a bad deal. In addition to that you also have the install. Plus, painting a hood is a PITA because of dirt in the paint. I'd rather paint anything than a hood, except for a top. Those two are the worst.

I've accepted that high price of getting parts properly painted. I miss the old days. I know there are shops (in rural PA), where it is much cheaper. A friend of mine can get stuff painted for $200, but I often ask him is it a mirror finish. He oftens replies: "It's good"............... LOL, When I was living in Peru, I would get some parts painted (I had a 2000 CRV that I "converted" to an EX model.............front and rear bumpers painted to match the body). Often times I would see and it would be sort of dull. I was always assured that it wasn't ready yet and needed to be buffed. Of course upon final delivery, it's look fine. It's wasn't a mirror finish. B/c of my OCD, I ended up taking to a modern body shop and had it redone. Wow , whatta a difference! (in price and final product).

What sucks is that I'll be returning to have them paint a bumper for my Civic, LOL. So there goes another $400...............

update: I ended up ordering new parts for the hood scoop. Turns out that hood I wanted to scavenge isn't any good. I can't get parts of the scoop out (bolts are rounded and very rusted.... even after a couple of nights of Blaster). So, my hood will be all new, except for the insulator. Pics to come.

 

[wadle5]

As others have mentioned and from formerly managing a body shop. Customer supplied parts can be problematic. We would accept some on big insurance claims if for instance sustained a front end collision and client just wanted a different hood we would purchase that and the client would pay the difference. The reality is we warranty are parts and procedures(paint). We can't be responsible if you buy some really cheap knock off and it does't fit right, paint doesn't adhere right and its a can of worms and could come back on us. So to bypass this entirely we would do the same and quote large amounts, because the likelihood of that client returning and blaming us(a multi-million dollars in repairs a month) and wouldn't owe up to them buying some cheap part we can't differentiate between the part THEY sourced and our work. Also as others have said $70+ an hour is reasonable for paint also with your paint I'm assuming is a three stage paint as well as metallic flakes makes it more difficult to color match just a single part without blending into the fenders/bumpers.

You are best going to a custom shop or smaller mom and pop shop, because the time/hassle of most of these customers(not saying you) is not worth it when they can get guarantee insurance work? I guess why did insurance cut you a check and not take it to a facility and get a quote that way and have them fix it and insurance pay the shop?

 

[wadle5]

update: I ended up ordering new parts for the hood scoop. Turns out that hood I wanted to scavenge isn't any good. I can't get parts of the scoop out (bolts are rounded and very rusted.... even after a couple of nights of Blaster). So, my hood will be all new, except for the insulator. Pics to come.

And just read this...and this is why big shops wont deal with client provided parts as they don't know the source or if they are up to par. If we got a part in and it was damaged or just wasn't right we would simply return it and await a new one. Again no point in the effort to install/paint damaged goods.

 

[CookieRoe]

As others have mentioned and from formerly managing a body shop. Customer supplied parts can be problematic. We would accept some on big insurance claims if for instance sustained a front end collision and client just wanted a different hood we would purchase that and the client would pay the difference. The reality is we warranty are parts and procedures(paint). We can't be responsible if you buy some really cheap knock off and it does't fit right, paint doesn't adhere right and its a can of worms and could come back on us. So to bypass this entirely we would do the same and quote large amounts, because the likelihood of that client returning and blaming us(a multi-million dollars in repairs a month) and wouldn't owe up to them buying some cheap part we can't differentiate between the part THEY sourced and our work. Also as others have said $70+ an hour is reasonable for paint also with your paint I'm assuming is a three stage paint as well as metallic flakes makes it more difficult to color match just a single part without blending into the fenders/bumpers.

You are best going to a custom shop or smaller mom and pop shop, because the time/hassle of most of these customers(not saying you) is not worth it when they can get guarantee insurance work? I guess why did insurance cut you a check and not take it to a facility and get a quote that way and have them fix it and insurance pay the shop?

I totally understand the "customer supplied" parts. I always mention that I'll be using an OEM part, but I supposed they prefer to get the part themselves and make an extra dollar. Not too keen on this because I can get the OEM part very cheap and I really doubt they would charge me what I pay for (partznet).

My natural white isn't metallic thankfully. Just white. I'm still confused as to whether there is a clear coat on it or not. Some say there isn't on Toyota Natural White, some insist all paint has it. All I care is that I have a "mirror" factory finish. Having that said, the rest of my rig is faded. I've neglected the paint for a few of years by only applying cleaner wax on her once. Bought a Porter Cable buffer and Meguiars products to try to regain the shine.

And just read this...and this is why big shops wont deal with client provided parts as they don't know the source or if they are up to par. If we got a part in and it was damaged or just wasn't right we would simply return it and await a new one. Again no point in the effort to install/paint damaged goods.

Yes, the used hood I got ended up being junk. Rust/damaged surface / faded paint (which was fine, but it would've been nice to just bolt it on and be done with it).

The perpetual lesson: Projects don't always go as planned.

At least my stuff will be OEM, thus me not worrying about issues down the road.

 

[wadle5]

i totally understand the "customer supplied" parts. I always mention that i'll be using an oem part, but i supposed they prefer to get the part themselves and make an extra dollar. Not too keen on this because i can get the oem part very cheap and i really doubt they would charge me what i pay for (partznet).

My natural white isn't metallic thankfully. Just white. I'm still confused as to whether there is a clear coat on it or not. Some say there isn't on toyota natural white, some insist all paint has it. All i care is that i have a "mirror" factory finish. Having that said, the rest of my rig is faded. I've neglected the paint for a few of years by only applying cleaner wax on her once. Bought a porter cable buffer and meguiars products to try to regain the shine.



Yes, the used hood i got ended up being junk. Rust/damaged surface / faded paint (which was fine, but it would've been nice to just bolt it on and be done with it).

The perpetual lesson: Projects don't always go as planned.

At least my stuff will be oem, thus me not worrying about issues down the road.

update?

 

[trailtruck]

Might be way out of left field but what about approaching a teacher at a local tech college that does paint work and strike a deal where they paint it as part of a class and you toss a few bills to the teacher.

 

[CookieRoe]

update?

The body shop is supposed to contact me today or Monday. Afterwards, I head to the shop to have it installed. Pics to come, for sure, next week.

Might be way out of left field but what about approaching a teacher at a local tech college that does paint work and strike a deal where they paint it as part of a class and you toss a few bills to the teacher.

Nah, screw that. With a body shop:
1) I'm assured a quality job (factory mirror finish)
2) Warranty
3) I can "smack someone around" if the job isn't done right.

 

[aa.allen]

Might be way out of left field but what about approaching a teacher at a local tech college that does paint work and strike a deal where they paint it as part of a class and you toss a few bills to the teacher.

Even though I have a 2 year degree from a technical college such as you mentioned I would discourage this. It would take a year or more to get the hood done. They have to have so many hours a week in the classroom. That cuts in to shop time deeply.

I'll give you 2 examples

I took my tour of where I got my degree from 4 months before I enrolled there. When I took my tour there was a '56 Bel Air that was put in its final primer a few days before my tour. Weeks before I graduated it was finished and sent out the door.

A technical school we deal with at work has a '69 Chevy C-20 in their shop.Two weeks ago when I was out there that truck was sitting in the same spot in the same condition it was the last time I was out there and visited them. That was early last November.

Also you have someone learning working on your hood it's a crap shoot how it will turn out.




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