[DeTomaso] Paint job cost / Dick Ruzzin

[Dickruzzindesign at aol.com]

Patrick,
You had some great responses to your question about painting.
_________________________________________________________________
Following are some suggestions that can help you through the process:

1.
You may not have to take it down to bare metal completely. If Pantera 
surfaces were real good originally then it might not be necessary. If as the original 
paint is in good condition it can be used to start the blocking process. 

Other Italian cars of that era tend to have a lot of filler as they are often 
different from side to side.

Since the rusting areas are known you could have those taken down to bare 
metal. That would save some money. A separator of high level paint jobs is the 
matching of all panels so that cuts are consistent and surfaces parallel and 
blending. 

2.
If your doors are to be removed drill a 3/32 hole through each hinge on the 
body side of the car so that they will realign just as you have them now. If 
they are to be realigned do it before the paint but after they are adjusted. The 
painter might have a different method of doing this.

3.
Get a good description, on paper, of what the painter is going to do. You 
know what you want, make sure he does. Make sure you cover all the surface areas 
that are to be corrected.
If he will not give you one go somewhere else.

4.
When you finally take the car in to a shop, watch it like a hawk. Make sure 
that you see some of his work beforehand. Check the price for value. 
Make unannounced and frequent visits while the car is being done to be sure 
that what is written down is being done. 

This will also get your car finished sooner.

5.
Be a pest. Do not think that the painter is a new friend. He is being hired 
to do a job, you have to assume that he will do as little as possible. You have 
to maintain your position as the customer who has great and critical 
expectations. He should suggest corrections to the job that were not on the original 
agreement. That is great, as long as the added price is not outrageous.   You 
will reach a point where you will start to trust him, do not let him know that 
until the car is finished.

6.
Make sure that he knows that your car will be shown and seen by others who 
appreciate a good paint job. Stop by some time with a friends car that has a 
great paint job. He has to understand that you know what a good paint job is and 
are serious about your expectations.    

7.
All pieces that are attached or lined up, like the hood, door handles, etc., 
should be fitted before the final paint is applied.

8.
You should also have a final surface inspection of the primered car and 
parts. Water should be applied, with a clean soft cloth, so that you can check the 
highlights with the painter. All major panel should be fitted for this 
inspection.
Once that is done the first color is put on, check it again while it is wet 
if you can. Corrections can still be made.

9.
Be very careful about color choice. Ask for a sample, like the hood. Look at 
it outside in good light, not on a cloudy day. Come back and look at it again 
the next day before approving it. You will live with the color forever so make 
sure it achieves your desires.
Take some time to evaluate it. 

An extra couple of thousand invested will make a great difference if you are 
going to keep the car.   You will not regret spending it.

If he does a great job make sure he knows about it, brag about it and try to 
get some business for him. Do not forget that painting is his living.

Good luck.

All the best,
Dick Ruzzin,______________________DickruzzinDESIGN at aol.com
920 Whittier Rd.
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
Home: +313-824-0539, Cell: +313-300-9558




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