RobertKB Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 My '48 Dodge D25 Club Coupe is a classic case of a 20 footer, lately more like a 30 footer with paint starting to peel off the hood. A friend and I painted this car 30 years ago and it was a bad paint job then and has not improved with age. Lots of little bodywork needs doing as well. I did it on the cheap because I had young kids, a mortgage, car payments, etc. I have always said I'll repaint it next year for about the last 20 years. My '38 Chrysler project ate a lot of money and time. Finally now I am getting after it and have arranged for the same fellow who painted my black '38 Chrysler to paint my '48. He is a son of a club member and works out in the country and is reasonably priced (as far as paint jobs go) although it still seems pricey. Bodywork is something I have no inclination for and no tools and no interest in learning. However, I can tear a car apart pretty quickly as the pictures show. About two hours so far. Should be done stripping it down in a couple more days. I can't wait to paint this old girl because I know she will look good when done. It will be the same colour as it is now. I will post updates on the painting as it goes along as I often drop out on a Friday to see the progress and have a beverage or two. I posted a picture of my '38 as well to show the quality of the work this guy does. Yippee!!! I love being retired!!! I can do what I want when I want! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Maxwell Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Anything near as nice as that Chrysler and you're gonna be one happy camper. Congrats on your retirement and the cars!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmusiclover Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Your '38 is amazing - I can't wait to see the finished '48... if I can ask, what is he charging for paint? I'm trying to get an idea of cost to do this... Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted September 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 (edited) Your '38 is amazing - I can't wait to see the finished '48... if I can ask, what is he charging for paint? I'm trying to get an idea of cost to do this... Paul Paint is going to cost around $5,000 which as I said seems pricey but for a quality job it is pretty reasonable. He will also do some other work for me for that price. The front clip needs realigning and he is going to do that, reinstall rear fenders and new fender welt, align one door, undercoat the fenders, etc. He is very good about doing little extras and not charging. He is also one of those guys who likes to work on old cars and is willing to take his time. I never rush him as he does not like being asked all the time when will it be finished. I buy beer and take it out on most Fridays and just sit and BS. He will shortcut nothing as he is a perfectionist. He does send the car out for the final painting as he does not have an adequate booth so in the end he doesn't make all that much. What the hell, you only live once and this car has needed paint for a long time. Only problem now is I should woodgrain the dash, do some upholstery repair, new clutch. Got to get new tires too. I guess I have a new/old project. Edited September 10, 2009 by RobertKB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT-47P15 Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Robert, ain't retirement just wunnerful?? "I guess I have a new/old project." Riiiight.........but you have time to do it now. Since I began my retirement on Sept 1, have not had time to mess with the car except on the recent Labor Day holiday when worked on the donor coupe toward removing the top. Have had plenty other projects/errands to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Way to go Robert, can hardly wait to see the finished product. I am in the boat you werer in 30 years ago, as you know, hope to be retired doing what your doing someday also......Fred Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmusiclover Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 That's great! Unfortunately, the couple of paint places I've called/gone to see here in Austin have either said "sorry, we won't paint an old car like that" (modern paint shops), or they want $10K to $12K (these are custom classic car shops) - pretty ridiculous... :S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted September 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 (edited) That's great! Unfortunately, the couple of paint places I've called/gone to see here in Austin have either said "sorry, we won't paint an old car like that" (modern paint shops), or they want $10K to $12K (these are custom classic car shops) - pretty ridiculous... :S I might end up paying a bit more but not more than $5500. He is going to take the car down to bare metal and go from there. The only thing is I didn't want the windows taken out so he will be painting around those. The front and back windows have been siliconed over the years and would be a bear to remove. My choice though to leave them in. I actually have new re-chromed bumpers for it that I picked up years ago for nothing (good story) and I have the factory MOPAR electric gas cap that I have waited to install, like the bumpers, when the car was repainted. Other chrome work is pretty decent and will not be redone as it would be very expensive to do, especially the grille. I plan on polishing all the stainless steel trim. New hood welt also. Edited September 10, 2009 by RobertKB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 I need to find a guy like that to do my car. Actually my plan before the crash was to do the best body work I could, remove everything possible, and have maaco shoot it. Then 30 years from now if I still have it I'll be like Robert painting it the better way I wanted to all along. I also have some stuff not installed awaiting a paint job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1948mando Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Good job on the repaint of your car. I have had a few cars painted over the years and I allways felt a whole lot better when I removed all my glass It just makes me feel like everything was done rite. Thats just my 2 cents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Normspeed Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 That's great Robert. Can't wait to see the progress reports. That 38 is a beauty too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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