I have a '91 300zx 2+2 that could really use some new paint, I've never had a car painted and was wondering about how much a decent one would cost? It's currently white and I think I might get the same white just re-sprayed.

 

There are quite a few variables...

Do you want any dents fixed / body work done?
Do you want a high end, or low end paint job?
Can you do prep work yourself?

Your best bet as with anything else, is to call around to some local paint shops and have them give you a quote. For a decent paint job alone you'd probably pay about $1k.

 

Besides a tiny dent next to my headlight I can't think of any body work I would want done. I'm more concerned about cost than quality so a mid-grade paint job would be fine. I don't really know what is involved in prepping for a paint job other than probably sanding and whatnot which I probably could do but would rather have done by a pro. I've heard from a friend that I could get a decent quality paint job done for $400-$600 which seems much more reasonable than $1000.

 

out here in california you can float around, a low-end job at earl schibes will fetch around 2-400$, they will tape off everything and paint, so little corners and any rubber/metallic surfaces the paint comes against will peel after time, whereas if you go to a local body shop they will at least make sure to properly sand all surfaces and try to make it last. if they are not pulling anything off i wouldnt pay more than $600

 

I did bodywork for 8 years... Start talking around with friends. Find someone who knows a guy working at one of the dealerships' bodyshop. Then approach him to see if he wants side work. Most will. And you can get away with around $500. But don't forget.... Paint alone, with a good clear coat, will cost you $300+

 

You can get a maaco paint job cheaper than most usually. But with a maaco they paint it how you bring it in. Whether you do alot of body work or none at all. So if you have so body experience than i'd give that a try.

 

Before taking it in to be painted, you can do the easy stuff like remove bumpers, turn signals lenses, anything that isn't going to be painted. If there's any question on how to put it back together, take a few pics as you are removing parts for a reference. Use zip lock bags and label things if needed.