> I did this once with a Volvo 260, V6 auto I was converting to a 240, I4
> stick.  The engine/X-mission were already out for the swap so I thought, why
> not.  The car was totally stripped of all glass and anything which could be
> unbolted.  I even removed the doors, hood and trunk lid so that I could paint
> beneath the hinges.  I learned well why a properly done color change costs
> thousands of dollars and bodymen are reluctant to do them: time = money!
> Probably the biggest pain-in-the-ass is prepping all the nooks and crannies
> of the door surrounds.  I will never do it again myself unless it is on a
> Lotus Super 7 or a motorcycle.

Did the same to a Volvo 242 GT.  From blah sliver to Ford Ultraviolet purple.

I don't intend for this to a be a quick process.  It will take a long time.  But
that's OK.  It's not "difficult" work, just time consuming.  If you have a tight
time frame, not a good idea.

You hit the nail on the head.  It costs a lot to get it done professionally.  We
figured we had >250 hours into the prep work alone for my Volvo.  That doesn't
come cheap.  If you aren't prepared to put the labour into it, be prepared to pay
for it.  If you aren't prepared to put a LOT of money into it, and don't have the
time and skill to put into it, best sell it and buy something that doesn't need
as much work ;-)  (or just drive it til it falls apart - but don't do that with a
Vanagon, please!  Leave that option to Toyota Corrodeds).

Keith