> A couple of years ago I had a couple of estimates done to repaint parts
of
> another van I had ... sand some rust off the sliding door, touch-ups here
> and there. One place gave me a $6000 quote, another, $2000 (both in CAD).
>
> I was surprised at the difference to say the least. When I mentioned this
to
> the fellow who ended up buying my other car, he said I had to watch out
for
> the quality of paint used. Like I said, I'm no expert, but this may be a
> factor in some of the cheaper work done by body shops.

Katherine, someone in my area on the other side of the border (I'm a
stone's throw from the CA border in the Okanogan) just had his done (same
color as mine) for $3400 Canadian-- so I figure 2000 US is about right.
But I'll be sure to ask about the paint.  I know the guy I'm taking it to
said that the new clearcoats will not peel up like the original blue from
'85 did, since they are UV stabilized now (and weren't then)...also, in
general, blue is a less expensive color than a red or a silver -- maybe
your color affected quote?

I know I'm not going to Maaco or Earl Scheib for $299 or $399 van paint
special, and I've been talking to the guy at this paint place (his own
small business, not a chain) for a month now and repeating the idea that I
want to improve the the integrity of the vehichle long-term, not just the
look. I'm hoping the $500 difference is the paint used and prep done (about
$1100 is dent fixing, I figure)

Thanks for the response

--Patrice