Jean-Woo:

Here are the facts of life with regards to repainting.  My Vanagon is an '84
7-passenger.  Two years ago I had it repainted (really an exterior
restoration).  After much talking with various folks in the area, I selected
a body shop.  I got all new body rubber from Ron at The Bus Depot (about
$1200).  I then came to terms with the lady who owns the best body shop in
the city of Macon, GA (a low cost-of-labor area).  Ms. Harrison said $4K and
six weeks.

When six weeks came around, Ms. Harrison told me that one of her employees
had a problem getting the windshield back in and that she had to order a new
windshield seal.  Two weeks later, I got my Vanagon back.  It looked like
(and still does) the same way it left the factory in February 1984.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jean-Woo Kim" <jkim.phd@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 12:25 AM
Subject: Fresh coat of paint or not?

My burgundy '87 Westy is showing its age with general fading all over
and a dull look to it. Particularly faded are the pop-top, front, and
the sliding door areas. I have been thinking about putting a fresh
coat of paint (same color) to rejuvenate its look. My concern is what
it will do to its resale value. Another concern is the cost of a good
paint-job. I am thinking of spending about 1K. What do you think? And
what have you done to your Vanagons?