Maaco and Earl Scheib are both franchises. I think Maaco was so long before
Scheib. SO, like all franchises, McDonalds included, your mileage may vary.

It seems logical that the more prep you do your self and the farther you
strip the body, the less the work will cost in shop. I think I owuldn't
hesitate to use a Maaco or Earl Scheib if I had confidence that its was well
run and staffed with good bodymen(persons).

Exactly what i was going to say, too. Years ago I took an '84 Chevy van to
a Maaco that had a good reputation. I wanted the $149.00 "Presidential"
paint job. I was talked into an $800.00 paint job, and I'm glad I was. It
looked factory, and it looked good for years. Now, I don't know, but today
that same Maaco (if it's even still there) may turn out crap. Wherever you
go, ask to see cars they've just painted.     Jeff