I paint vans regularly in the Seattle area and the price Troy was getting is
double for what I am doing it.  A few Canadians were also coming to me with
restorations.  Rust removal and prevention, etc.  Color change is more work,
of course.  I'm in Lynnwood Washington.  It takes about two weeks at least
to have the whole thing back together.  Kitchen unit is removed to fix the
rot behind it that makes the horizontal seam rust out.
If there is no color change, it is normally only painted to the gutter.  But
all removable parts are taken off, except the wiper shafts and the spray
nozzles on the front, unless the owner wants new spray nozzles.

One can leave the window seals, that would get roped before spraying, or
have them renewed.  I do all the replacements, the customer does not have to
do any of it.

It's a lot of work, but very satisfying to see a brand new Westfalia
leaving.  If it's your daily driver and you have no way to get an other car,
I may lend my car to use.

Just to let you guys know.

Zoltan
425 773 4646

----- Original Message -----
From: "Troy" <colorworks@GCI.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 4:41 PM
Subject: Van painting cost

>I just got back from the body shop with an estimate of $6500 to repaint my
>van. For this price, I was going to completely remove all the moldings,
>poptop canvas, side windows and rear, bumpers, utility outlets, door
>handles, etc. and also reinstall. The $6500 does not include any new rubber
>seals. I'm guessing a good $1200 for a complete set of rubber seals to do
>all the doors and windows, pop top, rear hatch, etc. I do have some rust
>around the rear window, and side windows, and in one of the rain gutters,
>and one dent on the passenger side.  I really wanted to change colors, but
>that would add an easy $1500 to the price. So, I guess I was thinking in
>the $4000-$5000 range with me doing part of the work, so was a little
>surprised.
>
> I'd like to get some feedback from others who have their vans painted, and
> what they spent, and was was done for the cost.
>
> Troy
>