Pmunce-

Earl Schieb and Maaco both have reputations for NOT providing a very good
paint job. I don't have first hand experience with either, but have seen
examples that are pretty sad. These guys are where you take a car if you
are getting ready to sell it, and want to conceal what a junker it is
without spending more than a couple $$$.

It sounds like you are looking for a pretty decent van after all is said
and done. Don't spare the coin on the bodywork if you plan to have the van
for more than a few months.

I would encourage you to look in the phone book for a locally
owned/operated shop who is eager to show you examples of their work, and
will give you the names of a couple of recent customers, and perhaps a name
of a customer from a few years prior. If they are true artisans, they will
have a loyal customer base.

Remember, a bad job on a motor rebuild means unbolting the motor, and
putting in a new one. If your paint starts to crack, fade, and peel next
fall, think of the labor and hassle to set it right again.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   pmunce [SMTP:pmunce@EARTHLINK.NET]
Sent:   Monday, October 04, 1999 4:21 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Costa Mesa, Calif. area...

well, i took the bitter pill and had the transmission rebuilt and the
engine replaced with a factory rebuilt along with hoses and belts and so
forth.

i am now hoping someone will recommend a place to repair minor body
damage and where i could get it repainted.

would i be ill advised to take it to earl schreib? i am actually prepared
to pay considerably more than what they charge but am not sure that would
be necessary. perhaps maaco?

any suggestions?