I painted my top myself this summer.  Just used a Scotch medium scuffing
pad with water followed by a solvent surface cleaner to get the surfaced
prepped. I took the luggage rack off, removed the seals (needed new ones
anyway), masked off the skylight opening, (remove the skylight but not
the seal for it) and draped painter's plastic all around the van and
shot three coats of PPG Delthane catalyzed polyurethane enamel.

I was going to flatten it down, but it looks great with the gloss.  They
actually were fairly glossy when new, but didn't stay that way for
long.  The paint and materials ran about $170 (1 qt paint, reducer,
catalyst, scuffing pad, lacquer thinner for clean up, plastic, etc.),
flattener would have added another $30.

You could probably do all the above prep and get it done for a bit less
than $500.  No sealer is needed, which would add another $70 to the cost
of materials.  I can send you a picture if I can find it!

Bob Berkemer wrote:
>
> Well, got my new (nice used) pop top and I'm getting ready to have it
> and the luggage carrier painted to match the body, (as was from the
> factory). Went to one of the "big" auto body places yesterday and they
> quote me a price of $1,000. This seems a bit high to me. Went to another
> shop that was recommended by my VW mechanic and they quoted $500.
> Hummmmmm.....
>
> Anybody out there had their top painted and do you have any
> recommendations? I want it to look as close to factory as possible and I
> get nervous when they start talking about all the prep sanding. A smooth
> shiny top isn't what I want.
>
> TIA
> Bob, 84 westy
> Menomonie WI
>
> P.S. Looked at a shinny new green diesel beetle today..... I want it!!!

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208

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