How much to paint a 1987?

[PNWchevrolet]

I just got a Grey 1987 Chevrolet Blazer. All stock. Original metal. Straight metal. Original paint. Interior perfect. 55K Original miles. New factory replacement engine. I'm wondering this: I think the car is really nice and the interior is in perfect shape but I feel the grey color is a bit bland. I'd like to repaint it a nice modern color with a bit of metallic flake in it. I know I might take some heat for this but I kind of like the green color of Ford's Ginger Ale Metallic.

My question is this: How much would it cost to paint a Blazer like this with some nice new paint that will last. Keep in mind, this is currently a fully assembled vehicle. The grey paint extend throughout the engine compartment and interior surfaces. I'm in Everett Washington and just need a ball park or any specific resources you might be able to point me to that might have experience with painting these trucks. I guess I also might wonder what a repaint in the same color might cost and any resources for that as well.

Chances are, it is just too expensive and I will take some 3M polish and go patina. I also might put some cooler tires on it that are bigger and make the whole truck look a bit shorter. Any links to very similar, similar color Blazers would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[noco-k5]

I'm getting my 1990 GMC Jimmy painted for 1100 bucks. Single stage white with minimal body work. Truck is straight and has zero rust to be repaired. Was going to try and do it myself, but found a good price. It's taken awhile and I'm not expecting perfection but it should turn out decent.

[Keith Seymore]

$3200 to paint my pickup in the original Code 72 Apple Red, only in BC/CC rather than high solid enamel.

Had it done here locally in a small mom&pop shop that I had been testing with smaller projects. I did all the prep and they shot it; in and out in one week.

K

[PNWchevrolet]

That is a pretty big range. Especially given the prep work. What do all the acronyms mean?

[Ski-me]

$3000 sounds to be a closer number to me.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by PNWchevrolet

That is a pretty big range. Especially given the prep work. What do all the acronyms mean?

BC/CC = base coat, clear coat. The color is the base with a (relatively thick) clear coat over the top. This is how new vehicles are painted and it gives more depth in color and appearance, as well as improved durability. I think squarebodies went to BC/CC in the 1988 model year (or thereabouts).

Hi Solid Enamel - is the type of paint your truck (I think) and my truck (fer sure) were when new. Color is in suspension with the solvent and sprayed in one coat and then bake hardened.

Laquer - was the previous paint technology in the 1960s and 1970s. Don't even go there (lol).

K

[68Timber]

If you're going to do a complete color change including under the hood and the interior painted pieces, want a good job, and plan to let them do all the work, I'd expect 8K or more.

[PNWchevrolet]

Wow! That is big bucks for the entire tear down and paint job! I guess it makes sense. I wonder if I will ever have the experience or/and where with all to do the whole thing or the tear down and rebuild myself!?! Looking at the vehicle above do you think it would be too ugly with just a patina type polish? I could get a grinder, polisher and some 3M polinshing compounds pretty cheaply and get it done before summer most likely. Thanks for the replies guys. As always, an education!

[Irish1941]

Yep aint cheap. My local quote is $1500 and I strip the truck (mirrors bumpers etc) to nothing with 8 hrs bodywork.
Now that Keith has popped in on this I have to ask...
why didn't the paint stick? You were there from day one and I'm sure it looked great on paper but man not a GM I've owned from '89 to 94 couldn't keep it's color on!
Was it a primer thing or the new steel process?
I'm reaching but though maybe you might know.
My pops bought a new '90 and it went back 3 or 4 times for paint warranty.

[68Timber]

If you want to freshen it up, leave it the same color so you can stick to exterior only. A chain like Maaco will probably be around $1200 to fix minor dings, prime and paint.

[K5owner]

A complete color change in a modern 2 stage paint depending on paint and amount of body work can range from 3K to well over 10K. If they are fixing minor dents and dings expect to be on the lower side of that range especially if you do a lot of the prep yourself. However if you need new rockers, quarter panels, tailgate repair etc expect to see the high end of that range. These trucks are big, and there is quite a bit of prep work involved and they take a lot of paint. Also rember the actual materials and paint can get very pricey depending on who is making it and what custom colors you want.