Well, I've gone and done it.... my adventure with painting

[Kris Willis]

Facing back surgery and winter coming in Upstate NY with a New Zealand / CA BJ40 I was getting pretty antsy about the salt from the coming 1st winter here. I wanted to strip her down for paint on the top and POR on the frame and underside as it is still sporting an original finish and has nearly 0% rust! So, I buckled and sent it in to a shop.
Initially everything looks pretty good. I now have a Alice Chalmer's orange Cruiser! (I'll definitely maintain my visibility in the snow and at night!) Frame and bottom coated in POR, inside of tub has POR too.
Now for the sadness.... I did tell them I wasn't looking to make a show car, just a good solid machine, but I keep finding things wrong. They broke my rearview mirror, didn't install the hinge pads on the hood and did a secondary spray with them assembled so they're probably that way for a long time now, didn't install the hood pads (I went back and got them), broke a couple wires under the dash, etc. I haven't finished my inspection since I'm still on the mend after surgery. Hard to get around a Cruiser when you think you might break in half at any moment!
Here's the problem I'm stuck with: Do I take it back to them, show them my list of gripes and tell 'em to make it right or do I just fix 'em myself? My worry is if they screwed it up once, why give them the chance to do it more? I could keep it here, have my truck to drive to work (oh, did I mention this is my daily driver?) and work it off slow but sure?
While I await for sage advice from the field here's my advice for anyone else looking to put paint on their Cruiser: Do it yourself! Rattle can for the top and roller for the POR + lots of time will ensure the guy that does the work does it just like you want!

Kris

 

[bosscat800]

Being a autobody/painter, if I did break all those things and not do it right, I would expect to see that vehicle back in my shop for me to fix, for free. Now, if you have no faith in them, I would not let them screw it up a second time.

 

[bikersmurf]

I feel your pain.

I'd go talk with the owner/manager for sure. Let him(her) know you're not satisfied. At least get the parts from them to fix it yourself. Talk with about getting it fixed, paying someone else to fix it, or a partial refund. It's your call... If you say nothing though you're kind of encouraging them to screw someone else.

 

[FJFOOL]

I would definately talk to the owner of your concerns, let him know you're not satisfied and see what he says. Just because you said you didn't need show quality doesn't mean shoddy work is acceptable. Good luck with the cruiser AND your back !

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

I would definatley take it back. Just explain to them that you just had back surgery and that what you would normally be ok with won't work for you this time. I think unless they are complete tools they should want to make it right. Good luck!

 

[Warrior 53]

Threaten to flame the shop Ooopppsss Did I say That???

 

[jsosh26]

I am contemplating a paint job, and por as well....what did you pay so I have a go by for quotes?

Facing back surgery and winter coming in Upstate NY with a New Zealand / CA BJ40 I was getting pretty antsy about the salt from the coming 1st winter here. I wanted to strip her down for paint on the top and POR on the frame and underside as it is still sporting an original finish and has nearly 0% rust! So, I buckled and sent it in to a shop.
Initially everything looks pretty good. I now have a Alice Chalmer's orange Cruiser! (I'll definitely maintain my visibility in the snow and at night!) Frame and bottom coated in POR, inside of tub has POR too.
Now for the sadness.... I did tell them I wasn't looking to make a show car, just a good solid machine, but I keep finding things wrong. They broke my rearview mirror, didn't install the hinge pads on the hood and did a secondary spray with them assembled so they're probably that way for a long time now, didn't install the hood pads (I went back and got them), broke a couple wires under the dash, etc. I haven't finished my inspection since I'm still on the mend after surgery. Hard to get around a Cruiser when you think you might break in half at any moment!
Here's the problem I'm stuck with: Do I take it back to them, show them my list of gripes and tell 'em to make it right or do I just fix 'em myself? My worry is if they screwed it up once, why give them the chance to do it more? I could keep it here, have my truck to drive to work (oh, did I mention this is my daily driver?) and work it off slow but sure?
While I await for sage advice from the field here's my advice for anyone else looking to put paint on their Cruiser: Do it yourself! Rattle can for the top and roller for the POR + lots of time will ensure the guy that does the work does it just like you want!

Kris

Being a autobody/painter, if I did break all those things and not do it right, I would expect to see that vehicle back in my shop for me to fix, for free. Now, if you have no faith in them, I would not let them screw it up a second time.

What do you think is reasonable for a full external paint job and por coated frame?

Thanks guys...any advice will help decide if I need to go ahead with a shop or wait til I have time/tools/read up on procedures to attempt it myself.