FJ62 Paint Job Suggestions

[NewbieMcNewster]

Hey all.

Looking to get my '88 FJ62 repainted in the Dallas area. I could do some of the prep work myself (removing trim, door handles, lights and grill, bumpers, etc.) but not the sanding work. I live in an apartment community and don't know where I'd manage it!

I've read everything from "Maaco does a good job if you pay a little more and do some good prep yourself" to "I wouldn't spend less than $4-5K if you want something that will last more than a few years".

Obviously, I'd prefer costs to be lower, closer to something more like $2K, if possible. I don't know how long I'll hold onto her for (at least a few years, hoping for some appreciation once these become solid "classics"), but I don't want a crappy job, either for myself or the next guy. I could do $4K if convinced of the value in it, but it'd hurt a little. I don't off-road her, she's largely stock other than an OME lift and 33"s, so looking for something that would be more appropriate for an appreciated classic than for a trail rig (so no suggestions that I bedline the whole thing, I hate that look!)

So, questions, in no particular order: (1) what should a decent paint job cost in Dallas, given the prep work described above, (2) Does anyone know of a good shop with good prices, (3) Is it crazy to spend $4K on a paint job if I know I likely won't get that much back in added resale value in a few years, (4) how terrible does it look if I change the color without stripping out the interior to get every last nook and cranny, (5) what's the best way to approach refreshing the grill if I don't want to black it out but the stock chrome(-look?) is starting to get a bit iffy, and (6) would it add much cost to also redo the weather-stripping and rubber/plastic outer seals?

Answers to any or all of the above appreciated!

 

[87CRUSR]

Redo the seals regardless. It is a 30 year old rig.
Stick to stock color.
2.5k for paint job if you are lucky.

 

[NewbieMcNewster]

Redo the seals regardless. It is a 30 year old rig.
Stick to stock color.
2.5k for paint job if you are lucky.

Any idea on the cost of the seals? They're actually in better shape than the ones on my 80 that spent time with its ex in Arizona before I picked it up... I've checked out some of the cruiser supplier websites for weather stripping and seals (sor.com, cruiserparts, other good ones?), and it looks like it would add up super fast. Is there a full kit or something? Could a standard paint/body shop do that in addition to paint for not a crazy sum?

 

[Prairie Swamp]

If I were anywhere near Dallas I would have Pete at SWRNC.com paint my truck. He's in Lewisville. He's got a couple Youtube channels and he's obnoxious and somewhat...ummm....abrasive but his work is impeccable. He never talks money on his vids so I don't know what he would charge. Not cheap I bet but you get what you pay for. I wouldn't hesitate to pony up - he can give you any level of paint/body you want but will not cut corners.

Eric

 

[Major Nelson]

Pretty sure most of the seals are NLA.

 

[Hoosier2611]

Dropped mine off at my local Maaco shop this morning (Boise, ID). I went with their highest option and have their best guy doing all the work (Tim - 30 yr vet). I had quite a bit of body work (dings, dents, welding the chrome strip holes closed, etc) and my price was $6,600. This included all the door jams, rear lift gate, under the hood and under carriage.

Different Maaco shops have different reputations. Thankfully ours here in Boise does quality work...if you are willing to pay for it. Should have my rig back in late June and will post pics.

 

[SteveH]

Maaco's #1 job is to talk you way up from the cheap paint job. Their el-cheapo paint (literally purchased in 55 gal drums, according to folklore) is very soft and scratch-prone, and only comes in a basic colors. From there, you can go way up in cost and quality.

You should demand that any paint shop you choose show you their work on a completed vehicle. I had the owner of one shop show me his own car, and it looked crummy. Another shop told me that 'the minute we're done, the cars are all taken, so we can't show you our work'. Yeah, right. The proof is in the pudding. I had a shop go out of business and lock the doors during my session with them - fortunately, I took my pig home and parked it in my barn during the time the shop closed. Try not to leave a truck on-premises for months at a time, for obvious reasons.