Maaco and the 2UZ

[teleios]

So, I've got a 98 2UZ. Burgandy and ugly as f**k. Man, am I sick of this color. I've had the rig for a few years now. It has 157K on the oh-dee and it's not worth much anymore. Instead of getting a 3rd car (still use the LC as a tow vehicle, etc) and watching 3 cars depreciate, I'll just use the LC as a daily driver.

So, about the paint. I don't want to spend much and I don't want to DIY. I just want to take it down to the Maaco and get 'er done. I know most of what they use is single-stage. Whatever. This isn't a show car.

Am I crazy? How long could I expect it to last?

 

[okie]

it will last as long as you are willing to take the time out and make sure they do good prep work. the more detailed the better. don't let them scuff it and call it good.

if u don;t care about it just take the tub off and send it to the powedercoater. it will last longer

 

[REZARF]

They get knocked on a lot, but for what you are looking for it will be money well spent.

Drew

 

[chitown40]

Remove all the pieces you can remove yourself (since they only tape), sand the body down yourself, and make sure they tape up the wheel wells and exposed undercarriage well or you will have a painted frame. Other than that you can expect a mid quality paint job. Go for the mid grade with a warranty. It will still be cheap.

 

[yellowstoner]

I did a fair amount of prep work before taking to Maaco. For the money, I was quite happy with the results.

 

[40Flipper]

I had a mint condition 63 Olds that was painted at MAACO by the PO. It was absolutely beeeeeeautiful and you'd be hard pressed to find any problems with the paint.

The guys at MAACO constantly paint s***ty Ford Escorts and stuff like that. They seem to genuinely get excited about painting something that's a bit different. I agree with everything Chitown40 said. It's the cheapest and best way to go

 

[79fj40moneypit]

Years ago I had my wifes old 83 camry painted at macco first time it got washed the paint peeled off in strips. But I must say that they were very good about it they stripped the car and repainted it and then did the door jams and under the hood and trunk for free!!

 

[teleios]

thanks

Thanks guys. I'm gonna go for it.

BTW, if I sand it down myself, what grit should I use? Can I use my electric sander, or does it require a little more finess?

Lastly, MAACO offers a prep service for about $200. They said they'd cut it in half since I was going with at least the mid-level paint. What could I expect from their prep service?

 

[40Flipper]

I would get a detail of what the prep service is first. $100 for prep isn't much. You're better doing most of it yourself.