[FC] Re: the fan has been hit

[EconoUSAParts at aol.com]

     This is a real sore topic with me. Its been my experience several times 
over that you never pay more than a 1/3 down,and another third when work is 
making good progress,and finally pay the rest WHEN ITS FINISHED,NOT BEFORE. Been 
there and done it,heard all the excuses,trust me on this one,once they have 
all the money the motivation to finish and do a good job is LONG GONE. Never 
pay in full until you inspect the whole paint job and any flaws have been fixed. 
Furthermore never pay ahead on work,pay after work is completed. You will 
usually lose when you pay 1st. Find a shop who has a decent business and can 
survive a week without you for their paycheck. Ive used little guys but I usually 
buy only the materials and pay labor after work is complete.
       Its hard to say whats fair on price without seeing the vehicle and how 
much work is done to it. I ve paid anywhere from $1200 to $5000 depending on 
the quality of work expected and amount of work to be done.
       My last paint job turned disasterous after the body work was done and 
van in primer the guy decided to back out, that he had way underbid,after 
bragging about his 40 years of custom experience. Pretty sad that you cant bid a 
job with 40 years of experience and at least be somewhat close. The bid was 
$3500 and that was for a rust free body that I totally stripped prior to the shop 
getting it. I offered to kick in another $1000 but the guy tucked his tail 
and ran. A real nightmare to get someone else to complete and guarantee a paint 
job on someone elses prep work.
       Its in another shop now finally getting done.

                                                       Tim in Ky
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