<VV> Problems getting Paint in N. California

[Dennis & Debbie Pleau]

Nevada!!!

dp

At 05:56 PM 2/12/2005, Dan & Synde wrote:
>I'm a DIY type of person on most things.  I did my own prep work and paint
>on my Greenbrier back in 1990-1991.  The paint I used was PPG Catalyzed
>Arcylic Enamel.  The paint was easy to apply, almost as easy as acrylic
>laquer.  I did it in my garage and since flash off time was about 15
>minutes, I didn't have to worry too much about debris like dust and bugs
>settling on it and sticking.  Fast forward 14 years.  The Greenbrier's paint
>has held up well for being mainly outside but it is time once again for a
>paint job.  I went into the local paint dealer and times have changed.  I
>asked for Acrylic Enamel and you could have heard a pin drop.  The audacity
>of me to ask for the dreaded Arcylic Enamel, in California of all places.  I
>was informed that Arcylic Enamel was no longer available and that Low Voc
>Urethane was now the coating of choice.  I've used Urethane before but have
>found that its slow drying time makes it hard to use for the DIY'er without
>access to a paint booth and oven.  It literally remains tacky for an hour or
>more.
>
>I decided that maybe it was time to give the job back to the professionals,
>so I shopped around for a Autobody shop.  I was turned away from all but one
>in town.  No one seems to want to paint an entire car anymore.  It's all
>about collision work now.  One shop I was referred to said that they would
>take on the job.  I told them that I would bring it in stripped, without any
>bumpers, windows, trim etc.  The body is straight, no dents.  The paint is
>still okay but has lost it's shine.  It has a minimal number of stone chips
>and door dings.  The quote was $6,500 !!!!   Could be higher once they get
>into it.  I couldn't believe it!  I realize there is some prep work involved
>but come on.  I even offered to prep it myself and asked it that would lower
>the price.  They said it wouldn't because they'd have to go over it again
>anyway.
>
>So now I'm stuck.  I wish I could get my hands on some PPG Acrylic Enamel so
>I could just do my own job but if it truly has been outlawed in California,
>I may not have any other options.  I just can't see spending $6500 on it.  I
>realize labor costs but that seems a little high.
>
>Anyone have any ideas or a shop that does good work at a reasonable price in
>the Bay Area?  I don't want an Earl Schieb or Macco job but one shouldn't
>have to pay $6,500 for a decent job.
>
>Dan Kling
>
>1961 Greenbrier Deluxe, 4spd, 3.89  On the Road Again,  yeehaw :)
>1963 Spyder, restored   4spd Saginaw