If you love this video, check out the LearnAutoBodyAndPaint VIP Program to get over 100 hours of training videos, e-reads and bonuses! Be a #BossPainter now!
Hey, it’s Tony from LearnAutoBodyAndPaint with another Q&A video. Today’s topic is about How To Find a Good Body Shop That Won’t RIP YOU OFF! Here’s another question that was sent to me.
“I’m looking to paint a vintage pick-up truck but I am not quite ready and/or willing to do it myself. I want to find a paint shop that will do it for me but won’t rip me off with a lousy paint job. What should I look for to be sure they’ll do it right? How do I find a good body shop that won’t rip you off?”
This is a very good question. I’ve been in this industry for quite a while. I grew up in my dad’s body shop and started working for him at the age of 13 years old.
I would suggest that you meet the owners of the body shop first. Go around town and talk to some people.
There are advantages of going for smaller body shops that big commercial shops. The big ones are super busy and want in and out jobs. They’re really not looking into working with vintage cars.
On the other hand, smaller shops do custom work. Another thing that you should do is get a price quote. Ask them what kind of paints they’ll be using, how long will it take and ask who’s going to do the job.
It’s a lot better that you know the person who’ll be working your car, so you know who to talk to in case something happens.
When I had my small body shop, I’d do everything from giving a price quote, telling them the materials to use and I would even give them pictures of the process. It would be so much better if they can provide pictures.
Don’t forget to also stop in once in a while to check on progress. This way, you can also be educated on the process. Your body work guy can give you some pointers, tell you about the work they’re putting in and basically update you on what’s going on.
This is also one way of ensuring that they’re using the brand that you’ve talked about. There are times that some body shops would assure you that they’re going to use the top line brands, but only to find out that they’re using medium-grade paints.
Another question to ask is where they’re going to paint it. Some body shops don’t have a spray booth.
However, you can still get amazing paint jobs, even without a spray booth. You can just close out the shop, clean it, hose it out, get good ventilation and paint it.
Follow your gut feel. If you suspect that the person isn’t being honest with you, then don’t give the job to him. On the other hand, if you feel good about the person, then go ahead.
You just need to be careful with who you’re dealing with. They don’t have to be certified. I know a lot of people who aren’t certified but are doing great with auto body work and paint.
Just to recap, make sure you’ve seen their work and they seem honorable and respectable. And, they’ve given you a fair price. Also, stop by the shop from time to time to check on progress.
This is Tony from LearnAutoBodyAndPaint. I hope this helps and hope you got a lot of pointers from this video on How To Find a Good Body Shop That Won’t RIP YOU OFF! Good luck in your body shop hunting! 🙂
Thanks everyone for joining me today. For those who would like to do their own custom work, grab your FREE 85-Page Auto Body And Paint Manual and start cranking on your own car projects!
Also, if you want to start taking in jobs of your own, getting a side hustle, or even a full-time work in the auto body industry, check out the LearnAutoBodyAndPaint VIP Program. Be part of the #BossPainter community.
Don’t forget to Like, Share and Subscribe to my channel guys!
Talk soon! Cheers!
Tony
Other Helpful Links:
WARNING: What Most Body Shops Won’t Admit To You When They Paint Your Car
LearnAutoBodyAndPaint – New DIY Auto Body Shop Garage
DIY Auto Body & Paint Shop Update & LIVE Q&A