There is no such thing as trust the brand name paint shop. The Maaco I was a form of Satan in my life. Literally.

Had I merely asked around more, locally, I would have found out about a a really good paint shoal just a few doors down.

If I could repeat it, is wait two years before letting the same paint shop touch my Vanagon.

They're lucky I didn't go postal on them.

Laisez Faire. Forever.

> On Apr 29, 2015, at 3:46 PM, Paul van Dyck <plvandyck@MSN.COM> wrote:
> 
> Patti,
>         I took mine to the local Maaco here in North NJ 9 years ago, and
> while not a daily driver-especially in winter- it had accumulated various
> scratches from my kids teenage years, seam rust, etc.... My auto detailer
> referred me to a mobile body restoration guy who cleaned out the seams,
> welded patches for the holes, painted the grills and bumpers, and removed
> all exterior parts($1000). The same Maaco shop has gone private, is busy,
> and happily showed me current work. My new paint looks great and cost app.
> $2000. While capable of performing the restoration myself, having
> professionals do it in a third the time, with cleanup, is money well spent.
> I strongly suggest any special areas you want painted, such as interior door
> jams, etc... get detailed in the work order along with time frame to
> completion. Expect a paint run or imperfection here or there. My shop
> happily buffed them out for me. I waited a few weeks then had my detailer
> "seal" the paint. I've also spent close to $400 on new bits and pieces from
> our various vendors. Total= app. $3500, New looking '90 Syncro tintop
> sitting in my driveway, while not priceless, does make me quite happy.
> 
> Paul