What questions should you ask a paint/bodyshop?

[anonymous-user]

While this is useful to me right now, I think it might be useful to others as well- I need some paintwork done, so what questions should I be asking?

I found a local bodyshop (run by a pistonheader), and they've given a decent quote to repair and respray my front bumper and same for the rear spoiler. They have a prove for cash but no details.

What's the correct form here? Just pay and get an ok/wonderful/crap job and little come back? Or should I've after written details of the timeframe for completion, paint to be used, the prep to be done, and a warranty on the work?

Grateful for advice from anyone who's had paint done before or who works in the trade. I realise it's not a big bit of work, but it's my car and my hard earned cash so I'd like a very good job for the money.

Thanks.

[paintman]

You would be better speaking to people you know who have had work done which bodyshop they used & whether it was a good job. Look at their repairs & see if you are happy with what they've had done.

You could ask the one you've spoken to what make of paints they use but you would be none the wiser.
All to do with the quality of the prep & the skill of the painter.

[steveo3002]

id be more interested in looking around, see some finished jobs and take a good look how the cars being worked on are treated , are the open doors /missing glass taped over ? cars full of dust? boxes and stuff on the roofs?

ask what trims /fixings will be removed on your job (idealy all of them and glass out ) and is there any written gaurentee worth the paper its written on

[designforlife]

Ask them whether they flat finish, or will match to a peeled finish (which your car may or may not have).

[Squiggs]

Really you don't have to ask them anything .......

You need to explain your expectations - colour match, finish, longevity, etc, etc of the finished job.

A quick blow-over that is bound to deteriorate won't suit somebodies 'forever' super car.
A top grade re-spray won't suit a 'turn it around and sell it quick' old banger.

You're expectations will probably be somewhere between those two extremes.

If you think they can meet your expectations - then you talk about guarantees, price and timescale.

[anonymous-user]

Thank you for the helpful replies- loads of good information and guidance here. Time to write out clearly my expectations so I can put them across, while looking out for boxes left on roofs (have seen that in quite a few paint places).

Edited by Polynesian on Saturday 7th April 22:31