Giving Maaco a test run.....

[mally002]

Last year I almost pulled the trigger and bought a Maaco Franchise, the problem was Maaco requires you to work full time at the business and I couldn't leave my current business to run a Maaco. Well, just last month some local fella took my plan and opened up a Maaco here in Knoxville, TN.

I went down and checked out the shop and the personel and was very impressed, so I decided to let them take a crack at my 71 240Z. They will sand the entire car, fix the valence and rust hole, and fix any other dings or spots on the car. It will also get a base and clear coat of the original color.

I did all the removal of the exterior...(ok, I still have the door handles) and will drop the car off on Wednesday (May 21st). They stated the car will be ready in about two weeks. I really think they will do a good job, and If so may get the TR6 painted as well. My car really isn't in that bad of shape for paint, but since I'm getting the repaires I thought it would be a good chance to give them a shot.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Here's a few before pictures.

[Jackhammer]

Looking forward to some after pics.

[BRE-240Z]

Randy, this is very exciting news! Keep us posted.

[TomoHawk]

What kind of money are you going to put into this? 5 Gs? 8Gs? (If you don't mind sharing)

thxZ

[EScanlon]

Randy;

Don't forget the adage that "You get what you pay for!".

With that in mind, be sure to inform the shop manager that you will be looking for AND expecting QUALITY, and are willing to pay appropriately.... but not blindly.

Then proceed to stop by on and off and inspect the job as it progresses. Don't try to "Stupidvise" but do look and ask questions. If there are items that need to be addressed, inform the manager what you've noted and ask him what actions he will be taking on them. If you note that something isn't being done to your satisfaction, and it looks as though it will take additional time to effect it to your satisfaction, then if necessary let him know that you're willing to have it done well.

This may sound as though you're handing a blank but signed check to them. No you're not going to, what I'm referring to is that there are many valid "shortcuts" that can be taken in bodywork. The use of "red-cap" or spot putty is often used to give a quick fix to bumps, scratches or other small blemishes. The problem with that is that it can shrink days, even weeks after the job is done and the blemish will once again re-appear... except it's now under a fresh paint job. Asking them to use a dash of bondo (which won't shrink as much) will give you a better and smoother finish, except it takes more time and material cost. If you're willing to work with them and their time constraints, you may find that this additional cost is minimal.

Lastly, that right front under valance. This is a typical problem with the Z. Especially after changing to wider tires than the cars were fitted with originally. The problem is that the tire grabs that valance and literally tries to rip it off the car. This is most noticeable when backing up and turning the wheel, or when going up and over a bump such as appears at the end of many driveways and the curb. The only solution I've found for it is to bend the valance a bit further out to increase the space between it and the tire. Interestingly, the driver's side isn't as prone to this. Ask the shop to look at this specifically.

FWIW

E

[Bonzi Lon]

Great to hear. New paint is always exciting.

I was lucky enough to help with the entire painting process as "Painter Ray" allowed me to help with just asking, and a little begging. It was an interesting part of the project, biggest change in looks. Enjoy!!!

Bonzi Lon

[xenonxiii]

I can't wait to see the results! Make sure they don't try a Scuff and Spray. I had a Shop called Paint and Bake in Knoxville do this to a Saturn I had just bought. They did not even take the time to mask correctly and Because the Saturn was all Plastic and they did not use the correct flex agent in the paint it started flaking off about six months after.

[mally002]

Hey guys,

Great advice, thanks for all the info. The nice thing about this Maaco is that all the corporate folks are here for the Grand opening, you really get the "red carpet" treatment.

I have discussed at lenght with the owner and manager all our expectations....both mine and his. Of course it's not going to be a trailer queen show car, but a really nice quality base and clear. The car will be sanded completly and nothing but metal if needed will go back in. There really is just that one bad spot under the wheel well.

When I had my Orange 240 done two years ago I went thru the same process as this one...Make sure the car is sanded and new metal put back in, of course the Orange one needed much more repair and body work.

In terms of price, I spent alittle over 5k on the Orange one, it was at another local shop that only takes two classic cars a year and it took 5 months to complete. I have an estimate from Maaco, but I will wait to share it after the job is done so I can compare it to the other job and also post some shots for your judgement as well. I will tell you Tomo, it's no where near 8k.

Also keep in mind that this car was restored in 1988....I know that was 20 years ago but it has been kept inside since that restoration. The car really needs no body work to speak of. I feel that if the prep work is done right the car will be exactly what I expect. I know Maaco gets a bad rep in some areas, but since each one is locally owned I think your quality has alot to do with who owns the franchise. The folks here are really into cars, so we are all on the same page.

Well, I'm off to drop it off.........post back soon.

Randy

[Ttiger]

I took my '73 to the local Maaco (San Jose - Stockton Ave) and they did a great job for me. They ended up taking the whole car down to bare metal and repainted it in the original 113 green. I'll attach some pics. The total when all was said-and-done was $1400. They painted the cowl off the car so they could get good coverage by the windshield. I had removed all the trim, emblems, bumpers etc and cut the weatherstrip away from the glass so they could paint in there.

[five&dime]

If you really want a nice paint job, then remove the front windshield and the rear window from the hatch. It will only cost you a little extra, but the difference will be extraordinary.

Maaco can do good paint jobs. Especially if they have a good painter on hand (which is the make or break with the franchises from my understanding) They can just lack in pre and post work for speed. The masking has been subpar from cars I have seen. I have also seen trash in the clear. All that requires is some wetsanding and buffing. We garage painters are used to it

If you masked the car and towed over.... Even better. I know it's a bit more money and a hassle to do these things, but cutting corners on a job that important will come back to bite you in the arse later :mad: