The decision to restore the paint of your Corvette is not often a simple one. The following are some key factors to consider when deciding on the type of paint job to perform on your Corvette:

• What is my budget? Premier show-quality paint jobs typically exceed $10,000.  However, driver quality paint jobs can range from $2,000 - $5,000

• How long will it take to perform the paint job? Do you have all winter or would you like to get it done in a couple of weeks. 

Once you have formulated a budget and timeline for the project, now its time to search for a quality painter shop.  Being down this road once or twice before, its not easy to find a paint shop that will:

• Respect the existing investment you have in your Corvette

• Deliver the results within your budget

• Deliver the results aligned with your expectation

• Deliver the results within the committed timeline

A smart individual once told me that "The best way to predict the future is to look into the past".  This statement could not apply more when it comes time to the selection of a paint shop.  My recommendation is to seek the advice and experiences of other members of the club with selecting a paint shop.

 

Once you have narrowed your search of paint shops to a short list, visit each one of them on review the following elements:

• Make sure that the facilities are setup for restoration type of activities. 

• Inspect the facility for cleanliness (remember your car will be exposed to the facility for weeks/months)

• Review the quality of the vehicles currently being restored

• Review the paint process and ensure they are using quality paint products

• Assess the owner's pride for delivering quality results

Once you have selected a paint shop, be patient and work with the owner to ensure the project collectively works to everyone's benefit.   Surprises do happen. The existing paint on your vehicle can hide years of prior sub-standard craftsmanship.