300zx NA exterior body thoughts

[ShawnTexan]

1994 300z NA in great shape. interior is great now thinking of doing the exterior. here is what i'm thinking i got quotes for paint new parts and full wet sand for 3k which to me sounds high and they said some of the dings they cant get out. still trying to find a quote for a full paint job. or i can get nothing enjoy the car how it is and wait till it really needs the outside done. or put all the body parts on leave them unpainted since they are black i could get away with it sort of. ok thanks not in a rush but i have OCD with completing projects.

current exterior

[rgregoryb]

That's not a bad price, just got estimate on mine 3 - 3.5k. they do a lot of custom build cars and their paint/body work is amazing

[DCaff300ZX]

Agreed, the pricing seems on for our platform and you've selected quality stuff from one of our good vendors- Nice!
Good Luck and be SURE to post her up after she gets all sex-ified...

[everpresentnoob]

Is it just me, or does the OP's head look like its photoshopped into the car....

:P

[ShawnTexan]

Lol black shirt blending in with the car but I get u.

[everpresentnoob]

I had to lol a bit. The way the light is around your head. Damn good looking car though.

[ShawnTexan]

OK need help biteing the bullet on this found a shop small shop garage type has me nervous slightly said he will paint the whole car for 3k so decent commitment here I know 3k is cheap but am I paying for what I'm getting or getting a great deal. Thanks.

[rgregoryb]

Have you seen some of his work?

[ShawnTexan]

No, he works full time at a shop and said he would work on mine after work and weekends.

[DCaff300ZX]

^^^^ Ouch, this will not go well most likely, it may be months before you get your car back.
Shawn, I'll say that for $3K and not from a spray booth/shop that you will be disappointed unless the guy is SUPER detailed and anal about cleanliness, or has an old-school method that would require you see his final results both now and most importantly, later to see if it holds up. As an example my buddy bought a really nice looking repainted car last year, and now after only 1 year of Washington acid rain the clear is peeling off and the color has faded...cheap paint and poor coatings, even worse detailing after close inspection (and rear body leaking at unsealed seams, possibly worse as I stopped looking...)
I have worked with finishes and wood for my entire life and also have some experience with metal finishing, which all has sent me to a quality, recommended shop in my area (Darnell's in Tacoma) for my car paint work and I have not been disappointed. I paid about half your bid price for a front-only spray in of my jspec bumper and a little touchup under hood and fenders/hood, guy spent a few extra hours re-buffing and detailing it when I returned it for some picky stuff, and the work has held well for over 3 years now...and other work I've seen since elsewhere, not so. Paint was SUPER shiny, smooth and consistent, and a PERFECT match to my 23 year old OEM paint. I will be needing a full repaint some day when I do my bodywork, and if my repairman (HIGH quality guy) doesn't do the paint, Darnell's will.

So you DO get what you pay for, and I'd suggest heavily that you buck up the $4-5 K for a good quality, jambs/under hood/elsewhere, etc. paint job- it will be worth it unless just a touchup and re-clearcoat would be good enough...and even then I'd still have that work done by a pro for quality results. You also want the paint guy to be removing some trim and trim/styling component parts and such, open doors/trunk/hood and with a plan for minimal masking/etc. for the best results and no tape lines and overspray, thin spots/runs, etc.
And do NOT buy into paint work unless a few examples of the guys' work can be seen...you can REALLY get burned.
Just my 2 cents, good luck!
BTW, Darnell's in Tacoma is highly recommended (where I do my paint) and although not cheap, is not too expensive and does work the RIGHT way, old school and a LOT by hand...look him up!

[ShawnTexan]

Well to update this I was at work and saw the discount they where running and was like f*** it I will spend the money I clicked purchase and got denied then I remembered there is a 3k limit per purchase on my card so I was like OK I will call the bank and let them know I want to do this as I'm waiting on the phone 1 of my equipment faults out and is alarming so loud u can't think. Needless to say I too this event as a sign not to spend the money on these body parts. Sorry for no punctuation. I did get the short throw shifter and new boots put in. Might do front led next.

[DCaff300ZX]

Well to update this I was at work and saw the discount they where running and was like f*** it I will spend the money I clicked purchase and got denied then I remembered there is a 3k limit per purchase on my card so I was like OK I will call the bank and let them know I want to do this as I'm waiting on the phone 1 of my equipment faults out and is alarming so loud u can't think. Needless to say I too this event as a sign not to spend the money on these body parts. Sorry for no punctuation. I did get the short throw shifter and new boots put in. Might do front led next.

If I read this correctly, this all happened electronically?
Personally for that buy I'd call personally and talk to them to make the order, as CZP is VERY knowledgeable and will be sure you get all the right parts for your 2+2 ordered and such, and work with your payment arrangements well (I've often bought through a combo of my bank and paypal) during the sale.
The parts you were looking at are all top quality and the best (IMO and by many others) looking stuff you can put on the car if you can afford it, as it seems you can if you have been ready to buy. Bottom line, if you are looking at paint and at any time want those body parts now is the time to buy them as having them added later will be costlier, and the end result not as nice most likely.
Best advise would be to possibly work the buy through the body shop if/when you select one, having the parts delivered there and after discussing it all (installation, etc) with the owner to get the best overall product and service. I'm pretty certain Darnell's does do those types of installations.

[ShawnTexan]

Im not going to do the exterior right now, where the car is at in my garage its to vulerable to getting hit by me or the kids, other option would be to order them and sit on the parts until im ready to do the outside. but honestly dropping over 3k kinda has me hesitant. mostly because financially i have finally gotten my self in a good point and i dont want to spend money that i might need later. who knows might change my mind once the sun comes out and i have my exhaust on. it is comforting to know that i dont have to protect the exterior like i have to baby the inside now with all the new leather and such.

[DCaff300ZX]

Very understandable thoughts, but you also can extend that to whenever you do the work (worrying about damage) later, it's all part of the game. I really really worried about mine until the first few rock chips and then the inevitable part drop chip...then it's finally once again just your car, just in a LOT better shape.
A quality car cover goes a long ways towards casual car protection, and of course proper guidance with kids/etc. about working/being around your Z and such...typical for people who have antiques, collectibles, etc.
Other than that keeping her stock and with a slower mod/build schedule can ease those concerns as the newness wears off, and you feel more comfortable changing things.