The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I'm at that stage. I've talked to a few shops but was really impressed with one. Seemed to have a great eye for detail and is willing to fix up a few areas I've had trouble with.

I have a few questions. I always thought you would wet sand inbetween a couple coats of clear, reaply and then buff. This gentleman said it's not necessary to do so, as long as the clear is applied properly - 2 coats. He said I could have a third coat put on, then have that wet sanded and polished, but because a third coat would bring out swelling, the extra 500 hundred for this last process isn't really justified (if the first two were done properly) - meaning the difference would be subtle.

Is my paint going to look nice without the wet sand and buff? I always thought this was mandatory for a great paint job? I've been qouted $2000 for material and labour. $500 extra for the wet sand and buff. Is it worth it, as I have nothing to compare.

I would love your help and advise, as this is the most important dicision I will make. Please tell me how you painted you Challenger and what kind of feedback you got. What is the minimum amount of work, required to paint your $15,000 dollar challenger.

(body is super straight) requires sealer and base/clear.


THANKS A MILLION (I hope this is OK to discuss)

I am no expert. In fact I am very ignorant of how to paint cars. But I always thought it was the wet sand and buff that gave a good paint job the absolute "like glass" finish?

Im with dave, since your already dishing out that much money, you might as well spend 500 more and not have to worry that you made a big mistake.

Please wet sand and buff! There are enough $399 paint job specials on the road with the bow tie and blue oval boys. A Challenger is royalty among muscle cars, and it's got to a look good.

The 3 places I am looking to paint my Chally are quoting 15 to 25 K us (which is why it has yet to be painted). I am changing colors and am a bit picky, mind you, which is why the cost is high.

5 to 7500 sounds like a good number for a high quality ppg paint job with many coats of clear, wet sanded and polish. Re-chrome the bumpers, polish the chrome trim around the glass, replace the lenses and wheel arch moldings.

Then you need the velvet rope to keep everyone away!

Todd