Body Work & Paint in the US - Should I Travel Down to Save $

[coolpool]

Here's the scoop, my 2006 Ram 3500 Mega Cab is starting to need some TLC in the bodywork/paint department. Initial estimates in Alberta have been in the 10K range. That seems really high! I can get some pics, but basically it needs the bottom part of the right rear 1/4 panel fixed (threw a tire chain, ouch), and some general door dings and minor scratches touched up. There are also 2 or 3 rust spots showing up above the rear fender wells. My thought was to a) bring it to Trikefest next year and get it painted while having fun, or b) pick a destination, tow my fith wheel down, camp and wait. Is a week even feasible for body/paint? Would it really be cheaper, not too sure of rates in the US? Any one in the body business that's looking for a cash job ;-)

[R.J.M.]

If I'm not mistaking daddio does this for a living

[oldskool83]

that's too to much...I turned my truck into a show truck for latterly half of that with my buddy completely redoing my hemi, it was rusted out at wheels, started on doors and rockers. my buddy is doing another dodge now.
we even went as far as POR15 on everything under the frame also too so I went over board....you price is screwing you big time.

call my buddy...he's been doing it all his life.

717-274-9351 names steve...say aaron sent ya.

[Ghostv2]

When I was in high school I also went to a technical school for a few years. Almost all projects you took up there were free (labor) and you only had to pay for materials. Of course there was a wait and it wouldn't be a week long process but it's something to think about. My good friend was up there for auto body/collision repair while I was in carpentry.

The shop teacher brought his 2 1/2 ton truck from the Vietnam era up for a full body work/paint job. The welding teacher use to make his students cast and reload his .50 cal bullets, I got out of school and volunteered remodeling homes, take advantage of it if you can.

[6speedthumper]

It sounds like the bed is the worst part of the truck. Have you looked into getting a nice used bed for it? Even if the paint doesn't match, it may be more cost effective. Providing it's straight, it may just save you a good chunk of money. You may even find one that is the same color as your truck.

[manbearpig]

Coolpool wants to make TJ run? ay dios mio!

[coolpool]

Coolpool wants to make TJ run? ay dios mio!

Whoa manbear, fill me in on an explanation. No comprende?

[coolpool]

It sounds like the bed is the worst part of the truck. Have you looked into getting a nice used bed for it? Even if the paint doesn't match, it may be more cost effective. Providing it's straight, it may just save you a good chunk of money. You may even find one that is the same color as your truck.

Stellar idea, thanks! With so many oilfield trucks running welders, flat decks, service bodies, etc that might be an option. I'll call some boneyards this week.

[Lord Letto 20]

http://www.car-part.com/
I had a look and it lists one from a dually at Aldon Auto Salvage, Ltd in Lamont, Alberta for $2100, Red with Red Spray Liner.
for single rear wheeled, there's a lot more options priced between $400-$3000

[El Camexican]

Whoa manbear, fill me in on an explanation. No comprende?

Yo si, y es buena idea compi!

[Thorpe]

I would definitely look for a dry box if you have rust starting in the wheel tubs... Those 3rd gen Rams (here in the salt belt states) all look like crap around here, and where there is a little rust starting, there is more lurking deep in the seems. One of the guys I talk to often at the shop I use to work at just scored a '14 box off a one ton single wheel powerstroke (even in the matching color) with everything, lights, gate and rear bumper for $1500, and never even seen a winter!

[6speedthumper]

Stellar idea, thanks! With so many oilfield trucks running welders, flat decks, service bodies, etc that might be an option. I'll call some boneyards this week.

You're welcome! You'll spend less and have a solid bed. Just be sure to rust proof that mofo when you get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[El Camexican]

Coolpool wants to make TJ run? ay dios mio!

The neat thing is that "TJ" (or at least the labor force) has moved North to the point that it's proximity is now relative to Canada about the same as it once was to San Diego 20 years ago.

Ok, Coolpool, here's a hint. Your rust holes would be stuffed with phone books and Bondo and in lieu of sanding your truck it would be washed with gas before a paint job that is guaranteed for 90 feet or 90 seconds, (whichever comes first) is applied. I actually saw a video of one of these years back. Whole freaking car painted and back on the road in less than 2 hours.

[coolpool]

http://www.car-part.com/
I had a look and it lists one from a dually at Aldon Auto Salvage, Ltd in Lamont, Alberta for $2100, Red with Red Spray Liner.
for single rear wheeled, there's a lot more options priced between $400-$3000

I'm single rear wheel in Silver, I'll take a look, thanks! Once I get the box looking good, I'll be happy with the rest for now. Seems to me a 2006 rusting is way too early IMHO.

[DohcBikes]

8 years old and rusty. What a shame.

I'm a bit south of where you wanna be coolpool, my cousin Blake Adams runs Goodfellas here in Kearney NE, and our other cousin Shawn Towery paints for him. They get trophys. It would not cost 10K for a basic truck paint job, even with minor rust repair.