Paint recommendations please

[marcus]

Having acquired new wings and doors for my 1985 GTL from Mr Funk this Saturday, I now face the challenge of painting them... but with what?

It seems cellulose is still available, but is that what was used by VW back in '85? I'm assuming it's not two-pack... anyone know if there's a 'better' alternative, whatever 'better' means?

Also, I'm only painting the new panels to match the car which is LA8Y (Metallic Bronze Grey) so at the very least I'm assuming I'll need to get the colour mixed to spec (if not matched from a sample), anyone know a reliable supplier, preferably in London (I'm on a limited mileage policy) or who can post/courier at reasonable rates?

Finally, anyone know what a ballpark price to spray the panels would be, assuming I supply the paint, just in case I can't get round to doing it myself?

[Nate]

google the 50 dollar paint job

[marcus]

Impressive but don't think it will work with metallic...

[ianaudia4]

A woman in my workplace is married to a bodyshop owner, based in Hither Green. I can ask her tomorrow for his number for you mate.

[marcus]

How funny, I lived in Hither Green until I moved to my current address in Tottenham!

[ianaudia4]

Small world! I will ask her tomorrow if you like?

[mark1gls]

I think most places charge about £100 a panel to spray them (including the paint)

[marcus]

Ouch! If it's anything like that I'll have to do it myself, just need to find somewhere to do it... :(

[marcus]

Dread to think how much a whole car would cost to paint...

[Nate]

Dread to think how much a whole car would cost to paint...

if it's less than a grand it probably won't be very good!

[beekeeper]

£100 a panel!

maybe 5 years ago but not with the price of decent paint now.

it will also have been 2-pack on the original car. they stopped using celly in the 70's.

the colour will definitely have faded so your need at least a blend into adjacent panels.

i normally charge at least £500 a side, which i'm sure some of you will think is dear, but not when you consider the materials are £150 of that.

you won't get a decent repaint for less than £2500.

i know i'm leaving myself open to some flak for these comments, but i do have 25 years as a bodyshop owner to call on.

[marcus]

Thank you for the paint info and for your candour, it's clearly going to have to be a DIY job in my case.

[Nate]

i drove past a place in leeds a few days ago that was still offering a £350 paint job. does make you wonder what they're actually putting on the car for that money, doesn't it?

[mark1gls]

I guess its gloss paint from B&Q!

Saying that I have seen a car which was painted with gloss paint and a roller, looked alright from a distance. It was an old family friend who painted his car..

[ianaudia4]

Marcus, I spoke with the woman in work today, her partner is called Mick 07450072611and his business partner is Aidan 07450677713.
I know nothing about their work, never met them or seen where they are but maybe worth the cost of a phone call?