paint job price

I've restored somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 cars. After epoxy prime you are going to find flaws and dings. If you want to to it RIGHT you are going to filler prime and block the **** out of the car SEVERAL times before its dead straight. That costs time and a ton of material. That's where it gets expensive even before you get to the cost of the base coat and clear. And yes the color and weather or not it is more than two stages of base before you get to the clear. It's all in the prep. 6-10 grand is a common cost all day long. Sure take it to Maaco for a grand but you better sell it quick before it peels the week after. Went to a car show today and it amazes me the crap that body shops will let leave their shops. You get what you pay for is never so true when it comes to autobody work. Good luck man. Don't settle on the cheapest guy, you will be sorry.