First I'm looking for a realistic number on how much it would cost to paint a Fiero. Second, how much to install a convertible top with the chassis reinforcement? Third, how much to purchase (even if it's piece by piece from different sources) a full interior. Changing from brown to gray?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated, Scott
First - phone a shop in your area for paint estimates. Second - I have no idea where you will find a new convertible kit. Third - if you do find one, you'd have to find a shop willing to install it. (it's not much good to you if the only shop willing to do it is in California)
fierosound, thanks for the input. I'm obviously not going to hold anybody to their word here, just looking for guesstimates. I know members on here have had their cars painted. Just curious on cost. I also realize I may never find the convertible kit I want. But if I do, I'm sure some guys have an idea of what it would cost (some have had T-tops installed). Also just trying to get an idea on cost for swapping interior colors. I have seen that car for sale in Canada and it is nice, but not what I'm looking for.
Predicting paint job prices is next to impossible. You have a Maaco in St. Charles.....if that is good enough for you ask them....but some people would never settle for that because it does not look good enough. So you end up with a range of $1,200 to $12,000, or something like that, considering paint color and local market issues.
Any shop willing to work on Corvettes will likely be delighted to paint a Fiero. Even more so if you do it right and unbolt the panels. This is what I did to find a $2500 estimate in my area from a shop with an eye for detail and a reputation to back it up. In the end, you still get what you pay for, so your wallet is your limiting factor.
I actually wish someone would offer a service to sell pre-painted panels from junkyard/parts cars. You take a risk matching colors, but how neat would it be if a seller in the mall would paint a door skin black professionally, and sell that piece alone? I have high hopes
Thank you all for chiming in. Viperine's comment is more what I'm looking for. I get it that it could range from $1K to over $10K, but I was looking for some members who actually had their car painted. And what it cost them. Still looking for info on changing color of interior and somebody to chime in that has an idea of what it would cost to convert it into a vert (me supplying the materials which I don't have LOL)
For the interior another option could be having some parts upholstered. Russ88ttops is an excellent choice for this and he can upholster in any color you choose. Things like center console, hvac/stereo housing, center glove box and guage console, door handles. You can replace the carpets, get the seats recovered (Mr Mike's recommended) Alex Babineau does steering wheels. A and b pillars and door panels you could probably do yourself. Either paint or get a matching material to cover it with. You can paint the dash and do the headliner pretty easily yourself. Then all you'd need to find are seat belts. It might cost a bit more than trading for all stock parts, but you'll end up being able to choose the colors exactly as you want and your interior will look awesome and luxurious. I did about 80% of what you want to do for about $1500.
[This message has been edited by liv4God (edited 07-15-2018).]
For the interior another option could be having some parts upholstered. Russ88ttops is an excellent choice for this and he can upholster in any color you choose. Things like center console, hvac/stereo housing, center glove box and guage console, door handles. You can replace the carpets, get the seats recovered (Mr Mike's recommended) Alex Babineau does steering wheels. A and b pillars and door panels you could probably do yourself. Either paint or get a matching material to cover it with. You can paint the dash and do the headliner pretty easily yourself. Then all you'd need to find are seat belts. It might cost a bit more than trading for all stock parts, but you'll end up being able to choose the colors exactly as you want and your interior will look awesome and luxurious. I did about 80% of what you want to do for about $1500.
I don't know how useful this will be, but I paid $1800 to have my car painted, about ten years ago. The guy worked on it when he had time, when he wasn't doing insurance jobs. I took off as much trim as I could - emblems, beltline molding, rockers, fenderwells, mirrors, headlight doors, lower quarters, rear window frames, etc. You get the idea. Really made for a decent job, with less stuff for him to have to tape. Left a pile of loose pieces in the passenger side floorboard. "Here. Paint these, too." I can still find things to "pick apart" about it but, in general, it looks decent. (For that price, he also finished "mudding in" my whaletail.)
Before...
Immediately after. Before I was finished putting everything back together.
If you want to keep the costs low, do your own sanding and prep work. For an economical paint job try Maaco but be sure to check their work before you go there. I've seen MAACO jobs that suck and others that look like show quality. Pete Bransky's immaculate 84 was done at a MAACO location and looks better than factory.
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Gotcha. Just curious, why do some people stay away from painting Fieros? Isn't the material the same as almost every late models front and rear bumpers?
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