I have been looking around, haven't really gotten a definitive answer regarding the quality of a Maaco paint job. I have an '87 GT Fox Body that is starting to lose paint, and I was planning to buy a cowl induction hood, then get the entire car painted black. It is currently dark red, and I just had a few newbish questions regarding what exactly a Maaco paint job entails. First off, do they paint over the old paint? I have heard this a few times and it concerns me, what if it gets chipped? I dont want to see red spots on the black. Second, what is the overall quality of a Maaco paint job? I know they have a 2-year warranty, and that makes me think it is pretty reliable. I just don't have enough money for a real body shop to do the entire car at this point, so I was hoping you could help me out on this one.

Thanks

 

My 2 cents .... don't do it. I have seen other threads regarding Maaco paint jobs and right after the 2yr warranty the paint starts to come off. I have seen a couple of cars they have done and they didn't turn out too well. My mother in-law had Maaco do some work for her (rust fix) and 2 months later it's rusting again. So what about the guaranty, they will probably just paint over it again and again until 2 yrs are up.

My opinion if your going to paint your car you need to decide what you are looking to do with the car. If you plan on keeping for a long time, save your money and do it right. If you are looking to make it look good to sell go to Maaco.

 

what are you looking for, then ill tell you if you want to go with maaco or not, dunno if they paint over the old paint but probably since how cheap they are, they do minimal taping like of the windows and wheels and such. if your going to switch colors id get a better paint job then maacos. black shows dents alot easier then red. or any other color for that matter. theres alot to compare before you get your car painted like, are you getting under the hood & motor area & door james & all that crap paintedblack too or only the most visible spots? if so dont go black because thats just trashy. stick red if you want the cheap way out.

 

Well, the best thing to do if you plan on having MAACO do your paint job is to tape everything off yourself and also to scuff it up yourself or sand it down if possible.

 

I was hoping to have this car for a long time as a DD, and it seems like what I am getting is not to do it. I will definitely listen to what you guys have to say. I don't want to end up with flaking paint. However, I am in a tight spot money-wise right now. Anyone know what a good paint job by your standards will run me? I probably want to stick with black though.

 

It also depends on how good you want it. Door jams? Motor Bay? etc.

 

Just know this you get what you pay for.

 

I want a good paint job, so yeah, door jams, under the hood, and everything. Nothing extravagant though. Just enough to look solid.

 

I've seen MAACO paint jobs come out pretty good though. My dad had his front bumper and hood painted by MAACO and it came out very good.

 

Yeah, I have heard that some maaco jobs come out great, others not so great. I have also heard that if you slip the painter an extra 100 he will go the extra mile to do it right. Think that's a good idea?