What I have: HVLP Husky sprayer and regulator, used for painting motor and engine parts, and very minimal experiece painting and doing body work

My car has 40 years of minor dings and little hail dents, and a fiberglass hood, and almost no rust. I want to strip it down to metal, bondo over the little dings and stuff, and repaint it myself in my shop.
How much am I going to spend on primer, paint, clear coat, bondo, sandpaper, and all that stuff???
Bear in mind I'm a college student, and I don't have much money right now. I don't want those replies telling me to wait till I'm done with school then drop it off at a pro shop with 8 grand. I know that would be ideal, but thats not whats going to happen.

 

The paint itself will vary in price depending on who you buy it from, quality, and manufacturer, primer may be 100-200 basecoat 300-600 depending on color, reds are expensive blacks are cheaper, and up to 400 for clear

 

All of the supplies for my car cost around $1250-$1500 dollars I believe, that was for all the sandpaper, masking suppkies, primer, paint, clear, filters, etc...

 

+1

dam close

 

Should I purchase sand paper and stuff locally, or look online for that, tape, and filters?

 

Depend if they are decent suppliers around, online you may get a better deal but locally you can see what you are working with before you commit to buying it.

 

Dont forget to budget for a high quality mask / air filter.

 

I would strongly suggest sourcing all of your supplies locally. You'll be amazed at what you can learn hanging out at the paint shop.

I have recently done just what you describe in your post. The first time I went to the local paint shop I ended up spending nearly an hour there asking questions and getting great answers. Even though I just bought some sandpaper and masking supplies on that first visit it sealed the deal for me and I've purchased everything else from them. Was just in there yesterday to buy some custom interior paint and cut/buff supplies.

And I agree with the others about the cost range. $1000 to $1500 ought to get you all done.

 

We are getting ready to shoot epoxy primer and 2k high build primer this weekend after sanding and bodywork (at least 200 hours so far!)
We spent about $1100 on all materials and supplies and we are doing a Basecoat/Clearcoat system. We did purchase PPG epoxy primer from a local supplier and I use him for information.
All of the other paints came from an internet supplier based on recommendations in painting forums. Google southernpolyurethanes for the site and products.
Make sure you do all of the prep work! It will not do any good to buy paint and have it look horrible because you did not do the prep.
Also make sure you have a compressor that supplies enough CFM for your gun.
Also have a gun with a 1.3 to 1.4 tip for BC/CC spraying.
You will need a place to spray the car. We are building a "plastic tent" spray booth.
Get a water trap for your compressor to filter the air supply
BUY A GOOD QUALITY AIR RESPIRATOR AND FILTERS TO KEEP THE "NASTIES" OUT OF YOUR LUNGS. No car is worth shortening your life...