William,
There are many things that you should consider which are more important
to the GMC than other antique vehicles.
1. I have seen so many paint jobs that the customer complains about
water leaks after the job. DO NOT paint the coach before you have
tested for and identified all water leaks. I always reseal the side
raile and replace front and rear clearance lights which are a majority
of the roof leaks. Leak test and seal the rear hatch, I replace the
rear screws with a new stainless fastner system and seal them in place.
Check all windows and frames for leaks, replace the exterior rubbers if
they eare shrunk which they usually are. Prep work is everything on any
paint job and water leaks are a real sore spot on a GMC.
2. Fill holes, scratches, cracks, etc. and block sand the coach before
priming. Prep work is the time consuming part of the paint job which
means it runs the cost up, but prep is what makes the difference in a
cheap paint job and a good looking one!
3. Do not come up with a busy paint scheme with a bunch of vertical
lines, horizontal lines that flow accent the style and line of the
coach. Look at a recent issue with Pete Algras coach on the front, I
like the style.
4. Take all the accessories (AC, pod, vents, lights, body mold, screws,
etc. off to paint. Replace screws with stainless and renew body mold
and anything else that looks worn. It's the small things that show the
big difference.
5. Do not automatically go to the shop with the cheapest price. You
will have to live with the job for a long time, be sure the paint job is
done right without cutting corners. I always will pick a good job over
a cheap one!
Hope this helps, give me a call if you need other help. 1-877-275-4462.
Jim Bounds
www.gmccoop.com
>
> I have my eye on a GMC that has been well maintained with many mechanical
> upgrades. However, it's in need of an exterior paint job. In general, what
> would a top quality paint job on a 26' GMC cost? Any recommendations as to
> reliable shops for GMC exterior paint work on the east coast? (I'm located
> in Virginia.) Any exterior work that should be considered when having a GMC
> painted? (For example, I've seen some posts about replacing the exterior
> running lights.)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bill Lawson
wner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of William S.
