A proper body shop isn't going to want anything to do with a car that a customer has prepped.  It's kind of like, there's one charge to do the job, another if you watch, and another if you f***ed with it.     Seriously, The only prep that I can think that you could do to maybe reduce your costs would be to pull all your headlights, tailights, emblems and such.  The rest is sanding, filling, priming, and such.  A decent painter isn't going to want to spray anything he hasn't personally gone over.  It's a reflection of him if it turns out s***ty because you missed dents when you were blocking and sanding. 

A good paint job will require trim removal and perhaps even some parts removal such as rocker panel covers and such.  If not they will become one with the body where they meet and when they flex you'll end up with cracked paint.  The jamb areas should be done as well as the areas around the trunk that you see when it's raised.  Crappy painters will try to mask off everything rather than take the time to do it right. 

Michael, just get quotes from several reputable shops and spell it out to them how you want it done.  Find out what products they use.  You should also know that it isn't just a spray it and you come pick it up type of thing.  Most if not all paint jobs require some degree of buffing and finishing afterwards.  I know it seems odd, but it's true.  Despite a painters best efforts there will always be some minor imperfections that need to be corrected afterwards.  I'm not talking about giant runs, but sometimes a little orange peel or such that needs to be addressed.  The paint will have to cure a bit before they mess with it so do expect to get it back the day after it's sprayed or plan on bringing it back afterwards to have that stuff done. 

Just about all modern paint jobs today are what's called base coat / Clear coat.  A base coat is put on that is usually rather dull by itself.  The clear is then sprayed shortly after.  Paint and materials themselves are very expensive and can run several hundred dollars alone. 

You absolutely get what you pay for.  And let the pros do it all.  I've used almost every brand of paint, and I like PPG the best.  Expect it to take about a week, depending on how much body work is needed.  As far as cost, it depends on color and how much work. 

Hell even Maaco will charge 1000 minimum for a base clear. It is the only way to fly. 

Now that being said, you say you would possibly be interested in the prep?  DON'T!!!

First off, it is the most crucial part of painting and secondly IT IS SUCK ASS tedious labor intensive work that will make you want to blow your brains out with a shotgun. 

That is all. Plan on spending 2k minimum but you are not really gonna know until you start calling around.

Thanks Blackie. Looks like the prep is definitely out, haha.

Now, I'm trying to decide if I want to add body parts before I get it painted, as it's the best time to do it if I want to do it, eh?

Anyway, either some Saleen or Cobra parts are calling to me. The best thing I like about the Saleen stuff is the front bumper.

If I were to go with the Saleen bumper, I would either keep the stock hood, or get the Saleen heat extractor hood as well. These first three pics are of stangs with the saleen bumper. First two have the stockish looking hood (is it stock?) and the red one has the extractor hood. Both look pretty b****in' IMO.







(one more Saleen bumper + Saleen heat extractor hood)


Then we have the Cobra stuff. I like the Cobra bumper as well and either the 94-95 cobra hood, the stock GT hood, or the 96-98 Cobra hood (the one that looks like nostrils)

This one has the 94-95 Cobra hood with the Cobra bumper:


This one has the 96-98 Cobra hood with the Cobra bumper:


Soo.....what do you guys like best? I'd love to hear some opinions. I'm still tossing around the idea of ordering something or leaving it stock so my mind is definitely not made up yet. I want this thread to have at least 5 pages of opinions when I wake up tomorrow damnit!

The 95 that my parents have came with complete saleen kit.  It's not all that it's cracked up to be IMO.  It's ok and it does add to the car, fit is so so, but not horrible.  I would go for the Cobra stuff if you are going to change anything.  You posted some good examples. 

I really like the Saleen wheels on the '96ish Cobras with the Saleen spoiler.

Damnit, I'm still no where near making a decision.

I remembered this pic, Phil's old car that has the same exact rims I have with a Cobra bumper and the 96-98 Cobra hood, the one with the nostrils. What are you guys thought about this? Just imagine it dark green if you can and you get the idea.





I know it's my decision but it's always nice to hear some opinions. I think the biggest thing IMO is deciding which bumper I want because that will narrow down the hood choices.

Any other opinions or replies would be kewl, thanks.

The rest were yours too? Sorry for digging up old wounds.

It is entirely your decision, but as you're asking I'll throw my .02 cents in and say that the saleen stuff hsa got too many vents/extractors on it making them appear somewhat ricey or cluttered. I prefer the clean low key approach myself, but hope that you like whatever you choose, and post up pics when you get it done.

That red car is b****in.

I hate the 94-98 style, and I hate red cars.  But, that one nailed 'em both right on, well done.

The style can be improved, but the interior on them is uncomfortable. I drive my son's '97 once in awhile, that's only if I have to.