My Tijuana paint job

[reelizmpro]

No, you are wrong. Only Alpine I is single stage.

Hmmm let's investigate. The only person I've found on forums saying Alpine II is two stage is...you. How'd you come to that conclusion?

These will tell you they are single stage...which I'd believe since Alpineweiss II isn't a metallic. The difference is in the tone of the color.

http://www.bimmers.com/m3/spotter/years.html

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/phpBB38/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33612

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?p=484173

http://forum.roadfly.com/threads/12017632-Do-E30s-have-clear-coat-paint

[nrubenstein]

If you are using good wax and claying / waxing regularly, it shouldn't matter ;)

*shrug* why would I prefer a less durable paint that is prone to fading and outright failure? It requires more maintenance and it's easy to burn through when compounding.

[nrubenstein]

Well we all know there are 3 or 4 different prices depending on who is paying. Given that US labor is more expensive this cost gets passed along to the consumer this is also going to inflate costs here in the US.

Anyway, no Alpineweiss had a clearcoat. They were all single stage just different tones. Only the "Metallics" had a clearcoat from the factory. Not a big deal, just sayin that it would have been even cheaper (less materials) if he stuck with a single stage.

No, you are wrong. Only Alpine I is single stage.

[reelizmpro]

Well we all know there are 3 or 4 different prices depending on who is paying. Given that US labor (although some shops cut down on labor by hiring undocumented workers) is more expensive, this cost gets passed along to the consumer this is also going to inflate costs here in the US.

Anyway, no Alpineweiss had a clearcoat. They were all single stage just different tones. Only the "Metallics" had a clearcoat from the factory. Not a big deal, just sayin that it would have been even cheaper (less materials) if he stuck with a single stage. I agree though, having that clearcoat makes a big difference.

[markseven]

Alpine II is base/clear. And anyway, why would you want single stage on anything short of a collector car?

If you are using good wax and claying / waxing regularly, it shouldn't matter ;)

[nrubenstein]

I'm not sure what paint brand they used. I can call and ask them on Monday.



Interesting. Now that you mention that, I wonder if the fact that most car accident repairs are paid for by insurance companies has been a contributing factor to the inflated cost of car repair and paint today.

And yes, insurance coverage massively inflates the cost of things. Same issue in healthcare (only worse because hospitals are required to do tons of uncompensated work too).

[nrubenstein]

Interesting and makes sense for those of you close to TJ! Afterall, they are not bound to the same laws we have here regarding lacquer and the types of paints and methods they can use. That's about what a paintjob SHOULD cost vs the jacked up prices we pay here. Looks like they did a pretty good job considering you only paid $1000 USD. Wait...shouldn't alpine white be a single stage? what brand of paint did they use?

Alpine II is base/clear. And anyway, why would you want single stage on anything short of a collector car?

[ill4noreason]

Mexico or not that looks Awesome! wish I was closer I have 3 different cars that need body and paint work...

[csermonet47]

Wow that is awesome! I'd really like to see more pictures. Very impressed dude.

[monoblanco]

what brand of paint did they use?

I'm not sure what paint brand they used. I can call and ask them on Monday.

That's about what a paintjob SHOULD cost vs the jacked up prices we pay here.

Interesting. Now that you mention that, I wonder if the fact that most car accident repairs are paid for by insurance companies has been a contributing factor to the inflated cost of car repair and paint today.

[reelizmpro]

Interesting and makes sense for those of you close to TJ! Afterall, they are not bound to the same laws we have here regarding lacquer and the types of paints and methods they can use. That's about what a paintjob SHOULD cost vs the jacked up prices we pay here. Looks like they did a pretty good job considering you only paid $1000 USD. Wait...shouldn't alpine white be a single stage? what brand of paint did they use?

[monoblanco]

I just did a search for Tijuana paint job.
From among the information I found these are the threads I found most useful when making my decision:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...job-ideas.html

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=439586

[5Toes]

Very cool! Now how did you find out about these guys again?

[monoblanco]

finished

After 8 weeks in Mexico my paint job is done. Just picked up the car today.
I am very happy about the work they did. The work was done by 2 different shops. Los Ponchos did the paint.

The other place is called Chavez upholstery, and they installed the convertible top, replaced the carpets in the car, and fixed the back side of the rear seat.
Here's how I rate it:

Quality of Paint Job by Los Ponchos: A
3 coats of paint, 2 clear coats. They painted all the black plastic parts too. Makes me wonder why other shops had told me I should buy them brand new again.

The work done by Chavez:
Replaced all carpet in the car: B
Pretty good job over all, but the guy was unable to tighten in the E-brake plastic cover. He said the new carpet is thicker and the snap screw thingy would not tighten

Upholstery on the rear seat (the back side side only): A
very good work

Convertible top installation: C
It's a little hard to close the top. The guy placed 2 screws on one of the front corners, under the canvas to hold the metal wire in place because the part that is supposed to hold it broke. I have to figure out if I can fix that. I will take pictures of the screws tomorrow so that the vert guys can give me advice. They were unable to install the plastic handle that pops the top compartment lid open. To be fair I have tried to install it myself in the past and have not succeeded.


Completing the job in a timely manner: C
This is only because when I dropped the car off Los Poncos told me that it would take 2 weeks to paint. I does not bother me that they took so much longer. I just wish they had been more straight forward about it. Unless they really thought it would take them 2 weeks at first. ??? Who knows.

Price: A+
IMHO the quality of the paint work they did is worth way more than $1000
I would definitely take a car again to them for another paint job.
I'm not so sure I would trust Chavez again for another convertible top installation. But I will definitely take my car again to Chavez when I need some upholstery work.








These are some pics that the shop Los Ponchos shot for me:

[SimplyDope]

Nice!