Spridget Tech Talk (MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite)
Hi,
I'm new to the world of Midgets.
I'm looking at a 1500 next week and whilst being described as mechanically sound, there are a few rust spots here and there according to the vendor.
These are not structural and the sills are OK but it needs a respray.
Can anybody confirm what the cost of a full respray would be please (budget).
Any other basic hints & tips when looking at a 1500 ?
Thanks.
Really, there are so many variables. Any welding? Patching? Ding, dent, or rust removal? How about trim, lights, and glass? Removed or taped off? Painting inside doors, sills, hood, and trunks edges cost more. How thorough do you want the job to be?
The vendor says the strutural elements and sills are fine, but your MOT inspector may have a different opinion.
Bottom line: You have to shop around and take the car with you. I had quotes ranging from a few hundred to over 6k US $.
Cheers,
Glen
Yes, a few hundred dollars US will buy you a cheap and cheap-looking paint job. A couple thousand dollars will buy you a pretty nice paint job if you do all the prep work yourself (removing trim, smoothing bits so everything is ready to paint). It may cost a few thousand to have a nice professional paint job done if they do all the work for you.
Painting is very costly in comparison to other vehicle costs. My approach is to buy a car that is reasonably presentable and just go with it as-is. The Volkswagen enthusiasts call it a "patina ride".
$5000 for a good paint job excluding any welding. Budget $65/hpir for metal repairs plus cost of panels on top of that if they are required and you expect them to be repaired properly..
Your car has some admitted rust, so, figure on about &6500 to $7000 complete job done by a professional shop. (Shops have horrendous overhead in this environmentaly conscious era)
Pete
