FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I was wondering how much it would be, roughly, to respray an FC.  Ours is a two tone green station wagon.  When we bought it it was in the middle of a backyard restoration, so parts of it are painted while other parts are the right green colour, its just not shiny so we'd really like to get her looking all shiny again.
Cheers, carla

Carla,
That's a real 'how long is a piece of string' question.  It depends a great deal on how much of the work you're prepared to do, and how much you need the panel-beater to do.  You'll be charged an hourly rate for removing all the trim, handles, badges etc, as well as rubbing back the panels, so if you can do all that yourself, you'll save money.  The painting alone (assuming you do everything else and there's no panel-beating required) shouldn't cost more that $2000, but you get what you pay for.
Hope that helps, RET

Is the paintwork that has been done in good condition ie: no cracking or peeling. If so you could save yourself some money and cut & polish the existing paintwork. If you want a really shiny/mirror finish you should use a very fine (1200 I think) wet&dry paper and wet-rub the paint to remove the "orange-peel", that's what the small dimples in fresh paint is called. After rubbing back you just need to polish it. Be careful that you don't rub back too far though.

I agree with Richard, you can spend as little as $1,000 or as much as $20,000...just depends on the quality of job you want. I have had my FC done in late model metallic colours, clear over base, with some panel work for about $5,000 recently (in Perth) but it was a rolling shell at the time and I have to put it back together.   Most shops will charge on an hourly rate....the best you can do is find someone who loves old cars and is willing to do it as "fill-in" work but it tends to take longer to have it done.  If you want it back in a week, you have to compete with insurance jobs (bread & butter work) for their time, that's why it's expensive.

Carla,       I am sure that you are in Brisbane, are you not?  If so try Keith Hansen at Hansen Smash Repairs Ph 3369 4341.  Keith is a member of the Qld FE-FC Car Club, and he does a lot of old Holdens, he won't steer you wrong. Hope this helps.

I beg to differ  >:( .  I strongly recommend not doing business with him. PM if you want more info.

Biffo, how about you PM one of the Mods RET or myself with the details?
We can appreciate there being 2 sides to a story, but signing up to a board just to cast aspersions is not a good start and generally not appreciated.

I don't think that's appropriate. I'm offering an alternative view based on personal experience. If anyone wants my opinion, they can PM me and then make up their own mind.



I agree and I'm dealing in facts.