Body Work
 

I voted "low", but I should explain that I've not had that work done nor quoted so I'm not really qualified to say. However, I'm thinking of doing almost exactly the same work myself and if I had a quote to do for $1100 in the kind of style yours is supposed to be I might jump at it.

And, now I'm signed on to follow this so's I can learn.

Thanks for the vote. I should also mention that he knows the truck is going to be black (shows everything) and said it will be perfect front to back when he's done with it.

If he does quality work and takes his time as you say, then that quote sounds low to me considering the amount of work described.

I voted low also. Just for the cab corners, it'll be over $500 at any body shop. Adding everything up (guesstimating) I would think a normal shop would be over $2-3000 to do the work. If he's really that good, that price will be hard to beat. Floors, rockers and bed sides take a lot of time to do correctly. I'd say go for it, just make sure if the price would go any higher, he talks to you first before going ahead with any more work.

Thanks for the response. I also forgot to mention I have to buy about $200 worth of parts

It sure sounds low to me. If he does good work, its a deal. I always worry when it seems to be to good to be true, so buyer beware. But if he does good work and that is the price, I'd jump all over it.

I would say.."Bargain"..even better than low..However..it's been my experience that the "retired backyard craftsman" usually takes 3 times as long to do anything..His projects come first....

You bring up a good point. He estimated it would take him about a week. Also, I'm in no hurry.

Since he's a retired body shop man he knows how much heat he can put into the panels w/o warping them, and that will cause him to go slowly. Further, since you are going with black the truck will have to be almost perfect, as you and he already know, so having someone that will do it at their own pace w/o the pressures of needing to get it done to move to the next job is a big plus. So, I'll just say that if I had that offer I'd jump at it - even though I have the tools with which to do it myself.

Thanks for the reply. You sound like you've done black paint jobs before. Do you have input on them? I know they look great but I will still be using this as a work truck. Do you think this is a bad idea?

No, I've not done black paint jobs before. But, I've always been told black shows everything. IIRC Chevy didn't supply the 'Vette in black for several years because they couldn't get the fiberglass smooth/straight enough to not show the waves.

I don't think it is a bad idea to go with black on your truck, although if it is subject to getting banged a bit you will be able to see the damage. You'll just have to be more careful with black than other colors.

I voted LOW because I have checked MANY places(body shops and individuals)..

My 85 doesn't have any rust,dents,etc..

Only the tailgate,by the handle has small dent..

The cheapest estimate I got(with me pulling bumpers,mirrors,grille,emblems,lights, etc. was 1700.

That is for 1 color, not two-tone...
If I could have got a decent job for that much work as yours has to do, I would jump all over it.....IF....The guy truly does good work..

I wouldn't let on that you are in no hurry to get it done, tell him you expect to pick it on a certain day so he doesnt put it off until you have to hound him.