Paint & engine

brainbugnj · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 06:38 PM

Hey Folks - still weighing the Unique vs BackDraft deal....

How much is a decent paint job...

I was going to budget $4k.... that should be a nice paint job no?

can some of you guys post back and let me know, I am in the San Diego area....

Also

Motor - I want to get my hands on a pre 72 351.... anyone know someone who sells them or is it a crapshoot like I have been told once before? Head for the junkyard....

thanks,
steve

CJ428CJ · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 07:04 PM

There's a wide range of paint job prices. I think the going price is dictated largely by where you live. Here in Northern California, I think you'd be hard pressed to get a decent paint job for $4k. I think $5-5500 would be more realistic. Throw in another $500 or so if you want stripes.

Turk · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 09:17 PM

How many hours of labor do you think it would take to prep the body for paint. It varies a lot from make to make and car to car.
First $4000.00 didn't even get me to the primer stage.

TURK

decooney · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 01:01 AM

I don't believe a decision between these two particular cars should come down to the paint job, if that's where you are at in your decision now. These two are very different cars from the inside out. There are cheaper paint jobs out there, but you will pay a bit more than 4k on average to get a nice straight job in CA. Plan on at least 5-6K for decent body/paint on a Unique, unless you plan to do some prep work yourself. If you want a more original looking equipped car, the Unique is a great pallet kit value; especially if you want to build it to your taste. If you want a no-hassle turnkey minus setup that's already painted, the BDR (modern build) car is pretty neat, but it strays from the conventional suspension and original body lines the Unique offers (nostalgic approach). Oh well, good luck on your decision.

brainbugnj · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 07:27 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys.... I was not going for the nostalgic look but more of a fun car to drive... not too tied up in the car looking exactly like a Cobra.........

thanks for the info.

aumoore · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 07:50 AM

The Unique will be more like a real cobra in looks(90" WB) and it has a Jag suspension which is similar to the real Cobras. It can handle more HP than a standard BMW Suspension and to me the interior in a Unique is better looking. I am not knocking a Backdraft as they are real nice cars and you can get into one really fast but it does have its limitations in engines and HP.

One other important fact that may not mean much to you but is worth considering. The Unique is made in the good ol USA.