Who painted your ERA?

Godfather · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:01 PM

Peter called today and told me I need to let him know who will be painting my car. It looks like there are at least 3 shops that ERA has worked with in the past. I'm sure there all good but just wondering who used who and what I might inquire about when deciding. I am in Idaho and will have to decide based on others input, estimates, and phone conversations. I will call each shop and try to get some idea's of my own. Anyone else have to do this over the phone?

iwantacobra427 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:26 PM

I used Tony. I haven't seen the car in person, only in pictures.. It looks great to me (Viking Blue w/ Yellow stripe). He sent me three different test shots of blue and yellow combinations to compare.

Chaplin · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:36 PM

I had Walt at Connecticut Custom do mine and I am very pleased with the job. However, I have also seen a lot of cars painted by Tony and they look great too. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I'm not sure who the third shop is that they might be referring to. Go with whoever gives you the best price, has the shortest waiting time and who you like the best after talking to them.

ERA713 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:48 PM

I had Tony paint my car and i'm very happy with his work and the price.I live in wash state so had to do all arangments by phone. car earned 4 1st place awards in car shows this summer.good luck.

Rickd · #5 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:40 PM

Tony is generally an 8-12 week turnaround. Seems he is always backed up - does a lot of cars for Peter's customers. Did mine, excellent paint job. Ask Peter who is backed up. Get their numbers and talk to them, they are all good.

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:54 PM

Connecticut Custom -- Walt did an excellent job. A little pricey, but on your paint job why would you want to cut corners?

ssnake · #7 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:55 PM

Tony painted ERA 561. It looks great after several years..I would highly recommend Tony.

Kramer · #8 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 07:51 PM

I only considered two options. Tony and Walt(conn custom car). I ended up choosing Walt. I am sure everyone has there opinion but it boiled down to Tony being cheaper and perhaps faster, but Walt seems to do more high end jobs and has a lot of experience with curing the paint as he lays the coats down. I am no expert by any means but after careful consideration, I chose Walt at connecticut custom.

If you want more detail, PM me and we can chat offline.

Kramer

FIA Mike · #9 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 08:05 PM

Tony painted my ERA FIA (2047) car. I was very pleased with the results. I had meatballs on the hood and trunk. Both were near perfect. Quality at an afordable price.

FIA Mike

Loadco · #10 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 08:02 AM

Tony has painted 2 for me. As far as I'm concerned he is the way to go.

767Jockey · #11 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 08:09 AM

Anyone have an actual shop name and number for Tony? If any of you don't mind saying, what does he charge for painting a car? Ballpark figures would be appreciated. I'm sure mine would be more since it's a repaint, but it'll at least give me an idea. Thanks.

marcalan · #12 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 08:23 AM

This is the number I have:

Tonys Auto Builders 413.527.6557

cobra · #13 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 08:40 AM

Tony painted my ERA 571 black.
It made a good job and it looks great after several years.
Greetings from Switzerland
Walter

WarrenG · #14 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 03:56 PM

Tony painted my ERA 289FIA for $4K, but that was almost two years ago.

iwantacobra427 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 04:52 PM

Tony charged me $4,300 last March..

767Jockey · #16 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 04:54 PM

Thanks, guys!

Pete Munroe · #17 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 08:48 PM

I used Tony back in 1998...maroon metallic on my 289 FIA car...it is on the ERA site in the customer pictures and the 427/289 differences page.

http://www.erareplicas.com/differ/index.htm

It was great then, it still is.

In 98' it was $3500...really very reasonable price...with almost 10 years passed...????...to hear the price is only up to 4500, a real bargain for prep and paint.

Keep in mind, all the painters recommended by ERA are totally familiar with the body prep for any of the cars...427, 289, or GT-40 and that has to result in some economy in the body prep a higher level of finish for the price.

I am sure they all have different overhead and timelines, but you will be just fine with any of them I bet.

Pete

Don · #18 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 09:25 PM

No first hand experience, but when I go by the CCC garage in Enfield CT during the summer, a number of times a week, there always seems to be a few Cobra bodies in process, must have a good business along with other Custom work.

Among the hobbyists in CT, Walt Wosko, owner of CCC, has an excellent reputation. He's doing business in the family owned garage that dates back to the 40's & 50"s. At one time, the building was a Studebaker dealership.

http://www.conncustomcar.com/cobra.htm

Rich10 · #19 (**permalink**) 11-08-2007, 12:32 PM

XRACERBOB They not only aluminum plate fiberglass but this too

ZOERA-SC7XX · #20 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 05:04 PM

Tony's is the way I went...great job. I visited his facility when my car was up there and he was very hospitable...they picked my car up and delivered it after the job was done. I think the price varies with color (paint cost).