Searched the forums but didn't see any recent threads - anyone have any recommendations for a total car respray? My Forester is Alpine White, and I'd like to keep it that way, but will be getting a JDM front end (fenders, hood, bumper, etc), as well as the JDM doors, skirts and hatch - all in WR blue.

I thought about just having the individual pieces repainted, which still might make sense for some parts, but there are some dings in the rear quarter panel and hood that I might as well fix as the same time (Subaru paint is notorious for being bad so I'd love to get a good paint job for once!).

Since I want to stay with the stock Alpine White, I won't need to repaint the engine bay or door jams - which should limit cost. Only surfaces need to be painted on all the WRB parts...except perhaps the doors and the hood - which i should probably paint thoroughly (both sides).

From searching this subforum and yelp, it seems Miracle and Maaco are mentioned often (though this ballz doesn't speak so well of them in this thread https://www.i-club.com/forums/bay-ar...-174896/page2/). Also - Yelp reviews on USAA Auto and Avenue Auto body in the city are good, but no idea on what estimates will be.

Anybody have any additional recs or know what I should expect for price (ball park)?

This isn't mine but it'll look something like this with all the parts on.

 

Anderson Behel Body Shop - The Premier Santa Clara Auto Body Shop

Does it need to be close to you? lol

 

I always took my car to Yeaman auto body in Palo Alto. They do top notch work. Call them and ask for Jeff Day and ask about an i-club discount!

Yeaman Auto Body Inc. - 22 Photos & 69 Reviews - Body Shops - 2025 E Bayshore Rd - Palo Alto, CA - Phone Number - Yelp

They are great at matching Subaru colors.

 

Thanks guys - will give them a call! Would you advise doing your own prep-work or leaving that to the pros - or do they require doing it start to finish?

 

Nah, that's close enough. Thanks man.

 

Call them about doing your own prep. I think most shops probably want to do it.

 

The paint shop will want to do it. They will want it prepped a specific way.

You can ask Jeff about doing your own prep though. He might be down with it.

 

If you don't mind the drive to Sacramento check out Diamond Autobody as David and his crew do top quality work.

Diamond Auto Body - 83 Photos & 73 Reviews - Body Shops - 4225 Power Inn Rd - Sacramento, CA - Phone Number - Yelp

 

Thanks all for the recommendations...but DANG - I've been calling a couple shops.....resprays are freaking EXPENSIVE. Got told it would be at least $5k for a repaint of the SAME COLOR (Alpine White) - and that's after I told him I wouldn't need engine bay or door jams painted (cuz it's the same color).

The lowest individual part quotes were: $350 per bumper, $250 per fender, $300 for rear hatch and $300 for hood. Includes a complete prep, seal, paint, clear and buff. That doesn't seem too bad?

 

Yeah, the good shops aren't going to be cheap. The price you pay, but you get what you pay for. My buddy got his car done at Anderson recently after getting hit and they did such a good job, I could barely spot it. Had I not known where it was hit, I probably wouldn't have been able to tell without popping the hood (front fender). Their blend and fitment was perfect.