Auto Body Work - Your opinions?

[beefybull]

I managed to pick up a late 90's car really cheap (97 Buick Lesabre) b/c it was wrecked. All of the damage was to the front of the car, dead center in the vehicle. The headlights did not break and still work. Not sure if the corner/turn lights work or if I'll need the assemblies to hold them in place or not.

It needs the following body parts:
Hood, Front Fenders, Grill, Bumper Cover, Bumper support

I also have to replace the radiator (leaks), radiator support, one of the fans, and thats about it.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had prior experience with Certifit parts (http://www.Certifit.com/). I'm not sure about prices, but I've heard some outrageous claims about their prices. Is it cheap b/c the parts are made poorly? Or are Certifit parts quality? Any noticeable difference?

I plan on reselling the car for a quick profit. Where/how would you recommend doing the paint? Will a MAACO job look alright for long enough to get rid of the car? Also, since the primary target market for these cars is someone 40-75 yrs of age, what color would you recommend I paint it? Dark green? Navy blue? Silver or beige? Black?

Let me know what you think

 

[RottenWillow]

I plan on reselling the car for a quick profit. Where/how would you recommend doing the paint? Will a MAACO job look alright for long enough to get rid of the car? Also, since the primary target market for these cars is someone 40-75 yrs of age, what color would you recommend I paint it? Dark green? Navy blue? Silver or beige? Black?

Let me know what you think

Cant address the parts question, but I may have an idea about the paint. There are paint supply places where they will match your factory paint code and mix it in an aerosol can and sell you some clear coat, and you can hand paint it. You'll need a steady hand and an indoor, dust free area. The place my dad has brought it from in metro Atlanta is called AutoColor in case you live around here. He a painted a fender on his old Z-28 and I think the paint and clear coat was under $50 and I couldnt tell which part he'd painted, looked fine.

 

[Lumberg]

Hi rottenwillow!

First off the only thing you need to worry about is if the parts are CAPA certified. They may be a bit more, but worth it.

Second of all the rad. support is probably going to be the hardest thing

Third of all, brand-new paint of a certain paint code may not match 10-year-old weathered paint of the same type.

 

[beefybull]

^^^^

 

[Basic_wonder]

we have a dupont factory around here, that matches the paint perfectly, they go off current condition and not the color code, maybe you might have something like that around you ....

 

[RADAR]

You will have to repaint the entire car if the paint is the least bit faded. Try a sample spot next to the orig.
Better yet-go with metallic Med Grey Beautiful color!

RADAR