I am getting estimates on having Shelby stripes and rocker panel stripes painted on my car.

The two "finalist" are in the running for very different reasons. Shop number one quotes me a price of $1,500 and 3 days while shop number two says that they can do it for $650 in only 2 days.

Shop number one sounds like they are true experts in the field. Shop number two is a body shop. I have not seen either shops' work for myself.

Do you get what you pay for, or are there really bargains out there for those who look for them?

 

Any good shop will have pictures of their past work. Any great shop will have past customers who will be willing to act as a referral since they'll be so pleased with the work.

Don't make a move until you see a shop's work - in person, not in pictures.

 

I would expect to pay $1,500 for a great flame job, not something simple and straight forward like stripes. Overpriced IMO.

If I were you, I'd work a deal with the 2nd shop. Supply very specific dimensions and specs, and get them to let you inspect the layout before they sand/spray the stripes. That way you know that you're getting what you really want, and not getting over charged for it.

 

One of the dealerships near me has a Redfire with painted black stripes. I was very disappointed with the results because they scratched the heck out of the hood when they buffed it. They also wanted $1300 for it.