Spraying a 244

[dan 244]

Anyone got any ideas how much a full respray on a 1978 244? I realise the preparation depends on the condition of the original car. But it has been off road for 15 yrs, so actually is very good. Just one scrap on front wheel arch to be repaired. No rust to talk of. I would strip all trim, bumpers etc and reassemble after. I will also remove engine and wireing as want the engine bay done. Underside of bonnet door shuts and in boot etc as it’s going to be a colour change too!
Thanks

[mentepazza]

You are probably looking at 2k.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by mentepazza

You are probably looking at 2k.

probably double with the acreage of bodywork , and it will never be as good as the factory finish .., I would just T-Cut and polish it , it will come up like new ...

[ITSv40]

The classic 'how long is piece of string' question. It depends on what you are starting with and standard of finish you want to achieve at the end.

As a guide, my son restored an Escort XR3i Cabriolet about 9 years ago. It was completely stripped to the last nut and bolt, some minor welding done and two new front wings fitted. The bodyshop, who was a local two man band turning out first class work, sand blasted any minor rust patches prepared and refinished the panels inc the engine bay. We specified a 'wet glass' finish. The paintwork cost £2000. We reassembled everything once back home.

Given the size of the 244 and that you want a colour change and the time lapse between my son's work I think you would be looking at closer to £5000
Attachment shows the car after the restoration was finished, he still has it and it still looks as good.

[dan 244]

Originally Posted by Clan

probably double with the acreage of bodywork , and it will never be as good as the factory finish .., I would just T-Cut and polish it , it will come up like new ...

Yes I agree with the never as good as factory finish, but it has a bit of damage on the front wing, and it been in a barn for 15years, maybe looks worse than it is, but don’t really like the colour either. I have a few standard factory 244’s and I fancy making this one a weekend car as a turbo too. So want a striking colour.

I have bought a couple of 940s recently and been disappointed with both, so think it’s 240 time again, but definitely need it quicker and more economical than a B21 auto.

[dan 244]

A couple of pics

[Stephen Edwin]

Is that "the classic orange colour" ??

Dare I ask, in addition to the cost of a respray, [how much] would the car be devalued by a colour change ??

[dan 244]

Originally Posted by Stephen Edwin

Is that "the classic orange colour" ??

Dare I ask, in addition to the cost of a respray, [how much] would the car be devalued by a colour change ??

The pic of the side of the car is the most accurate in colour, it’s a strange off red colour. Making it a turbo will take its originality anyway. But I have 4 other mint standard ones. I would like something drivable as a modern take on the classic 240, and something I will keep as I will all of them, so sales value has no interest to me really.

This is the only one that needs some repair, so that’s why I am thinking of this one and why I am considering a colour change.

Also the highest mileage at 90k !

[DW42]

My estate was resprayed 2 and a half years ago, and is still perfect. But I agree, it's not quite as good as a factory finish -- there are minor differences in the finish in difficult to reach spots, and a couple of small runs. The cost is lower if you do the prep work. A nice paint shop will guide you through it, and judge your prep work if you do some of it before stripping the car.

I can't comment on paint job prices in the UK -- it's a more common operation here in sunny Queensland because the sun kills paint. My silver saloon needs paint, and I'm considering a colour change. Maybe even sparkly bits in it.

[mentepazza]

I have recently come to a conclusion I would much prefer to keep the original patina and seal it with transparent sealant.
This said, mine has been respraid.