Date:         Mon, 11 Mar 2002 10:21:47 -0600
Reply-To:     Andrew.Yarnell@KIMLEY-HORN.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andy Yarnell <Andrew.Yarnell@KIMLEY-HORN.COM>
Subject:      Maico Paint Jobs
Comments: To: jon.sykes@PS.GE.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

You really do get what you pay for. This is true with almost anything. I
have used Maico in the past to spray my Karmann Ghia, and later my 1973
Bug. The body work was pretty good, and the paint was good too. There
was some orange peel (they do not color sand for $399)
and overall it looked good...for awhile. After 6 months to 1 year the
paint started to fade some, and any stone chips went right to primer, or
in some cases, bare metal. There is a warranty, 1 year I think, so if it
does start to go before, take advantage of a respray. They only do one
coat of paint, so it is thin and does not wear well. They use an
integrated clear coat (not my favorite). Even waxing regularly did not
seem to help the paint keep its shine. If you are going to paint over an
existing faded paint job, then it would probably look good, and chipping
would not look as bad as mine did. You can pay more, and get more coats
and color sanding, but for a quick and decent paint job, go for it. They
might charge you more anyway, because it is a van, make sure you get the
correct price quote.
 
Good Luck,
My $.02 on Maico.
 
Andy