Repainting my SR5 - Greatly appreciate suggestions and cautions

My '05 SR5 needs a new paint job, the Pacific Blue Metallic is the original, and a lot of areas of it are faded and the paint on the roof has completely failed. The photo in my profile thumbnail is my truck. All of the photos below are of random trucks from the interwebs.

I plan on keeping her for many more years (currently has 178K miles). I like the Pacific Blue, but am considering changing color. The interior is leather (stone color), so keeping in that family of colors seems the best thing to do. I like Shoreline Blue Pearl, Stratosphere Mica, and Magnetic Grey Metallic really caught my eye. I want to stay away from Black because, here in South Florida, that color turns the truck into an oven!
I realize changing colors will cost more because prep and painting door jambs, etc.. are required for a proper job.
First, what do you guys think about changing from Pacific Blue and, for those that have trucks in those other colors, how do you like them?
I don't know of any reputable paint shops in Tampa, so I am going to do a lot of research. How much should I expect to pay for a really good paint job keeping the same color, and changing to one of those other colors? I haven't done this before, so all assistance is greatly appreciated!

 

Definitely do your research for a reputable place and quality job. I did a “budget” paint job about 15 years ago on my 3000gt. It oxidized and faded within a year.

 

Forgot to add, that was from a national chain shop and was still a couple thousand back then.

i also like the 2 lighter blues you have picked.

 

It cost 7500 to repaint my single cab tacoma. For an oem type paint job you're looking at 7 to 10k labor isn't cheap, they took the entire truck apart and even then I had to retorque bolts etc

Keep it the same color, your resell value will tank if you have mismatch paint

 

The water base vehicle paint we have now ( for environmental reasons ) suck. They only last about 5 yrs. if that, i would try to find a shop that does not use these.

 

$7 - $10K? I had no idea it would be that expensive.

 

Yes If you want a real legit paint job (they have to take all the seals and bolts off etc then put everything back together)

 

What a lot of people think needs repainting actually is the clearcoat that can be resprayed. Or take it to a paint correction shop and they can advise you.

 

DuPont?

 

They have some really nice wraps nowadays, but they are also 7k-10k. Keep us posted on your decision please.

 

Thanks, guys, I sincerely appreciate the suggestions. I love my truck but cannot spend anywhere near $7K for a paint job regardless of how good the work is. I am so distrusting of body and paint shops that I am going to take my time researching them and speaking with them in person. I know all places have shady shops, but FL; especially Tampa, is rife with shysters.
I wish this site had a repository of shops and private mechanics that members have used, rated, recommended, or advised against, to make things like this easier and more trustworthy. I would like to have access to local mechanics that are as good and reputable as Alex of LegitStreetCars and the really nice guy that has The Care Care Nut youtube channel.

 

Whats your take on LineX/Raptor Liner/Monster Liner? DIY game is strong for less than $1k

 

I'm not familiar with those mods, I will look them up.

 

Make no mistake its still an undertaking and depending on how you apply it it can come out looking fairly smooth or like an avocado skin. Its effectively bed liner you see in a lot of pickups, just a little different. Not for everyone for sure. But compared to a proper paint job or vinyl, and how well you apply, it can be 100% DIY, thousands less, and quite indestructible.

Food for thought

 

Just stripped, primed and painted my 1st Gen Tacoma…..more work than most can imagine……one and done……happy with the results but beware it is a lot…… a lot…… of work, cleaning and knowledge that goes with repainting a vehicle.

 

I would just keep the original paint and do polish them really nice and spend money on re-correction paint + protection. If I would change color I do it right in perfect condition like a new car. Those new paint $$ , I will put all that money to maintain a perfect performance vehicle. It will keep me smiling more than just for looks.

 

I also want to lift it 2 or so inches and get larger wheels and tires. But those modification questions belong in a separate post.

 

I would discourage against this. I recently bought an old, 86, Nissan Hardbody just for hauling the trash etc. and it has that on it in blue and silver. For what it is it's not badly done but I really don't like it. No real way to wax it and make it shine. And if I ever had any ideas about restoring the old truck, it's a monster butt load of work to get that stuff back off of there. I think if I ever decide to go back to regular paint I'll buy a parts vehicle to get the hood, doors, fenders and bed off of and then just have to remove the LineX on the cab.

 

it’s a LOT of work to repaint. If you want it to last, that’s not a bad price.

another issue you MAY run in to is finding a shop to even do it. They make more money off repairing small things. It’s quick for them with minimal work.

I repainted my hood by a very reputable shop in San Diego. Job for the hood alone was $1200.

 

We have repainted the fenders and some other parts of our 2004. Found the local car paint supply shop. They helped match the color and told me the best way to repaint. Spent between $200-$300 on supplies and paint. Did it one afternoon. Looked wonderful for what it is. Will be repainting our bumper in a few weeks that someone hit.

 

How did you do the repainting yourself? Do you have an air sprayer? Photos would be greatly appreciated!

 

We buy the paint and supplies from Space Age Auto Paint in Mesa, AZ. We match the paint since our vehicles paint fades over time, especially here in AZ. They can supply the paint to you in whatever means you want. We chose spray bombs since we were just repainting the front fenders and hood scoop. Yes, the good spray bombs and not the cheap Wal-Mart stuff! Told us how to prep the car, spray the coatings and finish it off with clear coat.

I will be doing the same thing to our faded rear fenders and back side bumper, that someone hit, in a couple weeks. Will include before and after pics for you.

Just find the local auto paint supplier in you area that provides to the public. Ask them questions on how to do it since there are many different types of auto paint.