TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Dec 12, 2003 9:33 pm

I'm getting ready to paint my Ghia vert.

I'd like to do it myself, but I don't want to buy a $300 to $400 HVLP gun, a $1000 Compressor and build my own paint booth. I don't plan to do this kind of thing all the time. so buying this kind of equipment would not be justifiable for me.

How do I go about finding someone who would allow me to use their booth and maybe even their equipment? Are there places that specialize in renting out this sort of stuff?

I figure that most people who have this stuff do it for a living and obviously rather get paid for doing the job than have some guy use, and maybe even wreck, their equipment. But, there must be some cool compassionate people out there willing to help out.

I live close to Louisville KY. Any tips?
Thanks...

Sat Dec 13, 2003 9:47 am

You do not have to spend that much on a HVLP gun, a decent one can be had for 175-225 ( like a Sharp Cobalt or other).
Then you would only need to plug into existing air provided in the paint booth you rent.
You need to call around to some of the smaller body/paint shops (but not so small their booth is a POS) and see, someone may rent their booth out on a 24 hour basis over the weekend. I used to rent one (a few years ago albiet) for only 60.00... it was a decent real paint booth and was separate from the main shop, so I could get the car/truck in and put my own padlock on it when I was done spraying..... come back the next day to get the car and clean out the booth.
Otherwise, check with the paint supply stores, usually they have leads on which shops do and which don't rent out their booth.
Another avenue would be local car shows/ clubs or cruises... non VW too, some enthusiasts may be well enough off to have a private garage or shop that is set up adequately for painting their own projects.

Your biggest expense will be you materials.

Sat Dec 13, 2003 2:24 pm

There is a do it yourself autobody shop in our city, where you can rent space and tools. That's one route, but when I painted my van, I rented a booth from a smaller autobody shop, and he let me store the van for a couple weeks while I was working on it, for $CDN100 total. The guy was a friend of a friend though. Start asking your buddies if they know anybody! Jeremy