To paint, or not to paint.
 

I'm really digging my new 98 XJ. The thing is really clean and runs great. So much in fact, I'm wondering if it would benefit from a new paint job. If I'm going to have this thing for 3 - 4 plus years... I want it to look at it's best.

Here's what's wrong with the body

Typical bush scratches, small dent on driver door, clear coat on hood (all of the hood) for some reason is "spider-webbed cracked". I don't know if it was a job someone tried to do at home, but the clear coat, on just the hood, looks like glass with spider-webbed like cracks in it. Which I know will only lead to rust.

Little to no rust within the undercarriage. No rust on body. Interior is flawless.

It's a deep blue color now. I was thinking of a deep purple or black in the future. Anyone done this before? If so how much were you charged, or how much would it go for to get the paint done? I live in NH and I know the prices vary from place to place.

you can pay a whole lot for a decent paint job
most of the guys around here would recommend you do all the labor yourself..
just sand it all down and send it to miracle
thats my favorite option

I don't think we have a miracle around here... Are there any "how to's" on the subject?

I have not seen any how-to's on this forum
if you strip it and fix the dents yourself that will cut the cost
then paying someone to paint it the same color can be 1000-1500
color change which includes painting the inside such as jams and door can be anywhere 1500-3000
Maaco might do it for like 300 without sanding or dent fix and it wont last for crap
all depends on how much you want to spend and how long you want it to last

pictures of your Jeep?

None yet. I'll take some tomorrow when I've got some daylight.

These are the best I could do atm. Had to run out and take them quickly, got little kiddos in the house. I couldn't get a good one of the hood because of sun glare. I'll take some more later after I change out the rear shocks.

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I dont see the spider web cracking(?) you were talking about
I do see buffer swirls which makes me think someone did try to paint it
how much do you want to spend on a paint job?

i'd start by buffing it with compound.

use a good quality low rpm buffer, and just take your time.

@ Atmos - I didn't even notice the buffing marks until you mentioned it. And yeah the clear coat is spider webbed all over the hood. Which is noticeable when you approach the Jeep. You cant see it from afar, or in this pic, but it's there. I'll take some more pictures of it in the morning when it's not 12 noon under full glare.

@ caged - I was thinking of two options; Either bring it in for a full paint job, or even just the hood. Or... Perhaps wet sand the clear coat down to the paint, clean, and reapply another clear coat prior to buffing. I'm not entirely sure though, I've never tried to paint a vehicle and make it look pro. I've done beaters in flat, with rattle cans, nothing good. It's also difficult because I don't have a place to keep it out of the wind, and it get's really windy up here in New Hampshire.

I'm going to be getting some prices around here. But I'm trying to keep the job under $500.00.

Throughout the vehicle there's some touch-up jobs. There's a small purple paint streak down the driver side fender, probably covering a scratch. Another on the gas cap, in purple. The Jeep is dark blue.

Also you can see the fenderflare on this pic is held in at the front by two screws, which I'd like to fix up, as well as the dented bumper end. I guess I'm trying to bring it back up to stock. Also going to be looking through some of the salvage yards for these replacement parts. There's no rust on the body, which is amazing considering it's age and where it's been (New Hampshire/Maine). Also it will need very little body filler because there's only two small dings.

this sounds like what I would do. cheap and simple
as far as the buffer swirls go, upon second glance I cant really tell. that one in the fender definitely LOOKS like one tho

I went out and inspected it. I couldn't really see any swirl marks so I think it's just a grease rub. I was all over the thing today and didn't clean up.

If I do decide to go with the cheap and simple way... Can anyone direct me via step by step process on how/where to begin? For example, start by color matching? Materials for the job... Sand paper grits (for clear coat only)... Or if it's even possible without f'ing up the paint underneath?

well you cant sand clear coat then spray new clear. you would have to spray another coat of paint first
so maybe buff out the body and repaint the hood.
I use wet or dry 1000 then 2000 for clear coat
now were you wanting to paint the whole jeep and change the color? what was your final decision

It depends on how much the "professional" expense comes to. I live in NH and these folks know how to design on a dime. Unfortunately that can also produce a poor finished project.

I don't mind the current color, and changing the color is the lowest of priorities. Right now I just want it to match and look good. It doesn't look bad, but I'm just anal about **** like that.

in that case
I'd just buff the body and sand the hood then send it in to the shop
they'll match it for you. then ask us more questions if you're still unhappy with the body
what will really make it pop is sending in the grill, bumpers, besils, flares, and caps with the hood and have them painted as well
then ditch those bump strips on the doors. it'll look like a completely different vehicle

as for professional cost. go get a quote. it should be free