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<DIV>Once again, I have come to another crossroads with my beloved 91
SE-R. Like I mentioned, the next door neighbor decided to test the front
end stiffness of his Skyline on the back bumper of my car. Estimates are
in the $700 range to fix it. Of course if I get it fixed, then I have a
shiny new back bumper and the rest of the car still looks like crap (which is
the case of my dad's Escort that he already fixed). 15 years of Florida
sunshine and all the waxing in the world couldn't save my paint.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I have an estimate from Maaco to paint the car for $150. I cant even
imagine what they would do for $150 (that was in addition to getting the bumper
fixed). Another body shop gave me an estimate of $1200 to do everything
which puts me out of pocket about $500-600. I am not sure of their work
though. Lastly, a body shop I know does high quality work gave me an
estimate of $1650 for everything, which puts me out of pocket $950.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I have already spent $2k in the last year rebuilding the front end axles,
new clutch, hoses etc... I need to shore up the squeaking which I think is the
rear calipers being frozen and hopefully not the wheel bearings. Then
there is the headliner, and no AC. I cant get rid of this car. It
sits on the side of my house under a car cover and I tool around with it on the
weekends. It seems like spending $1650 to paint a car that's barely worth
that seems a little ridiculous. At the same time, how many Classic SE-Rs
are there still on the streets that look good and original? Should I risk
this other body shop for $1200? Or get this car looking the way it was
when I bought it new for $1650. Like I said, it sits under a car cover and
I just cant get rid of it. The interior of the car is also in good
shape. Its more fun to drive than my RSX...and I am just one of those
sentimental people who keep everything. The only problem is the more money
I spend on this, the further away I will be from buying a new Corvette (my other
dream).</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>That's enough rambling....I just need some advice and only the people on
this list might possibly be able to understand my dilemna, as mundane as it
is.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thanks</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Jaret</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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