I have very little idea of how a body shop works, but I do understand labor cost. I own my own contracting business. I think the biggest cost with a 'pro' job is def. the labor. Like was stated at $80 + per hour it doesn't take long to get into tens of thousands of dollars. The black car was a 5 year long project, there is not a nut or bolt on that car that was not touched. Rotisserie build. I imagine if I had paid for the work it would be in excess of $50k. Although I have not calculated the actual time I had it DOES come at a cost. Everyones time is worth something whether or not its spent in the shop working on a car, or attending your kids ballgame. I have an acquaintance whom was a conservator with the Smithsonian. He made up a list of 6 simple rules for the perfect finish. He wrote it for furniture finishing but it works on cars as well, and I try to follow when I finish.
1. prepare the surface properly
2.select the correct finish materials
3.prepare the finish material correctly
4.use the right tool to apply the finish
5.use the finishing tools skillfully
6.work in the right conditions.
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