[Larry Navarro]

Hey gang, I'm posting here since there seems to be a majority of folks who own or have owned SD trans ams that have been restored.
My question revolves around the costs of quality paint work.
It has been suggested to me that prices between $20-30K for show quality finishes are not uncommon.
Is this type of figure including body work where the sheet metal is replaced because of rot or damage from a wreck?
I can't seem to fathom that a car which retains original, rust-free sheet metal needing minimal prep would justify the noted figures.
I'm very familiar with paint & body work as I have painted three vehicles in the last 25 yrs, two of which garnered an "editors choice" and 1st place at Super Chevy events.
My most recent was a '78 trans am that I performed a complete color change from artic white to admiralty blue. This car had a straight body but needed a lower patch panel at the rear quarter.
Although this car wasn't intended to be a show piece, I performed the work as if it were, since I planned on selling the vehicle anyway.
I spent about 60 hrs labor in prepping the body and painted the car in my "spray booth" just as I have done in the past with the show cars previously mentioned.
Folks down here in Houston are familiar with my work so there's no denying what I describe in this post.
I only mention this just so folks who reply to this thread are aware that I'm not totally out of touch (or maybe I am) with paint & body services.
So again, Is this type of figure including body work where the sheet metal is replaced because of rot or damage from a wreck? Were the cars a "basket case"?