Projects Central Cali auto body/paint shop recommendations

Hoping to finally get my ever-so-slightly-OT '66 Skylark straightened & painted, and am looking for some body shop recommendations. Not needing anything fancy (can't afford it), just a good, solid shop that knows older cars. On a tight budget, so cost will be a YUUUGE factor. Any thoughts?

 

have used MAACO body & paint services for years - check them out and see if they work on older cars at shop near you - no matter where you go have to have lots of patience - and expect the unexpected when sanding down old paint

 

2nd MAACO...just take as much off the car as you can, really helps to do some prepwork as well.

 

Thanks folks. Yep, I'm going down to Bare Metal as I really want to make sure there are no surprises lurking under the layers. So far found a bit more filler than I'd like, but no rust, no patch panels, pretty clean all things considered.

 

I just got to ask.... What's your budget?

 

I work with a old man in Mariposa that has been doing body and paint for over 63 years. He no longer paints but he still going strong on the bodywork. He is a true craftsman. I will PM you his number incase your interested.

 

At this point, probably less than $3k.

 

Then for sure Maaco. If you want a nice job and not experienced, find a Professional bodyman to prep it at a under the table fair hourly rate and not try to charge a shop rate of $125 hour. have him block it ready to paint status then have Maaco shoot it.