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Dodge Ram 1994-Present: How to Find a Good Paint Shop

If you decide to paint, you can get by at a reasonable price and still get a great paint job. Check out these tips and save money.

By Richard Bowen - June 18, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-Present).

At some point in your Dodge Ram's life, if you're keeping it for a long time, it will start showing some signs of fades and scratches. Some people don't mind it, however, others insist on getting the truck re-painted. If you decide this is the route you would like to take, be sure to do a lot of research before pulling the plug. There are tons of body shops, some do great jobs, while others can make it look even worse. Here are some of the things to look out for when you're looking for the right paint shop.

The Cost

The cost can vary anywhere from $250 to $3,000 for a good paint job.It can go up to $6,000 for a show-finish job.

If you are going with a $250 paint job, and that's from a national chain with a coupon, be sure to check out the place. Ask to see other vehicles they've painted. Check the Internet for reviews. In other words, make very sure that you will be satisfied with the work for this little money.

The same goes for paint jobs from other shops. Check the reviews and check out other vehicles they've painted. The more expensive shops will do a better job prepping your Dodge Ram, masking off all the trim, the windows and the tires, and they will fix any dents, dings or rust and include that in the price.

Figure 1. Business on top, party on the bottom.

Get Estimates

Like any major project, it's good to get at least three estimates from different shops. Don't just get a price over the phone. Drive the Ram to the shop so they see the vehicle in person and can examine it for exactly what has to be done.

Compare "apples to apples,." In other words, for the price, what will one shop do compared to another? Are they fixing any dents or rust? How many coats will be applied? Will there be a clear coat? Does the shop have a paint booth? (No matter how careful they are, if the shop doesn't have a paint booth, you'll get imperfections like dirt and dust in the paint.) Will they be painting any extras like door jams or the engine compartment? Get all the details and get the estimates in writing.

If you know the shop owners or know of someone who's had a vehicle painted there, by all means mine that source for valuable feedback on the quality of the work they do.

Armed with your research, you can make an informed, intelligent decision about the shop, the price and the quality of the paint job.

Figure 2. Turn up the heat with your Ram.

Part DIY

No one is recommending you paint the Ram yourself. Always hire a professional for this job, but you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. This includes:

  • Removing any trim or stripes.
  • Masking off any parts you don't want painted with painters tape.
  • Fixing any rust, dings and dents.
  • Priming the vehicle.

Having your Dodge Ram painted can be an expensive investment, but it doesn't have to be. There are ways to save money. But first, ask yourself, "Is it worth it?" If you decide you're tired of looking at the scratches, the blotches, and the faded paint, you can get the truck painted and be proud of the way your vehicle looks again -- without spending a lot of money.

Figure 3. For the Ram owner who fancies themselves a night rider.

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