Watch This Before Repainting Your Car - Scion xB Paint Job Gone Wrong!

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Finally, after many months, I've resumed the restoration of my 2005 Scion xB. In this episode my old box on wheels comes back from the paint shop! After much excitement, it didn't exactly come out as planned. I learned a lot in this process. If you're going to paint your car, maybe you can learn a thing or two from my experience as well. Watch to find out how it went!
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Music used in this episode:
- Selected tracks by Kia Orion ( • Video )
- Songs from the KZbin music library

[@Jer0nim0]

If you ask him to paint the grill, maybe he won't understand that you want the WHOLE grill painting. 😄 I wouldn't give him any more work.

[@trapperkreeper6105]

What you have is not only orange peel, but the haze you see is dyeback on the surface of the clear. I suspect he wasn't letting the clear flash between coats, or over reducing the clear. The painter could have buffed that haze out easily, or better yet he could have scuffed the orange peel out and buff/polish it. Anyway, wet sand it with 2000/3000 and buff/polish it and it'd look 100x better. And my professional opinion from 27 years of experience is they should have given you a better job for 3K, and their attitude is reprehensible

[@michaelgreco4813]

you should consider painting the grill yourself it's not too large or complex of a piece and would cost less than $150 best of all you get some satisfaction and content

[@uteking]

I was going to say this too - go down to your local NAPA and they should be able to get you a rattle can or two of your factory color. For a piece like that, it doesn’t have to be a perfect match and you can do a fine job with 2 or three thin coats.

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks for the comments and support everyone! Your responses have made me realize I'm way too easy going! 😆I definitely will not have him paint the grille. And I will find someone that can wet sand and polish the paint. A bad review is likely in his future, though I'll have to decide if I take it any further than that.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

There's absolutely no reason not to leave a thorough and honest reivew on Yelp, Google, etc. It's not just about your experience but potentially preventing someone else from wasting $3K. I find the most useful reviews avoid emotions and stick to the detailed facts.

[@Staatus_Quo]

Well, I wonder how long till people just flock to his site to review bomb him now that you dropped their name. This is one of the reasons I don't like dropping names on line is people will go and attack on your behalf. It sucks he was super shady either way.

[@htownandi6263]

What about the guy who detailed the the Grand Prix? He did a great job.

[@300DBenz]

Paint the grille matte black, it’ll give it some contrast, break up the huge swaths of blue.

[@jordanseay216]

I personally like the stock look with everything that’s supposed to be painted blue, painted blue. I’m actually exited for how it’ll turn out.

[@n.d.4317]

That's like maaco quality but 2-3 times more expensive.

[@racingfortheson]

Maaco isn’t a bad deal when you compare it to stuff like this.

[@2headband990]

I thinking the same thing

[@ds7172]

came here to say this

[@jakelannetti3128]

Dude that’s a maaco quality paint job for an insane price. I painted my Miata in my garage with harbor freight tools for about $200 and it definitely doesn’t look great. But it has similar amounts of orange peel.

[@nolarobert]

I'd write an honest review sticking to the facts. I like to know about issues with a service provider before I consider them. You are handling it better than I would as I'm sure I would have words with the guy. You are not wrong expecting a quality result since you paid a "professional" $3000. A great lesson for all of us, be sure to get service contracts in writing where the agreed-upon work is spelled out. I can see the case for paying the $150 to finish the job so you're not stuck paying more somewhere else but you certainly don't have to like it.

[@67tomcat]

Nice you have feelings for your xB, and it makes sense you had it repainted very close to the original color. But, for $3,000, the person who painted it should have done a far more complete job. Great video and thanks for sharing the updates on your fleet.

[@Karmy.]

Agreed

[@kllntime101]

Sounds like he just didn't really care or try. That sucks. I'm in the same general area as you and I'm nervous for when the time comes to paint my 86 Cressida and 86 Corolla. I'd definitely be way angrier. I hope you figure something out.

[@Karmy.]

Yeah he honestly got ripped off here

[@mexicanspec]

Maybe Ethan can tell you in a private message who it is so you can avoid that shop.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ethan, I have never seen a better advertisement for the virtues of parking your car in a garage. Let's hope the whole exercise is 'character building'. Long live Scion!!!

[@ceeg6793]

Oh boy, that shop definitely deserves a scathing review, hopefully it saves someone else from going there in the future. I painted a trunk deck with factory matched rattle cans, and it turned out well, I’d try giving that a shot!

[@GMMG1980]

Give him nothing else! I don’t know pricing for this type of work where you are but for him to not flat and polish the paint just sounds like he is a bawbag tbh

[@JustcallmeGnarly22]

First off loved the video. I really enjoy updates to your cars and everything you do with them. You're what Hoovie used to be. 2nd- don't give that guy anymore money. It's very obvious he didn't care when painting the car and saying it's only the metal is just a scumbag way of getting more money out of you. I say paint the rest of the car yourself, put it back together and call it a day.

[@garbagecargarage]

Don't give him any more jobs! Write a review about what do you feel about his job it's just a feedback nothing personal. He did not do a good job man... Sorry ☹️

[@StraightLineCycles]

Paint it yourself, you are your own advocate.

[@pohsibkcirrag6312]

No Maaco in Cali? They would have saved you hundreds maybe thousands!

[@mexicanspec]

Everything is in California. I would have taken it to one of the production shops. With a little prep yourself they can turn out a really nice job.

[@jakelannetti3128]

Yeah I agree, honestly it would’ve been similar quality for probably $1000 max

[@davidr5360]

Love every video featuring the box!

[@HelloRoad]

😀 😀 😀

[@TheMirageowner]

Credit on you for keeping your composure. All in all the paint is okay with color sanding as a possibility to alleviate the orange peel. It would look much better after that. However I am glad you are restoring this.

[@ZoomZoom81]

I wonder if the B.A.R. protects you from collision centers the same way a service and repair center. If it does, I would report him

[@mexicanspec]

What do you think the report would be for? The contract said prep and paint, which he did.

[@ZoomZoom81]

@@mexicanspec There is an implied contract to complete the service, which would include the sanding at ANY body shop. (I run a body shop, I should know) It would be like an auto repair shop replacing a water pump but not filling the coolant tank after the repair and you drive away and it overheats. The BAR would be all over a shop if they did that

[@MoxyDave]

Hey man great video! I have a 2006 black manual xB I bought brand new with all the options. I can totally relate with you; I love this car even though it's worth nothing these days. I've been restoring mine slowly over time as well. Just installed a new head unit, all new speakers and an under-seat sub. I have all new suspension parts, new tires, new fluids ... it's been a fun, fairly inexpensive hobby and my car drives like new. Next year I'm going to get bodywork & paint so this video is poignant for me. I'll be sure to ask around first!

[@bc8580]

Just imagine when you daughter is 25 and you look back and am sure glad the car is still with the family and not at the junkyard. It'll be almost impossible to find the same car in 10-20 years for $3k. Sentimental values and happiness matter in the long run. Thank you for preserving the car despite it not making financial sense.

[@mexicanspec]

If you do some of the prep, like you did, you can get a really nice job at One-Day-Paint or similar shops and they include the wet sanding and buffing in their more expensive jobs.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

In most parts of the country (California may be different) $3000 would have gotten you about 10 hours of body work (minor dent fill, primer, one round of sanding), three coat paint job (two color, one clear) with medium cost materials, 20 hours of sanding and polishing.

[@rw5096]

Would definitely BBB and leave a bad Yelp review you are helping other people in the future. For the grill I'd just use krylon textured black paint and do it yourself would give a nice contrast. For that type of money I would have rather had Maaco do it at least you could have been a real company not some third party shop. And I'm sure they wouldn't have messed it up worse then that.

[@hullinger]

I'm diggin the puppy-love at the end! As for the paint, man, I hate that you don't get the exact shine and gloss that you're expecting, especially given what you paid. Paint work is about the only thing that is bought that you don't know what the end result is gonna be. I've got similar stories just like yours and they all hurt my heart. I would recommend getting a dual action electric buffer and an assortment of foam pads with various grit compounds and polish and try it in an inconspicuous spot on the Xb. I'd be very cautious with wet sanding as without practice, it's super easy to sand through the clear coat and go through to the color. Regarding the grill and fog light blanks, I needed to replace and repaint the outside door handle on my father-in-laws car recently. I found that my local NAPA has a paint store and they mixed up a color matched spray can for me and along with a can of high quality clear coat (called 2K I believe). For $75 in material, they also gave me instructions on scuffing and spraying and I painted the handle myself. The new door handle came out perfect, with perfect color match, perfect clear and incredible shine and gloss. It was well worth the effort and it gave me some confidence to paint other things. That might be an idea for you too and without having to go back to that dude. Either way, good luck getting the Scion back together and back on the road!

[@jordanseay216]

I’m sorry the paint job didn’t turn out well. I wish I knew of a place to recommend but I don’t. I hope you get it all worked out.

[@mbach2826]

Yeah, I'd be mad too if I spent that much on a job and they screwed up that much. I'd also go with what others are saying. Spray paint the grill. It kinda makes sense restoring the toaster on wheels for the reasons you mentioned and cause is prolly one of, if not the best running vehicle in your fleet. And last, what do you plan on doing for hubcaps? Original, or something else?

[@chemicalgabe]

Just had an SVX painted at a shop in Anaheim for about the price you paid. A lot of dents and body work had to be done and I would definitely recommend them if you decide to get another car painted.

[@joedaly2935]

i just sold my second gen xb (that was purchased wrecked for $500) i put $100 into it and at almost 200k miles and like 5 or 6 owners gave me 0 issues the 30k miles i owned it except minor ones and was a great car. i will one day buy a cleaner example of of one. i have no bad things to say about the car or chassis. Its a shame cars like the kia soul outshined the xb.

[@Crispychicken4u]

Maybe you should have wrapped your Xb but your great for be humble about the paint job . I wish it would of work out better and you call them out . You deserve better for that price. Glad your still passionate about your xb

[@mexicanspec]

You take your contract back to him and tell him you paid for the extra parts to be painted like the bumpers and the mirrors and that included the grille as well. The fact that you have painted plastic parts invalidates his message of only painting the metal parts. Also, you are not going to know if he used a flex agent on the bumpers for a while yet.

[@tuanh_duong]

You're way too easy going man !! I would have been mad

[@802Garage]

From what I know, $3,000 if the prep work was done right and a decent quality paint was used, is pretty reasonable. If he had to do full disassembly and reassembly I would expect it to be more like $4,000 to 5,000. So overall, not a perfect job, there is definitely some orange peel which can hopefully be corrected, but it's not the worst. As long as it holds up properly, you didn't get a horrendous deal. The pieces he missed painting and the small damage to some other parts is def a downside though. His customer service was obviously not great either. Definitely wouldn't go back to him. You can paint the grill yourself if you buy a color match can for $25 and a can of 2K clear for $20. Get to make a quick vide out of it too. Overall, looks better!

[@802Garage]

I see a lot of people in the comments noting that Maaco can do a cheaper job. Sure, if you brought it to them like that stripped down you might get a decent result for less money, but it's also totally up to which shop you go with and who is working that day. Plus for their bottom dollar job you get the lowest amount of prep work and the lowest quality paint. From the looks, I believe this guy at least did proper prep and likely didn't use the cheapest paint possible. I would hope. I think you got an overall better job than Maaco, but sure, likely overpriced. It will always cost more to go to an indie for paint though and I think you did the right thing trying to pick a place with good reviews. Just can't win 'em all.

[@andrewhopkins1010]

Thanks for the information...sorry that you didn't have a better experience. I need to paint both of my cars at some point. I mean, they don't look too bad from 20 feet away. At night. If you squint. A lot.

[@kennethgrimes5494]

Sorry this happened to you ,i bought my 05 Scion brand new off the show room floor with 2 tenths of a mile on it and now its still in great shape but I've decided to spruce er up some taking out a few small dings and stuff with a few upgrades here and there,doing it all myself so I will appreciate it more when I get er finished its not hard and it actually looks really good. My car is black cherry in color and imdoing some vinal graphics and a matt black hood and mirrors just suddel things that i think are cool im just as proud of itnow as the day i bought it or maybe even a little bit more. Good luck but you should give us all the name of the paint shop so other people arnt takin advantage of by this professional shyster.

[@pawpawg7358]

I would paint it black, would be a nice contrast to all the same color on the front

[@scionnn]

im 13, and my dad has a 2006 scion xb that had been a work car and its extremly damaged, and in bad condition, and ive been fixing it and working on it. i just gave it a new rear bumper from a junkyard!

[@flyaustin27]

Ethan you’re a much much nicer person than I, I could understand if this was Macco but for 3k this is completely unacceptable. I know you’ve already spent the money but I would absolutely just paint the grille yourself and try to do some wet sanding and polish to make the car look like it was a 3k job. Either way, thank you for holding onto something so sentimental and staying positive through the whole process!

[@bigmac2385]

I would feel the same about the paint and plus when he never listened to you about the rear boot release flap was broken and painted that anyway

[@brianmontenegro9711]

Next time take it to my shop In Sherman oaks bro … sounds like you got a shop in north hollywood my friend

[@bextar6365]

Contact the BBB in your area........

[@wakawaka1976]

Help from anyone please? I have a cosmetically beat up 05 XB… would it be cheaper to buy one that looks nice or to get a couple of small dents fixed, spoiler, door lock actuators, windows get stuck, new wheels, and a paint job on my current one? Ones in good condition (much nicer looking than mine) and a few more miles can be found around me in the $5k+ range.

[@sakumisan]

You do have to wet sand the car but you have to wait for the paint to cure first. Either way, he needed to be transparent about the process and what you should and should not expect.

[@cameronlovesevolve]

Aftermarket chrome grille and toss on some fog lights! she will look fresh to death~ (buff those tail lights too! theyre looking a little sunkissed!) Otherwise im pumped to see you keeping the Scion around~

[@FREEM1ND]

How's this restoration going? Any progress since this video?

[@Saintbow]

My mom has a 2008 Scion Xd and it only has 26k miles on it... It's even a manual but with all the other power options. I keep on bugging her that when she wants to get a new car, to give me the Scion. Would make for a great weekend rally car.

[@turbo1997hsm]

Where I live, these still worth a lot because of their reliability.

[@blkfxbb327]

I’m in SoCal and a wrap/color change cost about $1300-2k I paid $1500 for my xB, they definitely overcharged and did a terrible job, you’re too nice of a guy my dude. Should’ve told that dude he painted a part that he shouldn’t have and have him paint grill for that error 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@capturingthemachine]

How long did it take? I wish Toyota paint from this era wasn't so bad 🥲 (my IS 300 looks like your "before" pics)

[@HelloRoad]

Sorry I didn't see your comment! They took over a month to do the job. Pretty sure it sat in their lot for most of that time. 😐 I'm sure my original paint would've been much nicer if I had garaged the car. Owned it since new, never saw a garage 😬

[@chriss8694]

I paid $700 for my paint job on my corolla and macco did a great job and painted everything, replaced the headliner, and reassembled everything. Maybe leave an honest review to prevent someone from going through the same thing

[@Thohean]

You can get custom color spray paint cans mixed and then get a 2K clear coat. Probably cost you like $50.

[@quitjoshinme]

You definitely try to get some of your money back , sorry man I’ve been watching your channel since January love your channel!

[@mexicanspec]

I am curious. Did he paint under the rear plate or just mask it?

[@HelloRoad]

License plate? It was off, he painted there.

[@mexicanspec]

@@HelloRoad That is good. It came across like he was lazy and I have seen jobs where they masked around the plate.

[@61chickens]

It really annoys me that in every walk of life there seems to be a few people who think that they're only there to do the glamourous jobs and that anything else is beneath them. I once took an equally humble car to a paint shop I knew to be genuinely good - returning to pick it up, it quickly became apparent that the main guy, whose rates I was paying, had been on vacation and farmed the job out to an apprentice who had made a total pig's ear of it, but they refused to refund any of the money. Warning signs are; a) anyone who seems distracted or disinterested when you're telling them exactly what you want; and b) anyone who has a curious habit of forcefully backsniffing every ten seconds and reacts badly to criticism....

[@kevinsomarriba5780]

How about a JDM BB grill?

[@trabertgraneau3323]

You should take the pieces to a body shop that provides better service. As for the car itself, you might as well buff it to put back on the bumpers yourself

[@thesam19841]

Is the grill body color? If it is black use back to black, goes on perfect... and dont worry about the value... while it will never be a low mile survivor, it will be worth more in the long run and not just be a beater in a few years...

[@3-DtimeCosmology]

Find another person! A real pro shop with good reviews!

[@alanv2062]

Wow this is disappointing im sorry you have to go through that

[@petescarport]

Oh man I feel like I hear paint horror stories too often. Sorry you dealt with this. For that money you should have gotten more but it’s still not crazy money. The 944 I bought the guy paid $7k and it was worse than this. Luckily I was able to polish out the paint and make it look good.

[@thebluexb]

The moment we've all been waiting for...well, maybe just me! It sucks that he was too lazy to finish the job but at least the paint quality isn't complete trash. I honestly wouldn't worry about the grille and the fog light covers. That's just an excuse to swap them out for some crystal or yellow fogs and a JDM grille, and don't forget about the phone dial wheel covers that have a surprise under the Scion logo.

[@lit_cab]

Hey bud spray paint those steel wheels black add trim rings and it will pop

[@holdencaufield7485]

Sorry, but you are still far too nice and understanding. 3.000,- is way too much for this lousy job. You could have tried painting the whole car yourself and it wouldn't have turned out worse. Don't give that guy any more money. Please paint the grill yourself. It's not too complicated. And consider painting the grill a different color.

[@3-DtimeCosmology]

$300 dollar paint job for $3000

[@slimatmim]

Hey are you on any of the Bb/xB pages on Facebook?

[@HelloRoad]

I'm not but I'll check them out :)

[@mylifeisJDM]

Ditto on the DIY paint job. It's a niche video topic and don't see any good ones after a search.

[@09MartialArtist]

You can honestly replace that grill in the same color off eBay. Bought a brand new one for 40 bucks in black when I first bought my xB back in 2015.

[@HelloRoad]

Good idea. Thank you!

[@elishmittywerminghanjensen1264]

Sorry to see the poor workmanship on your vehicle. For 3k.... small claims court almost sounds like an option if they won't refund at least part of the job 😬 Regardless, glad you're keeping us updated on the project. Can wait to see another video!

[@meberra]

Paint the grill your tot buy an aftermarket one. Or find one used that’s the same color

[@NFS4LFE]

Wow that guy was a jerk. Sorry that you had such an experience :/ Car looks better at least!

[@anthonyr829]

Sorry you are going through that situation. Its a damn shame we have shiester businesses like the one you dealt with. I would put their shop on blast as it would help future bad dealings with this person from happening. And 3k for a paint job is the going rate nowadays but it should've been handled and completed better.

[@djkenny1202]

3 grand should have included sanding, no orange peal, put back together. I see $2000, here.

[@frankyforest9086]

That sucks. There are a lot of good painters out there, but they do over promise things and come short. I think the problem is that when they take too long on a job an realize that they are working on a project for that long, they start to realize they aren't making anymore money so they start to cut corners or start to do half ass jobs or even don't paint all the parts of the car. Sorry that happened to you. But hey, on a positive note, I think in the end those minor imperfections wont affect your car. I think it still is going to come out looking like new when its put back together. Your car is in good shape.

[@sleepyhollow783]

I hope Ethan hammered them in the Yelp review. He can warn others of such a crap business & person. I care about my work & have a real hard time with people who do not care. Work on the car as though it were for a loved one. Lazy! I would be reluctant to have them touch the car again. I'd look for a better shop.

[@preciousjames]

Should have at least given a shout out to the name of the “Focker’s” Paint Shop. You’re kinder than me 😁🙏🏼

[@lltysonll]

Do you still have it?

[@HelloRoad]

Yes I do!

[@constancemiller3753]

I'm so sorry for your poor little xB. Looks like he painted it dirty in a hurry.🤬 3 grand of bad work and they ask for more money? Heck. No. We have a beloved, bought new 06 xB. I was excited to see your restoration because xBox could use some love.

[@TCreatorO]

Wheres the finished product? I really want to see the finished xB

[@superteamvideo1930]

I have the same car and mine has a sunroof. The hood and roof have become faded and pitted. I'm considering wrapping just the roof or maybe the whole car myself. Spending thousands right not isn't worth it. Also, I hate the dark blue, it makes the xb look old. I would do white if I could.

[@junlee7559]

how much did u pay for it ? i

[@pices229]

Dude you got ripped off!! I feel so bad for you. Should've went to MACO ( same job cheaper price). At least you get what you pay for at MACO 😁

[@derekj.tejeda267]

That's why I'm going to be a DIY guy, I don't trust people that much. I feel bad for you Ethan, you should have got what you paid for, he didn't even look interested into painting the xB. But yeah, let's stay positive! 🫂

[@RetroCarsForever]

Oof I'd be PISSED with that kinda service after $3 grand. I guess the lesson is get everything in writing. As for the grill...Maybe it'd look cool if it was BLACK? Like you could just paint it yourself, or find one that's already painted online?

[@eddiebarrera469]

Well its 1200 in paintmaterials,so he profitted 1800,its ususally 1500 labor for paint ,clesr,and cut and buffed.so its a 300 buck overcharge.

[@toronado455]

Sometimes, and I'm not ever sure about this, but I think sometimes, when car comes into the shop with some of the work done already, the shop thinks they can take advantage of the customer. I think that may be what happened here.

[@trillcollins7847]

E-Dawg, lemme level with you here, the guy did an all-around bad/lazy/careless job and you deserve part of your money back. It looks good tho, dont get me wrong but that dude doesn't deserve to be in business if that's the work he puts out while charging $3k. Edit: I would like to add that I would definitely take this guy to small claims court over this. You'd easily win and get all of your money back. I know you're a super nice dude and I hate to see jerks walk all over nice people.

[@Trance88]

Should've just sent it to Maaco.

[@onewheelpeelproductions470]

A lot of good advice in the comments, just add me to the list that wouldn't give that guy another cent.

[@axtran]

Man that’s a horrible experience you had to go through with that body shop :(

[@TakuroSpirit77]

Came for the car content, stayed for the dog content.

[@HelloRoad]

I think she is what made me stay so positive through this whole mess! :)

[@LENINsWORLD]

I'm hella pissed for you dude! Next time double triple check all the work first before you fork up the money. Like the xB content, I have a salsa red 1st gen with a baby snail under the hood 💪💀📦🔥🔰

[@jefferysmith3930]

Maybe things are way more expensive in CA, but for $3000?! That car should have been wet sanded, buffed, put back together and standing tall.

[@unstablebobgable]

Sorry to hear you got taken advantage of. I wouldn't give that shop any more $.

[@sz1341]

Paint the grill retro Toyota colors

[@HelloRoad]

Oooh cool idea!

[@someone.............]

That paint shop is a jerk. Period. Might as well search other paint shop.

[@maxcarter970]

That’s a dirt cheap paint job. You should feel ok about it as you got ok value for money. There is a ton of work to prep a car for paint. Something that can’t be appreciated until you try and do it yourself.

[@dna59]

He clearly thought that your vehicle wasn't worth the extra work. Have it wet sanded and polished. I would just hit the grille and fog light panels with some semi-gloss spray paint.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

I don't think I would want to have my car repainted at the paint shop that Ethan went to to be honest

[@IraqVet0608]

Find someone else to sand and buff it. Have them pain your other pieces …. It’s also probably not going to match the other panels no matter what shop you go to.

[@djkenny1202]

I never repaint unless it’s covered by insurance, and I work out a deal with the shop that I will give them the Business, IF they’ll paint more. Its not worth it. I just had a guy Clip the side front bumper cover of my 15 XB. I negotiated $170 more to get hood repainted bringing claim to the shop. It had the commons chips in front. Most places wanted $800 to do just the hood. I would not have done it unless under these circumstances. $250 for the Grille painted? WTAF? Learn never out of pocket paint a car. Enjoy it. He should take care of the grille.

[@001slick001]

A new grill on eBay is less than 50 bucks

[@HelloRoad]

Meeeee toooooo