Jwink25 Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 I have been wanting to paint my own car for a long time. I have been thinking about going to some area bodyshops and asking if they would consider letting me work for them. The thing is...I don't really know much about painting cars. I would be willing to work for them for free, in order to learn the skills. I would also have to do this in my spare time, like after work. This limits my free hours to after 4:30 P.M. and on weekends. Many shops that I have seen work late and also on weekends so... Anyway, do you guys think this is crazy to ask? Will most shops look at me strangely and throw me out? haha. If I could learn some new skills and use thier shop to paint my car, that would be awesome. In exchange for "X" amount of hours helping them. Just wanted your guys thoughts on this. Thanks, Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToplessZ Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 I have thought about doing that myself. I think its a great idea. I think it never hurts to ask. Just dont be upset if all you are doing is block sanding other peoples vehicles. But just talking with the pros gets you all kinda knowledge and ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwink25 Posted October 11, 2003 Author Share Posted October 11, 2003 What would be a fair amount of time worked for them in exchange for the use of thier shop to paint my car. 100 hours of free labor? How ever long it takes me to learn enough to paint my own? Any ideas? I don't want to be used as slave labor forever. haha. But, would want to learn to do it right and maybe get them to help a little. I guess I should hit the pavement and start asking. Thanks, Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 I think it's a good idea. Try the smaller shops first. The larger shops tend to be too busy to mess with it. Most smaller shops will jump at the 'free labor', even if it's just sweeping up etc. Don't get discouraged if the first few shops that you ask turn you down. Someone will take you up on the offer. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToplessZ Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 I would say asking is your best bet. An exact figure would be very hard to come up with but just say you were making 8 dollars an hour how long would it take to make earn about 2 thousand dollars. Then you might start coming up with an idea. Depends on the shop and alot of other things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwink25 Posted October 11, 2003 Author Share Posted October 11, 2003 Thanks for the replies guys. I'll start asking around next week. I found a shop that is about 5 or 6 blocks from my house. Then another one that is about a mile away. I'll go to those first. I'll let you know what happens Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 To get a good idea about what the training would be worth check out a trade school in your area that teaches bodywork and paint. Add up the cost of the classes, books, and so forth, and divide by the rate of unskilled labor in your area. This should give you a good idea of how much time you would need to give them. Be generous, remember, they are taking a chance with you too. And keep the attitude that they are doing you a favor. They will be happy to teach a greatfull, enthusiastic worker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Iceickle Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 Over here in Aus, we can do what is called 'work experience'. That is pretty much what you need We contact a buisness we are interested in, and pretty much just work for a week or two with no pay, so we can get experience. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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