Repainting a HOOD or getting a new (used) one?

[kjarrett]

The hood paint on my '97 Camry is failing in several spots. Rust is bubbling through, their are other weird cracks, it's clearly not original paint.

I'm not concerned with it being PERFECT but I'd like to stop the rust (and have it look reasonably decent, not rattle-can or primer. I'm almost 50 years old, not 19.)

Was thinking I might find someone who works at a shop who could do the hood as a side job. No blending into fenders, just the hood. Prep & paint. I am not going to care if it's not an EXACT match. Close enough is fine. Would someone do that? What might it cost?

What about getting a hood at a salvage yard? Anyone ever done that? What are the odds the hood will arrive without damage?

Not looking to spend a lot, not expecting a concours finish, just want to stop the rust & deterioration. Rest of the car is in good shape cosmetically and mechanically. This is the car (216k miles, A4):

[DM616]

The hood will run you from $200-300 from an autobody shop.

No idea on the price of a used hood but I'd say around $125...probably less if anything.

[PhatRoyale]

car-part.com

Comb all the local junkyards in your area, with some luck you can find a used one in the same color and avoid the paintjob altogether.

[carsrus]

Definitely talk to a guy at a shop. Hell if anything they'll mix some paint they have lying around to match. Ive seen it done before.

If you can find a place like that, and there should be plenty of them, 150$ is what I would shoot for. A good guy could get that done in a couple hours easily.

Ive seen some alright rattle can jobs, but cans matched to your color will cost 50$ at least plus sand paper etc.

[Brit101]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

car-part.com

Comb all the local junkyards in your area, with some luck you can find a used one in the same color and avoid the paintjob altogether.

x2

There is a good chance you will find one in the same colour, look for the hood in your year and I am certain you will be pleasantly surprised. First use car-part.com, then comb the yards in your area.

Good luck in your quest.