Paint (Maaco) Tips

So I need paint really bad, and some minor body work from a nice fellow who backed his van into my stang when it was like 2 weeks new to me. Dad said he'd get it painted, but I know he's not going to drop thousands for a professional deal nor would I expect him to.

Now I know, Maaco pretty much guarantees that I'll be re-painting again in about 5 years, but I'm assuming by then this car will get much less use and hopefully sit in a garage somewhere.

Basically I want to respray it the same red I have now. I plan on pulling the molding so they can spray under the seam and then spray the molding separately, this will add a few bucks but is some insurance from peeling (or so I've read). My brother was quoted at 800 for a respray and some minor body work on his prelude, I'm guessing the same or less since my damage is not so bad.

Is this stupid? If not what are some things I can do to help me get the most from this half ass paint shop. I've read I should strip the car as much as possible, clean it very well and tape everything myself. Additionally I have read that you can scuff the paint yourself with a rough sandpaper to get a better finish...is that true, is it worth it. I don't mind putting some blood, sweat, tears in if it means it will look significantly better.

Thanks :SNSign:

Thanks guys, I'll have to decide how much time and effort I'll want to put into prep, there is a dent they have to fix, but I don't have a problem with sanding and buffing over a few weekends even if it's gonna look ghetto

I know it's not going to be perfect, but I'm hoping since they are spraying the same color + prep + painter tip that I'll get away ok. Fact of the matter is, dad's paying for this one and I can't help out too much so a pro job is out of the question. I'd rather have the rest of the car the way I want it and then worry abut paint then have a 4000$ paint job over a pos.