Need a paint job!

Hey all! I need a paint job. Bad. I’m not looking to color match. I’m actually wanting a dark tan/dessert color. And frankly, I’m open to either a real paint job or even a Rhino or Monster Liner job.
That said, I priced real paint jobs (including MAACO) and they quoted me $1000! Another auto body shop locally, same. I’m in Oakland CA and willing to drive a bit to somewhere less $$$, hire someone to do a liner job, etc, etc. I don’t have it in me, nor do I have anywhere to paint it myself (back to back street parking where I live). Anyone got any ideas for me? I’m able to spend up to $500. Why the hell is this so expensive? I’ve read through the forums and I’m not seeing anyone else running into this!
Help appreciated!

 

1.) Ask the cheap paint places what they can do for $500.
2.) Contact your local Vo-tech school about a cheap paint job by students.

 

I assume you're just wanting to paint the canopy, not the whole vehicle? It's so expensive because [when done correctly] there is a LOT of prep work. There's easily 4-6 hours of prep just in the canopy, then add material.. you get to $1000 real quick (which, BTW, is, IMO, a pretty decent price to paint a canopy). If your budget is tight at the moment, I would just leave it until you can afford more. Most of what you see is just the clear coat wearing off. Looks a little tatty, but doesn't do any real harm.

 

Materials + Labor + Overhead + Other people want to eat too = why things are so expensive.

$1000 seems pretty reasonable to paint that cover.

Do like suggested above and contact some local community/technical college with an auto body program and I'd bet they would do it for less or maybe just cost of material or maybe even free.99!

Absolute cheapest way would be via your own elbow grease, sand paper, tape, newspapers & paint or bed liner of your choice.