I would ask around your home town, especially with older enthusiasts who have done many projects. Reputation is everything....and the only person who can give good advise, is the one that has actually done it.

As far as prices, you rarely get more than you pay for, but getting less than you pay for is not good.

Also, make your own judgements. I have been in this biz for 35 years, and I have met a lot of car enthusiasts who think that the painter should not charge more than $100, and he should buy the materials out of that! If he won't agree to this, then he must be a cheating you. :-) Try to find a win-win situation, where you pay a fair price for the job, and the painter gives you something you will be proud to own.

If you want "cheap", don't expect it to look like a show car, or last very long. If you do chose to go with a low price, I would recommend light solid colors, as they won't fade as badly.

If you want a good job, the materials will cost $800-$1500, and if the painter doesn't make $2500 or more, he will not be able to spend enough hours on the job to make it really nice.

Good luck.