Opening a custom-painting shop in the US - thoughts?

Hi, gang
I good friend of mine (and a big VX ethusiast) is also a co-owner of one of Russia's finest luxury airbrushing and custom painting shops - check out some of their works (you can even find some VXs if you look hard :))
http://www.auto-dekor.ru/gallery/aero
He is seriously considering opening a branch in the US (currently thinking of Miami).. I lived in the US for a couple of years, and it intuitively makes sense to me - the number of custom-painted cars in Moscow is much higher than it was in Chicago..
But what do you guys think? Feedback from someone in Florida and with knowledge of the US custom paining industry (or knows somebody in the industry and can share a contact) is particularly appreciated, but all thoughts are welcomed, of course..
Thanks!
Petr

I would look at demographics for areas with more custom rides/collectors/restos. Custom painting just any car, even imports, is not as popular as you may think here. I have worked at a many 'o shops, even a restoration shop, and the majority of work you will find is collision repair. It's an insurance paradise. The custom shop I worked at actually got more motorcycle custom paint work than cars did, and it wasn't cost effective, so they eventually sold the business (which was torn down and turned into a bank).

Florida would be a good start though. Due to weather, the southeast and the southwest are havens for custom and classic cars. Restoration is still pretty good business here and the collectors market is making a good comeback now.

Also, Florida is the capital for car auctions, so that would be a great place to start your research.

When I needed to paint a custom, fade paintjob on my old race car, I had a really hard time finding a shop who could do it (I am in Boston area). After asking around, I found a bodyshop who specialized in custom/show cars (mostly imports and sport compacts). They never did a fade job before, but were ready for a challenge:

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse7e3316d.jpg

I know that the scheme is not for everyone, but I think it came out pretty good. They are known as one of the best customs shops in the area.

However, they can't make it on custom work alone! They end up taking quite a few insurance repairs to make the ends meet.

Chopper would be the best one to ask about that.

I noticed most of the Russian VXs have awesome paint jobs. I figured custom paint jobs were cheaper in Russia, which made them more prevalent.

EPA might have something to do with it too.

I remember working on a program years ago, parts manufactured in CA had to be shipped to NH for finishing (CARC) & then shipped back for assembly. CARC couldn't be applied in CA.

They couldn't find a vendor in a closer, cheaper labor state? ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Leon R

They couldn't find a vendor in a closer, cheaper labor state? ;)

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That was 20 years ago. Do you really expect me to remember the particulars???:)

I have trouble remembering 20 minutes ago...but, for some reason I can remember 20+ years ago perfectly fine :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Triathlete

I have trouble remembering 20 minutes ago...but, for some reason I can remember 20+ years ago perfectly fine :)

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AAHH ... continual retrograde amnesia. If I don't park in the same space at work each day, I might not make it home at night.

Someone above nailed it.....you'll have a time of it, trying to make it on custom work. It's nearly all insurance work.
**We are a restoration shop primarily.....but it operates as a sales and carshow venue as well. We are a rarity though (and we hemorrage money). Paintshop is a tough business....I don't know of anyone that made it on paint alone. Not here in Florida anyway

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Petos

Hi, gang
I good friend of mine (and a big VX ethusiast) is also a co-owner of one of Russia's finest luxury airbrushing and custom painting shops - check out some of their works (you can even find some VXs if you look hard :))
http://www.auto-dekor.ru/gallery/aero
He is seriously considering opening a branch in the US (currently thinking of Miami).. I lived in the US for a couple of years, and it intuitively makes sense to me - the number of custom-painted cars in Moscow is much higher than it was in Chicago..
But what do you guys think? Feedback from someone in Florida and with knowledge of the US custom paining industry (or knows somebody in the industry and can share a contact) is particularly appreciated, but all thoughts are welcomed, of course..
Thanks!
Petr

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Firstly, he does great paint work. Bravo!

Secondly, a lot of this type of thing is being handled in the USA with vehicle "wraps". Though, they don't last like paint.

Consider the competition.."wraps".

That's my concern.

Love that Russian VX enthusiasm.