Yeah big d is correct, there are ways around it as long as you don't want it show car finish.

My missus old man asked a Father and son team he knows who build their own show car toranas and such what they would charge to do my ute. They said as long as i don't mind waiting, as their cars are obviously given preference, they would do all the prep work, straighten out a few minor dings and ripples, and roll the gaurds as well as a full spray and bake for around the 2500 mark as long as i supply the paint. So all up under 3 grand without me lifting a finger.

I have now gotten the missus old man to ask them approx how long the wait would be and am waiting to hear back.

It's still more than i can afford to spend for quite some time, but when the time comes i don't mind waiting 3-6 months as i have seen the job they do on their own cars and it's top notch.

So yeah hunt around and be patient. Look for people like young apprentices or tradespeople or people that do their own cars and ask them what they can do for you. Even get a few mates around for a few weekends, put a couple of cases in the back fridge and get them to help you get stuck into the prep work yourself and save a packet.

Trav