Originally posted by Steve VW:
Wow. Paint work is very expensive.

A full paint job is worth more than the coach! It does look great though.
Personally I spend more on my driveline and chassis first. I got a new 454HO crate engine for my 86 for less than 6K. New brakes, shocks, tires, radiator, new transmission, driveshaft. Drove it for over 40,000 miles.
As for tires, look at what the long haul truckers use. Don't see many Goodyears or Michelins there. I had some Goodyears on my Regal, they went out of round before they wore out. Tom Johns had Michelins on his Regency, one failed and trashed the rear wheelwell. High dollar tires are no guarantee. Good quality fleet tires have served me well so far, just keep them out of the sun when sitting. I have 30,000 miles on my Monarch tires now. I would avoid retreads for sure.