Swap body panels or transmissions?

[WhatAmIDoing]

So the paint on my T5M has seen better days. I know getting it repainted would cost thousands. I found a 98 S70 T5 auto with the same paint code, body in great shape, mechanically sound for $1200. I would prefer my 5spd to look better than the auto. So the question is, how hard would it be to swap over the body panels from the auto to the 5spd? Or would it be easier to just do a transmission swap?

Swapping the hood, trunk, bumpers, and doors does not look too bad. I don't know about the front and rear quarter panels though? Is it even possible to swap the roof exterior panel, I'm guessing that's a no?

Or am I just being silly and should leave both the way they are?

[skloon]

Cant swap the quarters or roof you would have to cut them off- sell one and use the $ to get the other repainted or do it yourself preparation is 80% of the final outcome

[WhatAmIDoing]

Guess I'm repainting it myself, as the best estimate I got for having it painted was $6k. How could anyone do a half decent job themselves without access to a paint booth and sprayer?

[dj_v70]

I had a friend who painted his car with a paint brush. Looked good at a distance but pathetic up close.

Google ... paint car with rust oleum and roller. Works unbelievably well if you thin paint properly and use small foam roller!! Years ago, I did this on 2 Volvo 240s, cheap, quick, good quality, lasted longer than my interest in keeping those cars:). Try it on junk panel and report back, I’ll bet a beer that you will be impressed.

I didn’t have painted rubber bumpers on old 240s though. You might need to add elastomer to paint (google that also).

[Clemens]

Some have quite decent result with plastidip

[WhatAmIDoing]

Thinking I might just swap the trunk lid and hood, since those look the worst. Then I'll practice painting on the auto. Definitely investing in Xpel to protect the hood from rock chips.