[newbz]

hi, im planning on colour coding my arches my self, any one got any tips, like should i take them off or leave them on, if i should take them off how do you take them of, n the right paint n primer n sand paper to use n all that kind of stuff, cheers for any help

[Gr8Dain]

I can't help with all of your questions, but I would definitely take them off. It will be easier to sand the arches smooth and paint without having to worry about the body of the car.

Take your time and make sure the parts are really prepped. You will undoubtedly need to add a flex agent to the paint to make sure that it does not simply crack and flake off immediately. Or even when refitting. I have read that the arches are only held on by a couple of screws then snapped in most places. You should be able to search and get that answer. Sorry, but I have not done it, so I am not sure.

Good luck.

[notts04chillimini]

i wouldnt recommend doing them yourself as the paint will need to be mixed by a proffessional to get the right colour match to your car, you wont be able to get a correct match just by the code,

they will need to be taken off the car and sanded with wet and dry paper many times over to get a good smooth finish and different grades will need to be used to get a good key, they then will need to be primered a few times with special hardeners aswell... then flatted back with wet and dry again to leave a good key for the paint...

in my opinion you wont get a good finish without taking it to a body shop

[MiniFr34k]

Hi

Not sure about DIY - but ive spoken to a few panel beaters about the process they would use for painting the arches before choosing one that did mine.

This is what they told me
1) take off all the pieces - real pain in the ..... because theres all these clips - some broke off and they had to buy new ones to replace the old
2) Sand down the plastic to get it smooth
3) Prime x 2 layers, rubbing down each layer to get it smooth again
4) Paint.

Im positive i either skipped a step or something was left out but i think thats the jist of it - however i've come to learn that all DIY projects (big or small) are never simple as that.

Cheers & good luck.

[n00b]

You're better off replacing all the clips - they really only meant to have a service life upto the point you take them off...

Someone over on NAM commented you might be better off starting with a fresh set of archers/trims if you have waxed it as getting rid of that is pretty hard or as they say. You could cut a bit of cost of getting someone to paint these by removing and fitting them yourself along with rubbing it down...and you may need to speak to the person who's painting them as to how they would like you to rub it down to smooth it.

[newbz]

any one know how you get them of, any guides about and is there any where can buy a set of them for the aero kit to try n paint so if i mess it up still got my old ones ?