Color coding wheel arches and plastic thingy

[leon1982]

Hi guys

I went to a panel beater my mates use to go in Boxhill (JR Auto Design...I think) and I had a chat with the guy about color coding the arches. He told me that if I want to color code the arches...there are 2 things that I have to be aware of. First, once the arches are taken off the car...there is a possibility that they cannot be properly fitted back. he said that there might be some gaps between the body and the arches

Second, he said that the clips have to be pried off, so there is a possibility that they're damaged so I have to pay an extra $50.

The colorcoding sets me back around AU$700 excl. the clips.

what do you guys think?

[DEMINI]

Whew!
A lotta money,and quite some risk, I don't think I'd want to go ahead with it.I kind of like the black color contrast anyways....

See Ya

[DEMINI]

Just found out that your MC is Black,so there goes the contrast idea.
Would the end result to make the arches shiny black?

[Tit]

Quote: Originally Posted by DEMINI

Whew!
A lotta money,and quite some risk, I don't think I'd want to go ahead with it.I kind of like the black color contrast anyways....

See Ya

Mate...that's a good price....except scrutinise their methods...are they just going to paint the arches, or are they going to prep them properly (ie. multiple layers of hi-fill primer and sanding...plus proper prep before the paint application). The surface MUST be prepped properly for it to be worth it, otherwise you'll just get a dull-matt finish on your arches, and it will contrast with the body paint. My best quote was $1200 because there is quite a bit of labour involved if it is to be done properly.

The thing about the arches and skirts is that they don't sit perfectly to start with, but the shadows created by the gaps aren't obvious, because the arches are black too....

There's a good chance the clips will break when they remove the parts - most people that have done found that they did - I think they are designed to be one-use clips. You could go to BMW/Mini and order a packet of the clips yourself, but I think you'll find they will still fall in the $30-$50 region...

My car has two gaps in it where the clips have failed - and the shop that did it used the old clips - they must have been gentle getting them off. Now I have to go get new ones...

Have a search in the exterior forums...because an absolute bucket-load of people have done htis in the US and UK. I've only seen four cars in Oz that have been done, mine included.

It is DEFINITELY worth it...it transforms your car....I love mine and would do it again...

[SiNNeD]

Yea....Do it!! I am waiting on my Aero Kit to get here and when I get that put on I will be having my arches coded as well. I say GO FOR IT!! Everyone that I have seen done it has made the car look alot better.