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Post by joef2002 on Oct 17, 2009 20:56:16 GMT -5
So I noticed a lot of the companies out there sell bumpers in two forms: "out of the mold" (cheaper) and "ready to paint". So what is the difference? Either way I'm taking it to a body shop - so are they going to tell me there is still prep work involved regardless of what I get? Is does 'ready to paint' TRULY mean - I bring it in and they paint it? (no prep work / added costs involved) No matter what I select, I have a feeling the body shop is going to charge me for prep work to get it ready for paint. Would love your insights. THANKS!
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Post by bucksanass1 on Oct 17, 2009 23:56:59 GMT -5
I would say it really depends on who you purchase from. With out bashing any vendors the only two I know of that people have purchased actual ready to paint bumpers are Billy Gunter and Ken Glenn, there may be more success stories that I am unaware of but I can't remember anyone saying so. One thing to remember is these things are molded and hand finished, so imperfections will eventually happen. The out of mold option you were speaking of has alot of work to be done typically like air bubbles and form seams and such that are usually refined in a ready to paint product. I personally would order a ready to paint bumper but still have your body guy go over it after installation. Almost all cars require some level of adjusting during a bumper installation, these cars are 17 - 27 years old and things aren't always true to their original form. Be prepared to adjust the fenders and the hood as well as removing the impact cushion portion on the steal bumper before you install the nose you purchase. I ordered Wraith Innovations 4th season bumper based upon some finished pics I have seen ( however I have had to postpone it due to the economy ) check out Alex's car ( username - www.knightneutralzone.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=nknight )
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KittCARR
Full Member
"G.T.A Knights"
Posts: 134
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Post by KittCARR on Oct 18, 2009 11:01:28 GMT -5
If you want to do the work yourself, order it out of mold. I think Marks Custom Kits, and Advanced Designs are the only ones that offer it out of mold.
I would spend a little more and get it ready to go. Some noses look great out of mold with a little fishing work done.
Again, contact Joe KIDD, and check out his noses. They look great out of mold.
No matter how you bring a nose to a body shop they will always do more prep work to it, especially if they are picky about their work.
My nose from Ken @ Wraith innovations was perfect, the body shop still scuffed it up and did more prep work.
Most body shops will tell you the final paint job will only look as good as what's underneath it, and if they don't do the prep themselves, they can't guarantee the final outcome.
Another thing to think about is these noses are fiberglass. Not all body shops know fiberglass work (if finishing work is required), so getting a completed nose may be the best route to take.
Joey.
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Post by ripperace on Oct 18, 2009 19:13:43 GMT -5
It really comes down to what the vendor considers "out of mold". Yes, they ALL will require prep work. I don't think ANY vendor sells them realisticlly ready to paint. If they did, that would mean you'd unpack your bumper, and shoot it with paint. That's just not how it works. There will ALWAYS be prep work involved (ie; sanding and cleaning).
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Post by joef2002 on Oct 18, 2009 20:27:40 GMT -5
This is exactly what I needed. Your answers are very helpful guys. THANK YOU!
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