Sad month for me... Please give me suggestions.. DIY's, opinions, advice, etc...
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Sad month for me... Please give me suggestions.. DIY's, opinions, advice, etc...
So I been busy these past 2 months. But November, oh man. What a month it's been for me. 1st, I get backed up into at my old block, left a squared hitch mark dead in the center of my bumper. Then about 1 week later, I unfortunately crashed the driver side front end. .. Anyhow, I've already started busting my a** to fix this problem. Well, for the amount the insurance won't cover at least. I'm thinking about replacing front bumper cover with a painted one right off of www.Sewellparts.com. Also, brand new H.I.D. compatible headlights, fog lamps + bulbs, side turn signal lamps + bulbs, etc. All of that off of SewellParts. I also think I will need a front bumper energy absorber (the white styrofoam thing that goes right behind the bumper cover, yeah. And a few things here and there, the clips for the fender protector, a chrome strip thats right below the fender, like right attached to it with screws. Also, a new mirror. Most likely, I'll get that off eBay for around $265 shipped and eveything. Same silver millenium, 1CO color code as my GS430.
Anyhow, I'm dropping this thread to get some input on the way I should do this whole thing, plus some helpful advice based on the questions I have. I've never ordered painted products for a car before. Has anyone had any experience ordering parts with paint such as bumpers, fenders, etc. off SewellParts.com? I'd rather spend more $$$ if they're gonna do it right the first time and make the build easier for me upon installation. eBay can offer services like this too, but I have a gut feeling they're gonna be less dedicated as opposed to a Lexus dealer? Idk..... I just want my baby to look good again. Anyhow, I have pics posted so you guys+gals can observe my recent chain of bad luck..... Any suggestions are deeply appreciated! Thanks for checking my thread in advance!
Anyhow, I'm dropping this thread to get some input on the way I should do this whole thing, plus some helpful advice based on the questions I have. I've never ordered painted products for a car before. Has anyone had any experience ordering parts with paint such as bumpers, fenders, etc. off SewellParts.com? I'd rather spend more $$$ if they're gonna do it right the first time and make the build easier for me upon installation. eBay can offer services like this too, but I have a gut feeling they're gonna be less dedicated as opposed to a Lexus dealer? Idk..... I just want my baby to look good again. Anyhow, I have pics posted so you guys+gals can observe my recent chain of bad luck..... Any suggestions are deeply appreciated! Thanks for checking my thread in advance!
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I tried looking for DIYs on bumper removal and installation to try and get an idea on how to do everything in order. Plus to get an insight on how many clips I will need to buy to have everything new again under the fender. I couldn't . Please anyone help.
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
On a reasonable basis, how much do you think a paint shop, let's say Maaco for example, would charge me to paint the front bumper and fender once it's on? I really want to avoid all that but I won't if it's the PROPER way to do it. Also, are they able to do it with the parts on the car actually or would they have to take the car apart to paint them seperately detached from the car? I'm not familiar withg the paint business. Thanks for the heads up!!!!!
#6
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (37)
First off, I think Sewell is Great.. But ordering painted parts can get expensive very quick. The problem is that our cars dont have fresh paint any more, so getting a freshly painted car part to match your color code will be difficult. You probably wont tell at a quick glance but in the sun or different angles it will be noticible. A body shop will match and blend the color code so it matches the car.. there is more to it, but Hope that helps.
Are you interested in OEM or aftermarket? aftermarket can fit just as-well as OEM at half the cost and no one would be able to tell except for you.
Maaco = No
It also depends on your budget and quality. The parts can be aftermarket but the Chunk of the Money should go towards a good reputable body shop. Usually the dealer can tell you which local shop they use. Some body shops have to be certified in order to paint/work on that particular brand.
Are you interested in OEM or aftermarket? aftermarket can fit just as-well as OEM at half the cost and no one would be able to tell except for you.
Maaco = No
It also depends on your budget and quality. The parts can be aftermarket but the Chunk of the Money should go towards a good reputable body shop. Usually the dealer can tell you which local shop they use. Some body shops have to be certified in order to paint/work on that particular brand.
#7
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (37)
on my old GS, i had Aftermarket Bumper and fenders. Ran me about $400.. Had my painter do it for $200.. it was looking nice.. Most could not tell the difference, nor that it was painted/repaired.. Very minimal Orange peel and matched the whole car. My concern was my budget at the time so i wasnt going to go over 1K.
Shop around maybe post threads on your local sections to see which body shop they recommend..
Shop around maybe post threads on your local sections to see which body shop they recommend..
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
First off, I think Sewell is Great.. But ordering painted parts can get expensive very quick. The problem is that our cars dont have fresh paint any more, so getting a freshly painted car part to match your color code will be difficult. You probably wont tell at a quick glance but in the sun or different angles it will be noticible. A body shop will match and blend the color code so it matches the car.. there is more to it, but Hope that helps.
Are you interested in OEM or aftermarket? aftermarket can fit just as-well as OEM at half the cost and no one would be able to tell except for you.
Maaco = No
It also depends on your budget and quality. The parts can be aftermarket but the Chunk of the Money should go towards a good reputable body shop. Usually the dealer can tell you which local shop they use. Some body shops have to be certified in order to paint/work on that particular brand.
Are you interested in OEM or aftermarket? aftermarket can fit just as-well as OEM at half the cost and no one would be able to tell except for you.
Maaco = No
It also depends on your budget and quality. The parts can be aftermarket but the Chunk of the Money should go towards a good reputable body shop. Usually the dealer can tell you which local shop they use. Some body shops have to be certified in order to paint/work on that particular brand.
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I really want to go OEM. I love this car dearly and for all the trips it's given me, stress free, I wanna treat it right. With nothing but OEM parts. The only expensive parts are really the bumper, mirror, and fender. I sent a PM to LALEX1 above to try and see if I can get pics of the fender and mirror. If that doesn't work, I'll just go with SewellParts all the way...
#10
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (37)
well, if money is not really a concern just take the car to a reputable shop and let them do everything for you. You can go to lexus and get a quote from them to fix it. They will tell you how much and which shop. Or you can go to the shop directly and cut out the dealership.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
well, if money is not really a concern just take the car to a reputable shop and let them do everything for you. You can go to lexus and get a quote from them to fix it. They will tell you how much and which shop. Or you can go to the shop directly and cut out the dealership.
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Can you post up any pics of it like right after the day you got it installed? I know that's prolly alot to ask for, but if youcan, you'd make my day bud!
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Any DIYs? Please. I'm searching but it feels as though at times, that this forum reader gets harder and harder to search for pin and point things. I'm trying...