I need to replace the front passenger side fender/quarter panel/whatever -it's-called. The actual work doesn't seem to be all that difficult (knock on wood). I have gotten good info from MnSubaru on where to get the parts, but here is my question: I can buy the paint but am thinking that the end product will look like I fixed it myself rather than had it done properly. Am I wrong about this? Have any of you done panel painting in your garage and had it turn out alright? I would rather cough up the cash than have it look like a hack job. However, if I can do the job right I would prefer that best. Thanks, Christopher
Unless you have done body work before and have the proper equipment, I'd stay away. There is a certain knowledge of all the materials, their stages, and prep work that only comes with experience in that area. Little things like masking off the entire garage and wetting the floor to keep the dust down. This stuff usually comes out better when sprayed in a booth anyways. Besides, I'm guessing that you don't want to spend $200 on a gallon of clear to spray one fender.
also, the paint on your car is undoubtedly faded a bit. a good shop can mix the paint to match it...... the installation of the fender is easy. but if you care much about how the car looks, I wouldn't do the painting yourself. how about getting your hands on a pre-painted one? from a partout or something? might have to have it shipped, but you'll probably still save money over having yours painted.
I will tell you flat out.... painting a car is NOT painting a model... it's not easy by any means.. I do it for a living. it's taken years to get down the "what happens if" 's body shop.... and remember.. you pay for what you get when it comes to a body shop. there is an art to painting, as there is an art to putting on the clearcoat, and an art to sanding and buffing. if any of these steps are skipped or tweeked.. your job will come out bad.. prep (crucial) / painting / clear / sad / buff don't wanna sound lik ea tool... but i'm tired of seeing civics with do it yourself jobs... please don't subject the sccobie to this
Well, so far I am hearing pretty much what I have been thinking. But it's good to get confirmation sometimes. I have looked a bit for the part thru junkyards and such but first, Sedona Red is a bit hard to find and second, the quarter panel/fender seems to be a bit higher on the "didn't make it" list.
