A good dealership will be able to match that paint though. I guarantee it.
The metal flakes are IN the paint. It all depends on the mixture when they apply it.

 

That's the problem is being applied at a different time, angle, spray gun pressure, agitation of the paint in the gun while painting (the metal flake settles in the cup) etc than the original parts were. It will be the same color with the same volume of metal flake in the paint (it is REALLY fine glitter added as part of the paint mix) if the manuf. paint code is used. But so many things affect the way the metal lays out that it makes the panel that is done look different. Like I said it is only in very few instances in certain light, hell you may never see it in that light, but it is different.

 

Seriously, you guys are NOT making me feel better.

 

Well, think of it this way, if you do get to go with the Mazdaspeed nose, it already comes painted and you don't have to worry about paint matching on a CF hood. Looking at EG's car, Martin did do a pretty good job. Keep your chin up (helps control that wierd drooling thing that you do) because it'll get better.

 

I'm talking to the insurance guys on the phone now and THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!!

I feel like I'm getting tossed around and no one knows what they're doing and none of it makes any sense!!

Ok. Just had to vent.

 

Guys,

The hood is 100% salvagable. Only a tiny portion would need to be retouched.

Oh and a general piece of advice, if your car is drivable always try and get it to your insurance companies service centers. They will inspect your vehicle and you will likely get a check that will cover your repairs even after the deductible is subtracted. Then you can go to any bodyshop you want (or legally keep the cash).

If you take it to a bodyshop. The insurance company will get an estimate from them and then take off your deductible which you will then have to pay yourself.

-Mr. Wigggles

 

We were saying if she is able to have a CF hood with the money difference that Martin would charge vs. the money that the dealership would charge for the repairs. If she is able to get a Mazdaspeed nose that comes prepainted that then cuts down on the labor charges to paint it, and she could apply it towards a CF hood. (not sure what will happen though still have to wait on the insurance company) We are just dreaming and giving her OUR shopping list.

 

What's the deal with a CF hood? Will it be red like the rest of my car?

 

NOPE... haven't you seen MR. ED's hood? It's Carbon Fiber.. more like black in color.

 

You could always have it painted though. I plan on doing this when I get my vented one.

 

i almost did the same thing like at least 15 times.. i was all "how the heck do i get out of here!!" sorry to hear that..that is the weirdest way to leave that place

 

I think I would go for the Mazdaspeed front since it is already factory painted. I don't know about you, but I like the MS front anyway. Nobody but you will notice a difference in the paint if you have to get it painted. The only way that anyone will know is if you tell them. Nobody has noticed my spoiler being a different color...but now everybody will. :D

 

That's why I suggested it too.
No paint difference at all.

Oh and btw.. if u get a new front bumper, it's gonna be painted too. The dealerships do not paint cars or replacement parts so the paint WILL match.

Do not have your bumper fixed. It doesnt even look fixable to me.

 

Again, what's the deal w/CF? Why so special? Is this part of the Mazdaspeed front?

 

CF= carbon fiber (pretty sure) just supposed to be lighter than an reg hood. anyone else w/benefits of them?

 

The MS bumper is made of CF, but comes painted (or this is what I have read...correct me if I am wrong guys). I think that the guys are trying to get you to replace the hood with a carbon fiber hood (you know...one with the cool vents, etc). CF is stronger, lighter, and fits better than fiberglass which is what some of the aftermarket bumpers and hoods are made of. I think they are just giving you their wish list.

 

No no!

The MS bumper is made of urethane just like the stock bumper.

 

The deal with carbon fiber is that it's very light, very strong and "cool looking". It would NOT match your paint even with red weave fiber because half of the fiber would be black and half would be red.

If you're into that kind of look, go for it. Otherwise, save the cash, touch up your hood and put a new front bumper on the car.

 

From my previous body shop experience there are a couple things I would like to point out. First and foremost dazy, I am very sorry to see your car all torn up.

The replacement parts do not always come pre-painted. My replacement Mazda front bumper cover was not pre-painted, it arrived at the shop primed only. This is to ensure proper "blending" with the adjacent panels. Some aftermarket replacement parts do come pre-painted, but if it is true OEM it should not.

Also, the paint is a three stage paint process meaning that the base color is laid down and the mica is put down over top of the base then all is clear coated. The mica is not pre-mixed into the paint. If it is then a two-stage paint process was used and the result is it will not match at all. They do not have to get the paint from Mazda. PPG, Dupont, and all the major paint manufacturers make the colors and it just depends which your body shop uses. My shop used Dupont.

One last note in case the body shop does not tell you...DO NOT wax the painted areas for 90 days after you get the car back as the paint is still curing during this time and needs to "breathe" to ensure proper curing is achieved.

 

That's odd. One of my friends had his OEM front bumper replaced and it came pre-painted, but then again, it was black. The mazdaspeed parts all come painted as well and I didn't think that VRM was a multi stage paint but i could be very wrong.

It's all good. Just make sure everything looks right when it's done and don't accept it any other way.

 

That sucks about the car. I'm glad you didnt get hurt.

-Scott

 

I like all of the suggestions so far. CF hood is neat but I would want the entire hood to blend (I love getting the color compliments). Any other "wish list: items?

BTW: I'm on the new laptop Scalliwag hooked me up with and this thing rocks!!!

 

VR is very much a three stage process. All four shops that I went to made it a point to check to ensure they quoted the proper number of labor hours. I know that the MS parts come pre-painted, but according to Harrison's, Central Georgia Collision, and RSI the covers for VR come primered only.

 

Short Shifter?

 

New rims?