braybern

So...I have a 2004 Red. I want to paint the hood black (leaving the rotary red). Like in the picture. Two questions I have.

First: What do you think? I really like the look and think it will go well with the car since everything is Red/Black.

Second: Can I do this myself. I have painted plenty in the past, but have never painted a car.

Thanks.

RXeligion

"What the hell?"

Go for it, dude. I have a few tips, though...

Paint is all in the prep work. If I were you I would buy a junk yard/craigslist hood to practice your technique before painting yours.

I would suggest using a single-stage paint vs. one that will require a clear coat because it's easier to learn on. I would also use this opportunity to get any dings out of the areas you intend to paint, if any exist. Any flaws in your metal will REALLY show up with glossy black paint on it.

Most importantly: It's only paint. If you hose it up, someone who works in that field for a living will be happy to fix it for you. With that in mind... You might want to be ready to put that money down before you actually start your project.

Also, do your homework. Youtube is your friend.

RXtur8o

also keep in mind in that picture the guy has the top middle of his front fascia painted as well so it won't look exactly like that if you're only doing the hood

braybern

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm definitely going to do that. It is the 2nd thing for me to do. Wife told me to tint the windows first, so... My list is as follows:
Visual Enhancements:
1. Tint Windows ($150ish)
2. Paint Hood (DIY, $100, Professional $200+)
3. Upgrade stereo with touch screen ($500)
Performance Enhancements:
4. Install lightweight Flywheel, Racing Beat ($400)
5. Install AFE Short Shifter ($300)
6. Install Exhaust ($600 - $1000)
7. FEED 4.777 Final Drive ($1000)
8. New lightweight wheels and upgrade tires (putting them in one because I can do at the same time)($???, nothing picked out yet)

Dream upgrades:
9. Turbo/Supercharger (haven’t decided which I like more, but probably the super) ($4k+…pipe dream, so not putting a number on it yet.)

Anything I'm missing that you'd suggest?

Thanks and I love this forum!!!

Khurram

Instead of paint..Vinyl wrap it in gloss black.. much cheaper, easier, easily fixable. If you have never painted a car before, Please don't.. I learned it the hard way on my previous car. its not easy on top the spray cans dont deliver the results you desire. you need a compressor, a gun, paint properly, professionally mixed, primer, sand paper, hours of labour prepping the surface all in all not worht it, Just wrap it in 3M scotch vinyl it will take you 1 houyr requires a heat gun you can get for $25 and a pair of extra hands to assit you thats all..

I like your list, but a lightweight flywheel is really not necesarry unless you plan on tracking alot. instead add another 180 and get urself bhr ignition, you will be far more happier.

All the best

humboldtrx8boi

forget what other people think dude iys ur 8 make it look the way u want...but I think it looks dope

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

braybern

How would vinyl work on the sections that I don't want black? Like the rotary on the hood? (see the picture). I'm assuming with vinyl I'd have to wrap the whole hood?

Thanks.

RXeligion

Vinyl is usually adhesive backed... So you carefully cut out the rotor section once you've lain it on the hood. It's probably easier to do that, than to make it. Conform to those inside curves. But do your homework and buy the correct, laminated outdoor vinyl. It won't be cheaper than painting it yourself.

Also, if you're still thinking about painting, look up roll-on paint jobs. I've seen a few turn out well - and that's how I would do it.

superdan50

there is some vinyl that you can lay down what looks like a pinstripe tape where you want the cut line to be (around the rotor shape in this case). then you wrap the hood completely, then you pull the tape and it makes the cut where it was. almost like the plastic pull string on a pack of gum.

i don't know what its called, but it seems like it would be a great way to do what you are after.

side note, i would also consider wrapping/painting the roof in a similar fashion to one pictured. would help carry the theme through the car.

superdan50

What is WrapCut Fine Filament Edge Cutting Tape?

Khurram

exactly just like Rxeligion explained.. Iuf you have a firm hand then cut the rotary alike are on the hood out. or else use the edge cutting tape. that also works great..

What you do is lay out the edge cutting tape at the border of rotary alike area on the hood then lay down the vinyl once your done and your vinyl wrap is perfect then you pull out the tape and it will nicely cut out the viney l leaving u red rotary sign.