Well, here are some close up pics of the front bumper. Not only did the dealer leave (2) BIG holes in my front bumper, but they also left behind (2) more scratches from their dealer plate screws. Looks like crap! I'm thinking of repainting the front bumper. What do you guys think and installing the 3M clear guard? I also attached a pic of the lower drivers side front... notice the scuff mark left behind from a orange construction cone. This thing cam flying up from behind an SUV in front of me. Thank god I was not close behind him. I saw it hit the ground right in front of my car and then herd the loud thunk and klunk all the under the car. Nothing I could do to avoid it, cars were on both sides and guaking as usual. I expected the damage to be much worse, but was pleased to find that most of black rubber left behind came off. Unfortunately, there is still a pretty bad scuff mark that may have damaged the clear coat. Any idea if the clay bar will take this off? I plan on starting the complete Zaino process on Thursday. Hopefully be done for the weekend. As always, comments or suggestions are always greatly appreciated. -m

 

Close up left.

 

Close up right.

 

Last but not least, the scuff mark. Thanks in advance. -m

 

I had the same problem from the plate. I filled the holes with silver silicone and touched up the scratches before getting dynashield. It looks ok, but not the greatest since I had to mix the silverstone myself, (its the only color they dont have out yet)
I think the silver silicone would be a great match on cs. As for the scuff, try buffing it out. Remember, when you get the 3m on, it has its own clear coat, so color uniformity is more important than the shine on the paint. It could be flat and still look about the same after the film is applied.

If you do get it repainted, you will have to wait a couple months til the paint is fully cured to apply the film. pm mikeinatlanta for more info.

 

You live in Georgia.. why the HECK did the dealer put on a gawd awful front plate bracket when they don't require front plates here

 

because I bought it in NC, and it wasn't the one I pre-ordered, I took a cancelled one from the same dealership becuase I liked the silverstone better than lemans. It was going to be the owners car, and he wanted a front plate

 

Thanks 2003z. I didn't know I would have to wait (2) months for the paint to cure. Heck, by then I will have more nicks and scuff marks again.

 

It must have been one hell of a plate he wanted to put on since NC doesn't require a front plate either.

 

no, just a plate with the dealership's name

 

So - just to clarify...

Those of you that were smart enough to request that the front plate be left off - you don't have any holes in your front bumper? When I took delivery on my Z, the plate was not on the front bumper but I do have two small holes. I figured that these were Nissan factory "holes" to accomodate a plate if necessary - the dealer would need to drill out larger holes for the plate holder. I was given the plate holder to put on if I wanted and my dealer said I would need to drill out the "stock" holes to accomodate the plate. I don't want the front plate, even though I'm risking some tickets here in TX. The little holes didn't bother me much but now I'm thinking I should have a smooth "hole-less" bumper. Was I naive or do all the bumpers have these little holes in case a front plate is necessary?

Ken

 

shouldn't be holes, but small indentations that don't go all the way through.

 

Well - I just went down to the garage and checked my front bumper again. What I thought were small holes are actually the indentations that 2003Z mentioned. Anyone planning on trying to "smooth" over these indentations? They really aren't that noticeable but...

Makes me feel better knowing the dealer didn't drill through my bumper. Now I just have to think of excuses for the cops when I get pulled over for not having a front plate installed! Any ideas?