350Zzzz

Front Bumper & Spoiler assembly, Side Skirts, Rear under Spoiler

I hear that the hood needs to be realigned to close properly with front bumpers installed. Anyone has tips for a smoother install? I am keeping the stock rear spoiler wing.

Which is better, paint and install or install and paint?

Any advice?

Thanks
G

MY350Z.COM

iTrader: (2)

i would imagine paint then install

you wouldn't have to worry about painting the others parts of you car.

rouxeny

Definitely paint first.

Otherwise, you'll have problems with overspray.


Gerald, did you get the SC installed yet?

fairladyz33

you align first, and then install, or you can paint first if you want, but you got to be more careful not to scratch up your new paint.

Phatmitzu

iTrader: (34)

Test fit. Paint then install. So there will be no spot missing while they maskin off the car (gaps and boarder line).

350Zzzz

Paint then install appears to be the consensus. Well, we shall see what my body shop recommends, as he stated that he has to see the parts before deciding. But he did also say that for color matching purposes, better results would be achieved by painting after install.

Apart from aligning the hood to properly accommodate the bumper, are there any other concerns? Any, tips on how best to align the bumper?

It is on, and I just did the first 500 miles oil change I was considering letting you have a feel of the power, but unfortunately I hear that you’ve chosen Chicago in place of Ogunquit LOL

Thanks
G

350Zzzz

Ok....here's how we'll do it, as per my body specialist; fitting to make certain every piece falls in place with some adjustments; remove and paint; and final refitting after painting.

Will begin work week of October 27th., got to get my wheels first

g

john350Z

that is how my body shop did it also.

good luck on your project nismo z and i can't wait to see your finished outcome!!!!!

-john350z

35ounces

iTrader: (5)

Gerald, Did you get the NISMO kit installed yet. Waiting for pics.
How difficult was the hood alignment ?

where did you buy the Nismo kit ?

350Zzzz

Interesting, that you painted the side skirts, rear underspoiler (did you?)and bottom of front bumper black; does look pretty slick with the side and bonnet markers too.

Looks outstanding!

Thanks
G

350Zzzz

Not yet, been real busy. Moreover, the wheels go on first; sometime this week, either Monday or Tuesday. It'll take about 3 days, at the shop, for the body kit, probably plan it for the last week of October.

G

john350Z

actually it's a carbon fiber nismo replica body kit

john350Z

one more pic

kitkos

iTrader: (1)

I don't know about the CF replica kit but I have the authentic NISMO full kit.
I had my body shop paint to match and then I installed it myself.
Everything fit perfectly and I did not have to adjust the hood (or any other parts for that matter). It took me about 4 hours to install since I was being extra careful not to scratch the paint, either on the new pieces or the car itself.
Good luck.

350Zzzz

I thought so; is the whole piece made of carbon fiber, or was it just the bottom lip? I was considering the carbon fiber kit initially, but since it was difficult to paint I went with the NISMO kit.

I may do that, install myself, which would definitely speed up the work, and not have to be stuck at the body shop for 3 days.

Congrats! on your achievement of the 2003 NISMO award

Thanks
Gerald

john350Z

the whole piece was made of carbon fiber, not just the lip.

but on fitment, the replica carbon fiber kit fit was great, no modification (or very little) was needed.

a good bodyshop would always test fit a bodykit before paint, even if it is an authentic NISMO part.

-john350z

350Zzzz

Was there any special process required to apply paint onto the carbon fiber.

G

john350Z

i don't really know 350zzz since i just let my body shop handle all of that. i trust them a lot!!!! they had worked on 2 of my other m3s before and loved their work.

all i can say is that there is a gel caot over the cf.

if anyone can answer 350zzz's question, then please do.

350zzz if ya want me to ask my bodyshop that question, then i will ask.

let me know,
-john350z

350Zzzz

I see it now, the gel coating made painting possible, with a smoother finish.

Thanks
G