InZpire

iTrader: (5)

So I've noticed that I've accumulated tons of front bumper rock chips in the span of 5 months of owning my aftermarket bumper. And it was just ridiculous compared to my stock bumper.

My driving style didn't change nor did I take the car cross country. Same places, same speeds and the same driving pattern.

Which leads me to assume, can a cheap paint job lead to a poor easily chipped bumper? (When I mean cheap, i don't mean poor color matching, cause I had no issues with that nor the quality of smoothness and gloss)

I'm thinking of doing it right the 2nd time when I have my bumper painted.


Tips / suggestions / shops in SoCal that can help?

jtabraham

iTrader: (46)

Poor paint quality, and poor prep can both be issues.

CAVZ33

iTrader: (52)

How long did you let it sit before driving it? It takes about 4-6 weeks for paint to cure all the way. If you don't let it, you will get the results your talking about.

InZpire

iTrader: (5)

So wait, 4-5 weeks after the paint job?

What does curing mean, btw? Like not using it? Just letting it sit on the floor for a month?

I used it a week after the paint job, i guess its not enough.

I might just have to do that next time then.

CAVZ33

iTrader: (52)

You have to let the paint dry all the way or else it will chip easier. Try putting on a clear bra after you let it dry. clear bra helps a lot.

InZpire

iTrader: (5)

Got it!

But what is dry? Is there a way to tell the curing time is over do you just let it sit for a month?

CAVZ33

iTrader: (52)

I don't know if you can tell when it's fully dried, but I have been told to wait at least a minimum of 4 weeks. You might want to let it sit in the sun. Last time I had no choice but to drive my car and I got major rock chips just like u.

HR Autoparts

iTrader: (165)

i thought the material of the body part mattered as well, fiberglass usually chips more than urethane or abs plastic

vkzawa

iTrader: (5)

Material is a big part of it. I have an Aerosync Type N bumper (which is urethane) and have driven it daily since the day I got it back (its been about a year), and the rock chips are minimal compared to when I had a Vertex (hybrid fiberglass). My Vertex looked sandblasted after a few months of driving.

InZpire

iTrader: (5)

That's what i'm saying, mine almost looks so sandblasted now.

I'll try to save up more since I heard custom cut clear bras = $$$

UHATEIT

iTrader: (7)

same goes for washing or waxing it, should wait a week before washing the car or 2 months before waxing it. Have to let it cure

SuperBlack350z

iTrader: (59)

Some places use a harder clear and some places don't. If they used a softer clear, it would obviously be easier to cut and buff the bumper.

InZpire

iTrader: (5)

Can these be mentioned to the painter as a special request? Or do they jack up the price once they know what you're talking about?

SuperBlack350z

iTrader: (59)

They won't jack up the prices. It just depends on what type of brand clear is used at the shop you are going to. Most places only have either one or two brand of paint. They can order on request diff clears but that would obviously cost more. But yeah, have a talk with the shop about that. We use to use this brand of clear on Mecedes because they use a special type of clear...it was probably one of the hardest clear i've ever worked with. I know someone knows what i'm talking about.

SuperBlack350z

iTrader: (59)

When they give back your pieces, it's already ready for wash. Usually it takes 3 months for wax..just be sure.

415mm

iTrader: (103)

OP for the next paint job get a clearbra. if I only knew a few years ago how much of a difference it makes. I would have spent the extra money on it in a heartbeat. now i'm in you're situation as well i'm looking for a new paint job for my front.

1sickveilsidez

iTrader: (23)

ClearBra FTW! I used to have urethane on my daily and never saw any chips until about a year and with fiberglass on my Z it had rock chips the same day after it was painted. I have clearbra on my Z now and it helps big time! It was worth the extra $$.

ANXIOUZ

iTrader: (13)

[expletive deleted] dude. You seriously need to see my [expletive deleted] OEM front bumper. A drive from Portland OR to Anaheim CA [expletive deleted] KILLED it! On a super black no less. It's amn embarassing monstrosity. I honestly can't imagine an aftermarket paint job being less [expletive deleted]ty than the OEM paint.

Got any pics?

gsazabi

iTrader: (51)

Yup seriously. When I had my V2 I got it painted by my local shop which does AWESOME job and in 6 months of owning in I didn't get a SINGLE rock chip.

When I got my Amuse bumper I got it painted at a cheap price at not-so-good bodyshop, and within a month my bumper was just scattered with countless rock chips.

You get what you pay for. Don't go cheap on the paint job.

InZpire

iTrader: (5)

I'll post some pics tomorrow.

qsazabi,
PM me the shop? lol!

No seriously, i want to put them on my book when i decide to have this painted.

Thanks bro!