Exhaust Fascia Mods

[wspohn]

Now I'm not talking about the after market panels that make your car look like Darth Vader's Solstice, as those don't appeal to me.

Because I have a gray car, the rear fascia has always blended in for me, and I really didn't notice it, until a recent car show when a yellow coupe showed up. With the black fascia, and that bright colour, the car looked like it was wearing training pants (or more likely given the demographic of Solstice owners, Depends).

The contrasting colour with any bright paint colour is pretty glaring.

Given that we have any number of custom rear fascias available of the Darth type, surely there would be a market for a dead stock configuration fascia, in a colour that matches or at least blended in with the colour of your car?

Maybe I haven't noticed it, but if I owned a bright blue, or yellow or red car, I think I'd be a lot happier with a rear fascia that wasn't such a contrast. Are these out there and I've missed them, or has no one bothered to see if there is a demand?

[njtex]

There are a few plain fiberglass ones out there that can be painted body color.

On the other hand, I'd still like to see a stock looking rear facia in carbon fiber that would complement my grey car. To me, the contrast between facia and bumper helps camouflage the height of the rear of the car.

[wspohn]

Originally Posted by njtex There are a few plain fiberglass ones out there that can be painted body color. On the other hand, I'd still like to see a stock looking rear facia in carbon fiber that would complement my grey car. To me, the contrast between facia and bumper helps camouflage the height of the rear of the car.

Interesting point about the height. I found the contrast on brightly painted cars too startling to think about that issue, but I suppose it is possible.

I'm afraid the carbon fiber high tech thing leaves me cold - reminds me of cars wearing golf pants, I guess. I know I am in the minority on that.

[Spedee]

I used an angle grinder on mine to open the venting up.
Then had a body shop paint it black. This way I don't have to worry about wax getting on the grey panel. The black mono look I like a lot better.

[rob the elder]

Norm's fiberglass makes a replacement that is very simple and clean. You could paint it body color and it would blend in very nicely.

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

I agree that the filler panel should have been body color.

That panel is held on with (I think) 6 plastic pins. GM # 10121502. I paid less than $1 each for them retail from my nearby Chevy dealer, since I was in a hurry and didn't bother to order them online or from my favorite dealer (who's about 90 miles away from my house).

On my black car, last weekend I removed mine and repainted it with Trim Black paint, which is a matte black. It doesn't blend in exactly since the surface finish isn't glossy, but it does look more in place than the gray plastic.

The plastic has a rough texture, and it would be difficult and time-consuming to sand that smooth enough to paint glossy and have it as smooth as the body. I don't think a heavy fill primer would work because of the flexibility in the part causing it to crack. As long as you were okay with the "orange peel" that would be present, most body shops should be able to color-match paint that part.

[LatinVenom]

Here is a picture of what I did to my GXP before I drove it home from the dealer.
The above picture is with the GXP standard exhaust just before the Magnaflow was installed.
Notice the date on the picture.
Here is another one after it was at home with the Magnaflow exhaust already installed.

My paint still the same as when it was done by the dealer, look at the 3rd picture

[JLW]

I asked a body shop to paint mine and they said that they would rather not because the fascia is too flexible. They didn't think the paint would stay on very long.

I'm thinking a fascia from norm is in my future.

[JLW]

Originally Posted by LatinVenom Here is a picture of what I did to my GXP before I drove it home from the dealer. The above picture is with the GXP standard exhaust just before the Magnaflow was installed. Notice the date on the picture. Here is another one after it was at home with the Magnaflow exhaust already installed.

OK, that is what I want done!

Details? How did they get it so smooth? And how is the paint holding up?

[LatinVenom]

I just edited to answer your question.
The dealer has a very good painter, I know because my 1st 1000 was also done by them in 2005.
Maybe Diamoney can post a picture of that car since he has well over 80,000 miles on it.

[JLW]

Originally Posted by LatinVenom I just edited to answer your question. The dealer has a very good painter, I know because my 1st 1000 was also done by them in 2005. Maybe Diamoney can post a picture of that car since he has well over 80,000 miles on it.

Do you know if they used filler or did the sand it to get is smooth before painting?

[LatinVenom]

I am not 100% sure but I think it was sand it, also I believe he also put a primer coat then the paint and a sealer.

[stang]

Originally Posted by njtex ... To me, the contrast between facia and bumper helps camouflage the height of the rear of the car.

Same thing for the reverse lights. They help hide the fat.

[Lithium Lotus]

RKSport makes a fiberglass version of their rear filler panel.

[King-Oka]

Sorry, but the best mod to my car is the Darth fascia. I just love the look.