Panelbeaters question!

[civic-dream]

Hi guys,

I'm planning and budgeting for an upgrade of my ek4's front and rear bumpers and then respraying them at the panelbeaters. I've called up Honda parts and found out prices coz i want brand new oem items, figured out I better take a day off work to go pick them up since most Honda parts centres aren't open on weekends, then take them along with me to the panelbeaters to respray and put on the car....

anyways.. after all that i wondered whether there's any point in me physically purchasing the parts myself when possibly the panelbeaters get these parts for trade price/wholesale price anyway? is this the case? do they get a significant discount or even for the same RRP that I would pay for it anyway? coz if that's the case i'd might aswell give the panelbeater the part numbers and get him to order them himself and save myself the trouble and possibly save me money too....

[simonnowis]

it will solely depend on the panelbeater, some will use non-genuine parts to save costs, so make sure you ask if the parts are genuine honda oem or aftermarket brands.
The panelbeater may charge you more by purchasing through them if they dont have some deal to get cheaper prices.

As for saving costs you may as well get the parts from honda then ask the price for a spraypaint only, as you could easily fit it yourself and save at least a $100 extra bucks for fitting.
buying aftermarket will also save you alot as genuine prices are a rip.

[T-onedc2]

but genuine fitment is perfect, aftermarket can be dodgy sometimes

[6thgear]

It certainly is worthwhile contacting Honda direct to check out the prices, then maybe you can speak to your panelbeaters and ask them how much they can get it for. If they can get it cheaper than the price you got quoted then go with your panel beater. otherwise tell you panel beater you got quoted cheaper direct can they do cheaper if not just buy the parts yourself.

if you're REALLY wanting to save money though you may as well go aftermarket (perhaps needing slight mods to fit at worst) or 2nd hand from these forums/traders/wreckers

good luck mate

[simonnowis]

its solely up to op, but if it was me i would save the money and get aftermarket like the ones the trader here sells. iv seen the aftermarket fitment and didnt notice a difference until i was told it was aftermarket. theres rear ek9 aftermarket bars which has a lip perm and looks better imo to oem rear bars with a seperate lip which leaves a gap.

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

There is one thing that NissanSilvia.com can teach us....

Cable ties and a Drill make panels fit....maybe even some pop rivets.

btw, all things aside it is up to you as to if you wish to save more cash by going aftermarket/second hand go for it, if you don't wish to risk fitment issues (and just buy direct from Honda) go ahead.

Your call, good luck.

[civic-dream]

its solely up to op, but if it was me i would save the money and get aftermarket like the ones the trader here sells. iv seen the aftermarket fitment and didnt notice a difference until i was told it was aftermarket. theres rear ek9 aftermarket bars which has a lip perm and looks better imo to oem rear bars with a seperate lip which leaves a gap.

where can i find such a rear bar?.... i've never come across it yet!

[civic-dream]

It certainly is worthwhile contacting Honda direct to check out the prices, then maybe you can speak to your panelbeaters and ask them how much they can get it for. If they can get it cheaper than the price you got quoted then go with your panel beater. otherwise tell you panel beater you got quoted cheaper direct can they do cheaper if not just buy the parts yourself.

if you're REALLY wanting to save money though you may as well go aftermarket (perhaps needing slight mods to fit at worst) or 2nd hand from these forums/traders/wreckers

good luck mate

i think this is where i was heading :)

i was originally going to get second hand front and rear bumpers but I can kinda be picky about the way parts line up or imperfections.... kinda want everything to look as fresh as possible, but if i can find 2nd hand bumpers in very good condition it would be superb