GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I am thinking that I would prefer to have the monotone neptune rather than the two tone. Has anyone tried to paint the clading to the body color, or would it look better to order the proper cladding from the dealership?

It would look better to order the proper cladding from the Dealer- But I am pretty sure it can be painted- but with problems. I have seen a focus with painted molding cladding- It was like a year after he had it painted and it was starting to chip away.

Quote, originally posted by trocar »I am thinking that I would prefer to have the monotone neptune rather than the two tone. Has anyone tried to paint the clading to the body color, or would it look better to order the proper cladding from the dealership? yes it can. it is the same part # just unpainted

how much is it. i should have ordered monotone

Probably expensive.

COVER, LOWER FRONT 88972298 391.53 (Front Bumper)MOULDING, WHEEL OPENING R 88972303 213.56MOULDING, WHEEL OPENING L 88972304 213.56MOULDING, ROCKER R 88969795 93.22MOULDING, ROCKER L 88969796 93.22MOUDING, LOWER SIDE (ADHESIVE) R 88969791 223.73 (door moulding)MOUDING, LOWER SIDE (ADHESIVE) L 88969792 223.73 (door moulding)MOULDING ASSY, LIFTGATE 88969822 30.00 (PONTIAC panel by liftgate handle)COVER, REAR 88970429 416.95 (rear bumper)HANDLE, OUTSIDE, REAR DOOR (PART # VARIES) 20.85COVER, OUTSIDE HANDLE, REAR DOOR (PART # VARIES) 20.34HANDLE, OUTSIDE, FRONT DOOR (PART # VARIES) 21.61COVER, OUTSIDE HANDLE FRONT DOOR (PART # VARIES) 20.85So in other words, you're looking at an estimate of $2253.24 to replace all panels. And that' assuming I didn't miss any other parts. Keep in mind, all part numbers, except for door handles and the liftgate trim, are the same part number whether it's gray or paint-to-match. So, using the proper paint, they should be able to paint it as if it had been ordered monotone from the factory!

Quote, originally posted by mwebb »I have seen a focus with painted molding cladding- It was like a year after he had it painted and it was starting to chip away.The painter probably neglected to use enough flex additive when the paint was mixed.If you do get the parts painted, make sure the painter (or you) removes them from the car before painting - nothing would be worse than a bunch of unnecessary tape lines.- Ryan

I spoke to a servce tech at the local GM dealership. He told me that their body shop would paint the trim on the car (Meaning take off what I have now, paint it and reinstall it) for $750. He said that it would be pretty close to a factory monotone and that no one would be able to tell the difference unless they were really close and knew what they were looking for.Any comments on this before I give it a try.

i'd just make sure they put some good flex additive in the mix as well as a couple layers of clear, then bake it!

to do it right I thought it had to be sanded, primed, sanded again, shot with the base coat, sanded, shot with the base coat again, shot with the clear coat, buffed, shot with a final clear coat. I dont really know It just seems like the paint wouldnt adhere to the plastic right and it would all fall off in the future. Another thing might be that plastic spray paint and a clear coat.

Quote, originally posted by apacheman85226 »to do it right I thought it had to be sanded, primed, sanded again, shot with the base coat, sanded, shot with the base coat again, shot with the clear coat, buffed, shot with a final clear coat. only if you want a super smooth surface. even monotones aren't smooth if you look close.

i had mine done as part of my purchase. looks great. matched great.