I visited a 3rd body shop in Rhode Island. Prices to paint/etc ranging
from 150 to 300. All shops saying the same thing, no guarantees and
with the NE winters expect peeling & chipping by spring.

I may try the plastic dip paint from home depot/lowes as I understand
it can be removed easily if needed and would last up to 3+ years if
applied correctly

Rich

Do they tell you WHY to expect peeling of a body part? There has to be a reason.


As I mentioned earlier, my shop mentioned a decent amount of prep work to get rid of the mold release agent on the surface (the waxy material that makes the plate non-stick), and scuffing/plastic adhesion promotor, but when dropping off he didn't give me any red flags.

I emailed Rick about this as another suggestion on the next run, to perhaps make a firmer material that is easier for body shops to paint.

Rich, I just emailed Rick, and got a nice update for you:

"If a body shop won't paint them, they have no clue and should not be in business, the shop should know that they need to paint with an added flex agent in the paint. An OEM skid plate would be painted with flex additive as well, and this material is no different of a polyurethane material that I make the E39 M5 parts from"


So you need to specifically mention painting with flex additive if the shop is giving you problems. Although if they are saying they can't do it I'd walk away elsewhere too.

they all seemed to think even with prep-work and bonding agent application
that it would just not withstand the salt trucks etc.

I don't understand this since "all" modern cars are mostly plastic
on the frontend since they hide the 5mph bumpers

Guys, you need to relax.A good prep job goes a long way.If they know what they're doing the plate will come out looking awesome.
Heck, if you have a Hvlp might as well paint it yourself if you've got the space and the hand to do so..

I think that is somewhat laughable. I had a complete factory body kit on my 2008 GLI, which was 3" off the ground when I was lowered on coilovers. I had no paint peeling after 4 years, and drove through winter all the time.

I mean god it's not like we don't wash our cars, and just let salt eat away at the vehicles. You're right, its no different than any lower painted pieces on a front end.

Are there any 4.6/4.8 owners out there experiencing peeling paint on their lower valances because of salt? Don't think so.

Rock chips? Yes I expect some because of the location.

Peeling paint? I would not expect it from a reputable shop whatsoever.

All shops mentioned "flex". I'm beginning to believe they just don't
want to do the work.

SOOOOO if there are some recommended shops out there I'd like to get some quotes on having the job done.

thanks, Rich

Rich if you want to come down to Jersey, my shop didn't seem to mind.

my daughter lives in somerset Nj if that is close by.

I could also ship.

do you mind me asking what they are charging for the
job

thanks, Rich

guys, that comment of "rock chips" is REDIC!!!!!
just bring it to a shop and JUST tell them the paint code. do not mention where it gets mounted and if they ask, just say its for your brothers x5 in Florida or Texas and you bought it as a gift and am painting it before his b-day.
I've had mine for over a winter and this winter past was 6 phucking months long with extreme, and I mean phucking extreme -32° C (0°F) constantly and major snowfalls, therefore constantly driving on roads full of rocks. I'll take a phot tonight to show you the condition of my plate.
that fact that no one will paint is really is BS. they do not want the work as it is not worth their time to make a batch of paint of that specific color for such a small part, UNLESS they happened to be doing another Bimmer with the same paint code.

I am very distraught to hear you're still dealing with complications in getting this part finalized for you. Trust me, I had NO idea it would take this long or be so difficult by your local paint shops.