Pre-painted panels: Anyone used these guys...?

[spidermonkey]

I'm trying to get a new front drivers wing sorted out, these seem to come pre-painted.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEAT-IBIZ...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19e8b0fb9c

Anyone any thoughts?

 

[Edward9th]

I haven't tried these, but I've had a lot of trouble with paint matching, and I think you'll be very lucky if they're spot on. The price seems reasonable, though.

 

[spidermonkey]

Cheers. I'm slightly sceptical myself although if they use the correct paint code then I'm assuming they would match as well as any bodyshop would?

Their feedback is a mixed bag for painted panels some said they are very happy, some said the match is not the best.

Might just have to bite the bullet, buy a new panel and get it done by a local bodyshop.

 

[Edward9th]

I think a decent body shop would get a better match than just going by the paint code - I did a job on mine, using code-matched paint, 'Zenith' grey, and had to add white, silver and red to get a near perfect match.

 

[jake]

Any decent body shop will blend the colour for a perfect match. There are usually 2-3 variations of the same colour over brand to brand so getting a perfect edge to edge match is near impossible.

 

[spidermonkey]

Would it be better to get a used OEM one and get it re-painted or buy a new OEM approved one and have it done?

Would there be much difference in the cost to prep and paint either one?

 

[jake]

Be cheaper doing a new panel plus no dents or rust

 

[MR T]

The problem is even if the paint is a perfect match to what was used at the factory you have to consider the fact that the door bumper and bonnet have suffered x amount of years rain and sun so they will be faded not massively so but i would say it'll be noticeable when you swap in a freshly painted panel between all of them.

 

[krussel]

As jake said a pro spray shop will blend the colour along the length of the car to create a match.