J.T.'s 3.2CL

Someone backed into my car today.... It's not bad but I need a new hood and grill. Can anyone tell me some places I can look to get a reasonable price on an OEM hood and grill for a 2003 CL-S. I was really lucky and those are the only two items that need to be replaced. I think I am going to just get a hood and grill and install them myself. Does anyone have an estimate on how much it costs to paint a hood? Is this done better on or off the car? Will it be hard to match Satin Silver? Any help is really appreciated.

Thanks, J.T.

mattg

the fenders will most likely have to be blended to insure a perfect color match.

AustNMike

don't try it yourself....where are you located deep down south?? the underside of the hood will be painted off the car most likely, then back to the body tech to hang the hood, then back to the paint booth for the outer panels....and with silver, like Mattg mentioned, you should blend the fenders to ensure a good match....don't forget the service labels under the hood and the possibility of hidden damages under the grille....and even tho the lamps look okay on the outside, remember the housings are plastic and suseptable to cracking on the back too....lamps should be removed and inspected....good luck! hate it when that happens...

notcreative

get carbon fiber, u dont have to worrie about paint

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Why should you have to blend the fenders? If the paint is good, you shouldn't notice a difference. Besides that the CLS's fenders don't extend much into the hood area. Would you blend the trunk lid, after you install a painted spolier?

AustNMike

I write estimates for a living and it's just what he should expect.....go get a few estimates and I bet most of them blend the fenders if they replace the hood....if they repair the hood and it's in the center, then they may not blend the fenders....and no, you wouldn't blend the lid if adding a spoiler....not a good comparison....

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Why isn't that a good comparsion? Your adding a new painted part on a already painted surface. You's doing the same thing with a hood. It's not on top of it, but the fenders are on the sides. It might get written in etimates, but I feel it's not needed. I had my hood on my Explorer repainted. They painted the wiper cowl also, & didn't touch the fenders. It matches perfect. And that's 11 year old paint.
Maybe it's just me...

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

gbone88

You should be alright without blending the fenders.I'm a bodyman and I've repaired and painted the deck lid on mine(same color) and the color looks good.I can usually panel paint that color when it comes through the door.

AustNMike

you have to understand the concept of blending and what colors are more susceptable to needing blend, and trust me, if blending wasn't necessary, insurance companies wouldn't be paying for it all day long....they try to find their ways out of paying for anything and everything they can....

you blend to take away any noticeability between the new panel and the old panel(s). this is done when both panels line up on the same plane (side by side)....only cars with flatter hoods and fenders are usually blended on a hood replacement....like a mustang for example....the CL's fenders share a plane with the hood....other cars that have more of rolling fender don't usually need it....also, the color has more to do with it...the darker the color, typically is easier match....and silver, you either nail it, or it's way off...the painter then tints the color (uses a test panel and adjusts mixture as needed) and in most cases blends the adjacent panel....you get a good painter who takes his time, and sure, you won't have to blend....but paint matching usually takes time....and if yours just another car in the shop, chances are it'll get blended....most commonly though, doors are the parts blended (from fender/quarter repairs/replacements)....

a spoiler (or any plastic part) won't match perfectly anyway....the properties of the plastic hold the paint differently than metal...causing a slight difference in color....same batch of paint...you can see this sometimes even on a new Lexus at the dealer, bumper cover to quarter panel....

anyway...lots of misconceptions on blending....hope this helps a little....not trying to be a "knowitall"....

BC2G

why not buy a carbon fiber hood now that you gotta buy a new one anyway