My Ron Jon kit installed on Anthracite (with pics)
#1
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
My Ron Jon kit installed on Anthracite (with pics)
Hey guys,
So it's FINALLY done (well almost). I have to say that the whole experience has been nothing less than a nightmare unfortunately. I was seriously looking forward to the whole thing, but one thing after another I had more and more bad experiences.
The end result is quite stunning. But there were/are a few problems...
First of all, the paint match is quite bad. It only really shows up on the rear bumper. The front is fine (it's awesome in fact). Luckily, it's a bit darker, so it kinda looks cool. If it was lighter, I'd be more upset.
Secondly, Ron Jon shipped two left-side skirts to my dealer and my dealer didn't notice (that was over a month ago). My dealer had it sent to be painted (TWICE!!) and didn't notice. They only realized it 5 minutes before it had to be installed on my car. I have to wait about two weeks or so before my kit install is complete. In the meantime I'm "lopsided". This means ANOTHER 150km drive to my dealer...
Third, the paint job still isn't awesome, it's acceptable. There are still places with tiny bubbles and the finish isn't quite perfect.
Fourth, while I was there, my front bumper was on a table and it somehow fell over onto the ground and got scratched. I will try to buff it out later.
And of course, this is the second time I go to my dealer (150km from home) because the first paintjob was so horrible.
So, my first body kit experience wasn't great, and I'm sad to say that I probably will never do it again. Having said that, here are the pics, you guys can judge for yourselves what you think:
There you have it... please let me know what you guys think, I need encouragement, it was a LOT of money!!
So it's FINALLY done (well almost). I have to say that the whole experience has been nothing less than a nightmare unfortunately. I was seriously looking forward to the whole thing, but one thing after another I had more and more bad experiences.
The end result is quite stunning. But there were/are a few problems...
First of all, the paint match is quite bad. It only really shows up on the rear bumper. The front is fine (it's awesome in fact). Luckily, it's a bit darker, so it kinda looks cool. If it was lighter, I'd be more upset.
Secondly, Ron Jon shipped two left-side skirts to my dealer and my dealer didn't notice (that was over a month ago). My dealer had it sent to be painted (TWICE!!) and didn't notice. They only realized it 5 minutes before it had to be installed on my car. I have to wait about two weeks or so before my kit install is complete. In the meantime I'm "lopsided". This means ANOTHER 150km drive to my dealer...
Third, the paint job still isn't awesome, it's acceptable. There are still places with tiny bubbles and the finish isn't quite perfect.
Fourth, while I was there, my front bumper was on a table and it somehow fell over onto the ground and got scratched. I will try to buff it out later.
And of course, this is the second time I go to my dealer (150km from home) because the first paintjob was so horrible.
So, my first body kit experience wasn't great, and I'm sad to say that I probably will never do it again. Having said that, here are the pics, you guys can judge for yourselves what you think:
There you have it... please let me know what you guys think, I need encouragement, it was a LOT of money!!
#3
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by zax123
Hey guys,
So it's FINALLY done (well almost). I have to say that the whole experience has been nothing less than a nightmare unfortunately. I was seriously looking forward to the whole thing, but one thing after another I had more and more bad experiences.
The end result is quite stunning. But there were/are a few problems...
First of all, the paint match is quite bad. It only really shows up on the rear bumper. The front is fine (it's awesome in fact). Luckily, it's a bit darker, so it kinda looks cool. If it was lighter, I'd be more upset.
Secondly, Ron Jon shipped two left-side skirts to my dealer and my dealer didn't notice (that was over a month ago). My dealer had it sent to be painted (TWICE!!) and didn't notice. They only realized it 5 minutes before it had to be installed on my car. I have to wait about two weeks or so before my kit install is complete. In the meantime I'm "lopsided". This means ANOTHER 150km drive to my dealer...
Third, the paint job still isn't awesome, it's acceptable. There are still places with tiny bubbles and the finish isn't quite perfect.
Fourth, while I was there, my front bumper was on a table and it somehow fell over onto the ground and got scratched. I will try to buff it out later.
And of course, this is the second time I go to my dealer (150km from home) because the first paintjob was so horrible.
So, my first body kit experience wasn't great, and I'm sad to say that I probably will never do it again. Having said that, here are the pics, you guys can judge for yourselves what you think:
There you have it... please let me know what you guys think, I need encouragement, it was a LOT of money!!
So it's FINALLY done (well almost). I have to say that the whole experience has been nothing less than a nightmare unfortunately. I was seriously looking forward to the whole thing, but one thing after another I had more and more bad experiences.
The end result is quite stunning. But there were/are a few problems...
First of all, the paint match is quite bad. It only really shows up on the rear bumper. The front is fine (it's awesome in fact). Luckily, it's a bit darker, so it kinda looks cool. If it was lighter, I'd be more upset.
Secondly, Ron Jon shipped two left-side skirts to my dealer and my dealer didn't notice (that was over a month ago). My dealer had it sent to be painted (TWICE!!) and didn't notice. They only realized it 5 minutes before it had to be installed on my car. I have to wait about two weeks or so before my kit install is complete. In the meantime I'm "lopsided". This means ANOTHER 150km drive to my dealer...
Third, the paint job still isn't awesome, it's acceptable. There are still places with tiny bubbles and the finish isn't quite perfect.
Fourth, while I was there, my front bumper was on a table and it somehow fell over onto the ground and got scratched. I will try to buff it out later.
And of course, this is the second time I go to my dealer (150km from home) because the first paintjob was so horrible.
So, my first body kit experience wasn't great, and I'm sad to say that I probably will never do it again. Having said that, here are the pics, you guys can judge for yourselves what you think:
There you have it... please let me know what you guys think, I need encouragement, it was a LOT of money!!
#4
Oderint dum metuant.
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Looks good Back bumper doesn't match, but you know that (I have WDP, so NEITHER of my bumpers match!). The kit looks really good in AM...you should be thrilled.
Also, while I wouldn't blame you for letting this experience sour you, this is your first body kit...if you like one in the future, give a kit another chance...might just want to find another installer.
Also, while I wouldn't blame you for letting this experience sour you, this is your first body kit...if you like one in the future, give a kit another chance...might just want to find another installer.
#5
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
I actually don't know what portion of the whole price was the paint job. I paid the install shop only and they arranged shipment from RJ, painting, installation... Because I had such an up and down experience with the whole thing, the shop gave me a discount, but unfortunately, they asked me not to post it publicly, as they probably made very little money on me...
#6
Ak Ting Up
Looks Good. It seems that you'd have to repaint the whole car with the same batch of paint to get a perfect match. It is my opinion that Acura (in Ohio) painted the bumpers ahead of the assembly of a particular car. For example, they painted 50 Anthracite bumpers on Monday, painted the rest of the cars on Wednesday, then assembled on Thursday. Since they painted the bumpers at a different time than the car they probably used a different batch (mix) of paint. I dont think its the difference of material, bumper (plastic) vs car (steel/aluminum). Anthracite probably will not match between different cans of paint.
Anyway, your car looks great. Anthracite is the best looking color for the 04/TL.
Anyway, your car looks great. Anthracite is the best looking color for the 04/TL.
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#8
Community Architect
robb m.
robb m.
why would you go to a dealership to get paint and body work done?
I would think you'd get much more satisfactory results if you took it to a body shop where they specialize in painting.
I would think you'd get much more satisfactory results if you took it to a body shop where they specialize in painting.
#9
Ak Ting Up
Astroboy, my Acura dealership uses a contracted body shop for all their work. I don't know of a Acura dealer (in Atlanta)that has their own body/paint shop. When I get the RJ kit, I'll also go through my Acura dealer so they can "QC" the work.
#10
Community Architect
robb m.
robb m.
AcuraVic, why not go to a reputable body shop and leave the dealership out of the process?
dealerships are not body work experts, which is why i would NEVER go to the dealership to have a kit installed.
dealerships are not body work experts, which is why i would NEVER go to the dealership to have a kit installed.
#11
Community Architect
robb m.
robb m.
Also, your costs will be much lower if you avoid the dealership. If as you state they just outsource the body work anyway, why would you want to pay them the percentage they are charging you, when they are simply passing the work off to another company?
cut out the middle man, deal directly with a bodyshop.
cut out the middle man, deal directly with a bodyshop.
#12
The Creator
In my experience, the body shops that dealerships use are high-volume hack shops. If I were concerned about paint quality I would never ever ever go to a shop that a dealer uses.
Instead find a small dedicated specialty shop in your area.
Instead find a small dedicated specialty shop in your area.
#14
Ak Ting Up
Because so far, my dealship has done an excellent job solving all my problems and answering questions regarding my TL. If they are using a particular body shop for their new inventory, the same shop should give me a 'like new' paint job. They (all dealerships) routinely get scratches and paint chipped cars in their inventory and have established relationships with paint shops they use for their paint work. Increasing the chance that the shop is comfortable painting my car and parts for my car. Their is a good chance that any 'great paint shop', not recommended by my dealer, has not painted a 04/TL. Having said that, it all comes down to the person doing the painting and whether they want to do a good job, regardless of a dealer recomendation.
#16
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
Thanks guys,
I didn't go to a dealership... I understand why I was misunderstood. When I say dealer, I mean RonJon dealer. I went to a performance/body shop who is a RonJon dealer. They sent it to a (supposedly) reputable paint shop for the painting.
All in all, I'm happy. The kit looks amazing... now I just have to keep my baby clean. Time for a few coats of Zaino!!
I didn't go to a dealership... I understand why I was misunderstood. When I say dealer, I mean RonJon dealer. I went to a performance/body shop who is a RonJon dealer. They sent it to a (supposedly) reputable paint shop for the painting.
All in all, I'm happy. The kit looks amazing... now I just have to keep my baby clean. Time for a few coats of Zaino!!
#19
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
haoeihaoeihaoeih. That's hilarious frenchnew!!
Well, I pretty much stay on the South Shore as I live in Brossard and work in St. Bruno. So I'm safe from you island people!!
It really is very pretty!!
Well, I pretty much stay on the South Shore as I live in Brossard and work in St. Bruno. So I'm safe from you island people!!
It really is very pretty!!
#20
It Looks according to the pictures.
I am jealous, where do you park your car?
Imagine walking out one morning with your body kit replaced with OEM Abyss Blue Pearl
Best Regards
frenchnew
I am jealous, where do you park your car?
Imagine walking out one morning with your body kit replaced with OEM Abyss Blue Pearl
Best Regards
frenchnew
#23
Originally Posted by zax123
haoeihaoeihaoeih. That's hilarious frenchnew!!
Well, I pretty much stay on the South Shore as I live in Brossard and work in St. Bruno. So I'm safe from you island people!!
It really is very pretty!!
Well, I pretty much stay on the South Shore as I live in Brossard and work in St. Bruno. So I'm safe from you island people!!
It really is very pretty!!
Let me get my toolkit together
By the way, I am off the Island, 30 miles north of it and we are a bad bunch up here
Drop me an email sometimes when you want to meet, I swear I will not take your kit, promise
Best Regards
Frenchnew
#24
Pro
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I know its gonna cost more, but with your color, you need to blend the panels so it will be less obvious. Its still cheaper than painting the whole car though. Overall it looks good, but i have to say, it is noticeable.
#25
Originally Posted by AcuraVic
Looks Good. It seems that you'd have to repaint the whole car with the same batch of paint to get a perfect match. It is my opinion that Acura (in Ohio) painted the bumpers ahead of the assembly of a particular car. For example, they painted 50 Anthracite bumpers on Monday, painted the rest of the cars on Wednesday, then assembled on Thursday. Since they painted the bumpers at a different time than the car they probably used a different batch (mix) of paint. I dont think its the difference of material, bumper (plastic) vs car (steel/aluminum). Anthracite probably will not match between different cans of paint.
Anyway, your car looks great. Anthracite is the best looking color for the 04/TL.
Anyway, your car looks great. Anthracite is the best looking color for the 04/TL.
Also your car looks great and against everyones wishes it is very doubtful the rear bumper will ever match do to metallic and pearl paint flopping(the way the paint pigments lay on the paint and different materials).
My pearl rear doesn't and will never match the rest of the car is 95% dead on.
#26
Silky Smooth
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
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the longer I modify my car, the more i wish i hadnt. EVERYTHING is just a hassle, get a set of wheels, and keep OEM across the board. I'm so over extra work, just enjoy what you have.
all that being said i like the kit, you need some wheels and you will be set. I wouldn't be happy with that paint match at all though, take that shit back. Best of luck
all that being said i like the kit, you need some wheels and you will be set. I wouldn't be happy with that paint match at all though, take that shit back. Best of luck
#27
the kit looks great. i was actually eyeing for one for my WDP...but having read all these things from you guys sorta made me think twice...hmmm...but i still LOVE the RJ kit...maybe i'll just do wheels first. anybody have Racing Hart on their WDPs?
#31
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
Yeah the rear is my least favorite part of the kit. The skirts and front are AWESOME. I might even consider putting the stock rear bumper back on because of the bad color match... Who knows, I'll live with it like this for a while...
#32
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (1)
It looks good, but you need to take a step back and get the whole car in the pics, maybe in an empty parking lot or something. Secondly, Wheels are a Must have when a kit is involved. thirdly (is that even a real word?), Modding your car in any situation is a pain in th ass, but on those nice summer days when everybody is out rolling around and showing off, its all worth it, especially when you work out all the small problems. I had my car for 4 years now, and it is only now tht my car is problem free, and i love it more than ever. You also gain priceless experience and trust me when i say you def won't make the same mistake on your next car when modding. In order to get the best color match, they should really blend the panel that meets the kit slightly. Def looks sharp tho.
#33
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
Thanks Ron,
Yeah I know they could blend on the body panels, but then the car has been painted when it really doesn't need to be, and that kinda lowers the value of the car. Also, it's kind of too late unless I want to get the bumpers repainted... I think I'll have to live with it. I know I needs wheels, but I can't afford them right now. That'll be a next summer project as this winter, I have another set of OEM mags with 17" winter tires.
I can hardly wait to get the right-side sill installed. What a pain!!
It's almost all done...
Yeah I know they could blend on the body panels, but then the car has been painted when it really doesn't need to be, and that kinda lowers the value of the car. Also, it's kind of too late unless I want to get the bumpers repainted... I think I'll have to live with it. I know I needs wheels, but I can't afford them right now. That'll be a next summer project as this winter, I have another set of OEM mags with 17" winter tires.
I can hardly wait to get the right-side sill installed. What a pain!!
It's almost all done...
#34
Instructor
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Originally Posted by Lokius
all that being said i like the kit, you need some wheels and you will be set. I wouldn't be happy with that paint match at all though, take that shit back. Best of luck
#35
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by zax123
Thanks Ron,
Yeah I know they could blend on the body panels, but then the car has been painted when it really doesn't need to be, and that kinda lowers the value of the car. Also, it's kind of too late unless I want to get the bumpers repainted... I think I'll have to live with it. I know I needs wheels, but I can't afford them right now. That'll be a next summer project as this winter, I have another set of OEM mags with 17" winter tires.
I can hardly wait to get the right-side sill installed. What a pain!!
It's almost all done...
Yeah I know they could blend on the body panels, but then the car has been painted when it really doesn't need to be, and that kinda lowers the value of the car. Also, it's kind of too late unless I want to get the bumpers repainted... I think I'll have to live with it. I know I needs wheels, but I can't afford them right now. That'll be a next summer project as this winter, I have another set of OEM mags with 17" winter tires.
I can hardly wait to get the right-side sill installed. What a pain!!
It's almost all done...
#36
Sorry to hear about the bad experience, but the end result is looking good. Don't worry about the back bumper too much... A lot of us WDP guys are experiencing the same thing.
#39
Team Anthracite Member
Thread Starter
Yeah I'm getting the right-side skirt installed on September 17th. Going on a road trip to the US next week, so I have to wait until then. Sucks that I'll be taking my first BIG road trip with a partially installed body kit but what can you do?