queens207tl

My car was in an accident (2010 TL WDP) and I have an opportunity to do a 2012 conversion of the bumpers. While I'm at, I will probably do the aero kit (at least the front and sides). For the front bumper, I found Nexson's thread with the parts list (Thanks Nexson!). I did have a few questions about it. Some of the part listed, you need to order the specific color code (e.g. spoiler). Now I assume this means that it is painted directly from the factory. My car color is WDP, which was changed to BWP in 2012. So, does that mean I would have to get the body shop to repaint it to WDP? Is there a way to order it unpainted or painted WDP?

My other question is regarding the rear conversion. I'm not really sure if I should do the rear, but am thinking about it. I couldn't really find too much information about this. Has anyone done this? Is the 2012 a direct fit on a 2010 tl? Are there any issues I will face? Is there a part list similar to Nexsons for the rear?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Below is Nexson's thread for reference.

https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-2009-2014-123/official-12-acura-tl-front-conversion-parts-list-864395/

queens207tl

Anyone can help with my questions? Thx

potmilkz

yes, if you get the 2012 lip kit, you will need to have the shop repaint the lip kit again. it comes painted from factory..

bumper does not come painted, it comes bare, so that needs to be painted too. Tow hook cap also comes painted, but i think you can use your original one.

queens207tl

Thanks Potmilkz! Thats what I thought. Are the side skirts different btwn the two kits? Can I use the sideskirts from the 2010 body kit since they would be painted WDP? Any idea about what's needed for the rear bumper conversion? Thanks

potmilkz

just buy a 2012 front lip.. get that repainted.

then buy a 2010(same color as your car) side skirts.

there is no difference between sideskirts for the 2009-11 to 12+

queens207tl

Thanks!

I had a question somewhat related. I notice on the estimate written up, a majority of the parts were being replaced with after market/reconditioned parts. Pretty much all the major parts. I'm not really comfortable with that as I would rather have OEM. Is anyone familiar with these aftermarket parts, is the quality just as good? I was shocked that all these aftermarket parts existed for our cars.

potmilkz

only part you should get new is the bumper, lip, grill is subjective, you can get that on ebay for cheap used.

queens207tl

Ok. Some of the prices quoted for the aftermarket parts seem higher than prices I can get them for new from dealers that sell on the internet. I'm thinking about ordering the parts myself and just pay the shop for the labor. I'm not sure if that is possible. We'll see. Thanks for all your help!

potmilkz

the only thing you actually need the shop to do is to paint.. everything else comes brand new and you can pretty much assemble it yourself.. to save cost on labor you should just install it yourself.

queens207tl

Update... Just got shot down. The shop is not willing to do the work if I buy the parts myself. Apparently, they make money off the parts, so if I secure the parts myself, that is money out their pocket. They state the insurance negotiated labor rates are low, so they need to make their money on the parts. I understand their situation, but that really sucks for the consumer. I'm really not sure what to do. Are there quality shops out there that are willing to just do the labor if I supply the parts?

Potmilkz.. I probably could do the labor myself. It's just the time needed to do it. There's time required to research what needs to be done, and then get the proper tools, space to work in, not to mention its about 30 degrees outside. Also, there could be other damage that I wouldn't know about that a body shop would find.

potmilkz

go to your insurance and ask for a second option from a different shop.

ask them to give you a list of shops that work with your with them, do some yelp research and ask them to go get your car evaluated again with a shop on the list.. maybe they will see what this current shop has missed and jack up the price..

if your insurance allows it, you can always just have them cut you the check.. i know some insurance in socal allows the insurance company to pay the insurer and they can do whatever they want with the money..

potmilkz

when my ex crashed her 2006 g35 coupe , i asked the shop to get her a PU nismo bumper, nismo grill, and oem projector headlights, they said it was no problem.. that alone was about $1500 in extra parts

her car was stock with reflector headlights which sucked.. some shops will do it and some shops dont.. its all about who you know and fortunately my older brother went to high school with the owner of the shop..

NwTSXmt

If you have to convert...don't do the rear...leave some hardness on your 2010...

queens207tl

I spoke with the shop and they are willing to do the conversion with new parts, but I have to pay the difference in price btwn what my insurance allowed and the MSRP of the new parts. I think it's a fair solution, as I understand their position of losing money if I were to order the parts myself. I'm sure I could have found a shop that would have done what I was asking for the amount of the check issued, but it would have been too much of a hassle. The car is not driveable, so I can't just take it shop to shop getting quotes. Plus this shop is known for quality work, so I will just keep it there. It's extra money that I didn't want to be spending, especially for something not my fault. Hopefully, I wont' be disappointed. Now I need to figure out how to get my headlights customized. Who told JNC he could take a vacation?

Potmillkz, thanks for all your advice and help!! It's appreciated.

potmilkz

how much is he asking for the difference?

also jnc is expensive.. im sure there are many shops that can do custom headlights.. hit up theretrofitsource

queens207tl

They are asking about $550 incl tax for the front and rear. The majority of the cost is for the front spoiler. I'll check out the site. Thanks!