How difficult is it to swap body panels? *HELP* - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

ShaneXman · 05-30-2008, 08:23 PM

This question is for those of you who have actually changed out their own body panels, and can give some real world/hands on experience feedback. I have seen/read the "How To:" at FQ101 : Smart Car Modifications, and it seems pretty straightforward.

However, the last thing I want to do is break a tab or something off of a panel causing me to have to purchase a new set. Any input/thoughts/suggestions/etc. are valued and welcome. Please help! Thanks in advance.

ShaneXman · 05-31-2008, 09:28 AM

Anyone?!?

ShaneXman · 05-31-2008, 09:30 AM

Original Post Found here: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...html#post83067

Thanks in advance!

**jwight** · 05-31-2008, 09:36 AM

I've merged these in the General Discussion area; maybe you'll get some input there.

ShaneXman · 05-31-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

I've merged these in the General Discussion area; maybe you'll get some input there.

I thought I had one in the General Discussion area already...

I was simply trying to cross-post into Modifications to see if any different input would come from there.

ShaneXman · 05-31-2008, 01:22 PM

Well, I am going down right now to give it a go...wish me luck.

idahosmart · 06-02-2008, 11:58 AM

I've swapped the body panels on my 450 model and had no problems, other than one screw did not want to turn and I ended up drilling it out and replacing it. It was so tight it was breaking my Torx bits.

Tom

bottlerocket · 06-02-2008, 01:33 PM

ShaneXman and I did ours this weekend, six hours for the two cars and a couple of broken clips later we completed the switch....

Would I recommend it to anyone? Only if you have patience....

I would say that I'm sure the task is much easier after the first go around...

ShaneXman · 06-02-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottlerocket

ShaneXman and I did ours this weekend, six hours for the two cars and a couple of broken clips later we completed the switch....

Would I recommend it to anyone? Only if you have patience....

I would say that I'm sure the task is much easier after the first go around...

+1....unfortunately for bottlerocket, ALL of the clips happened to be on his car. In the end, everything turned out looking great! Thanks again man.

bottlerocket · 06-02-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShaneXman

+1....unfortunately for bottlerocket, ALL of the clips happened to be on his car. In the end, everything turned out looking great! Thanks again man.

For some reason I don't think those plastic clips hold up to the environment, I'm ordering replacements today. By the way, if you do a swap with someone I recommend you do it with someone as patient as ShaneXman is!

By the way, I LOVE the way my car looks. Waxed the Tridion and other tidbits yesterday, posted pics up!