Panel prices quoted

[SmartPassion]

Silver panels are painted (or powdercoated) over black plastic. At least thats what it appears to be on my "hood".

From what I can see, someone with descent mechanical skills should be able to change the panels themselves.

[stevenvillatoro]

There is a good link to this process elsewhere in the forums.

[skyzdlimit59]

I love the idea of changing out the color. At first I thought it was extravagant but considering the amount of money I see others put into their cars, $900 is not a whole lot to change the whole look. I have a blue/black/black leather but I think I'd like the option of changing to yellow when the mood strikes me.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by 08-4-2

Another thing I heard at the dealer yesterday was the price of replacement panels.

$899 white, black, yellow
$1199 silver, read, blue

The rep didn't seem to know about the non-metallic panels being color-impregnated plastic versus the metallic ones being painted. It would be neat if the metallics contained the color instead of being covered with it.

i posted this in one of the other threads talking about this so unless the price has changed since they printed their catalog the price is $899 and $1099 (not $1199).

[24-42]

I notice the amounts posted for changing color as $1000 - $1200, think how little it is to change back.... $200 - $300, that brings it down to $600 - $700 per change. And that was only one cycle.

It appears to me, that panel removal and replacement is more involved on the 451 than the 450. Be prepared to pay for maybe an additional hour.

To me, the enthusiast will be changing panels his/herself.

Imagine going into work on Monday morning; "Hey, did you buy a new car already?". "No' I just changed colors myself Saturday morning".

My wife took a fender from our car into a dress shop and said; " I'd like to see some dresses that go with this".

In Europe they had problems with ID (Colorwise), it was solved by only using the tridion color.

Donald LaFavor

[spdickey]

My dealer (smart center Beverly Hills) is going to hold "swap parties" where owners will exchange panels.

(And to repeat a joke told earlier, by myself). This is much like the other swap parties in Beverly Hills where residents exchange spouses. Not sure if either the panels or spouses are returnable.

[KWScott]

Don't people in Europe change the panels out themselves? Can't be too complex a process.

[bobarb]

In Wisconsin they're doing the same thing, ours is red but registered in the black tridion color.

[LIVNLTL]

Originally Posted by jaxbchSmart

thats funny. never thought about that. after a quick explanation and donut gift card (kept in glove box), it would be all good.

Donut gift card. Thats funny.

[MarkB]

If the metallic panels are just painted anyways, wouldn't it be cheaper to have body shop re-spray them a different (and totally unique) color? I know from past experiences getting stuff sprayed that you take in yourself is very affordable. Also, you know it's just a matter of time before you start seeing chromed Smarts. It would be so easy with this car.

I have something special in mind for mine. Can't wait to do it.