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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.
remember, the panels don't come raw. they come glossy plastic. so there would be lots of prep work in advance of actual painting. most replacement parts for audi and MB come in primer grey so there is much less prep work before paint. my guess is that prepping/painting these panels would be several hundred dollars if done by a reputable paint shop.
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.
actually, someone told me about that deal. when i am ready, i'd swap my black panels for white or another color if someone else is up for it. it would have to be one of those things though that you make sure if you had taken good care of your car and you swapped with someone who had some dings that you knew ahead of time. call me paranoid.
actually, someone told me about that deal. when i am ready, i'd swap my black panels for white or another color if someone else is up for it. it would have to be one of those things though that you make sure if you had taken good care of your car and you swapped with someone who had some dings that you knew ahead of time. call me paranoid.
i should have clarified, ding in the paint. to me a ding is a ding.
its funny, on my cayman S we went on a road trip the weekend we took delivery. 400 miles in, BLAM! rock hit the windshield...only after first hitting my hood and putting a chip down to the primer. go figure.
If I do anything weird to my smart (and I'm seriously considering it), I'll buy a fresh set of panels and do the weirdness on them, saving the original panels so I can always return the car to 'stock'.
Same with the wheels... I think my future bumblebee would look better with black rims, so I'm seriously considering getting an extra set of stock rims and having them powder coated black.
in nyc you can fight a ticket and win if any of the written information is incorrect. in this case the color...hehe =) oh yeah....it's a technicality.
btw...a BIG BIG concern for me living in nyc...
i don't know if anyone ever thought of this, but i'm pretty concerned that the panels can be all taken apart when i leave my car parked outside, since there are no locks keeping it in place. =(
or am i just over reacting? because in comparision most cars don't have wheel locks, and very few cars ever get wheel jacked overnight.
in nyc you can fight a ticket and win if any of the written information is incorrect. in this case the color...hehe =) oh yeah....it's a technicality.
btw...a BIG BIG concern for me living in nyc...
i don't know if anyone ever thought of this, but i'm pretty concerned that the panels can be all taken apart when i leave my car parked outside, since there are no locks keeping it in place. =(
or am i just over reacting? because in comparision most cars don't have wheel locks, and very few cars ever get wheel jacked overnight.
the only panel that comes off without tools is the hood. and it is attached with a strap. i think there is a bunch of over reaction to this threat. people are quoting that this is or was a problem in France. i've been to France 10 times and all through Europe and Taiwan where the cars are and have never ever seen a Smart car that is missing a hood. the only way i can see somebody stealing a hood is if they need a replacement for their own car, and even that is a stretch. it's not like there is a big sticker on the hood that says "unlatch here and take me". if you don't have knowledge of the car, you wouldn't even know how to unlock the latches or that the hood is even removeable.
i'd be more concerned with the cow-tipping that is sure to happen with this car outside drunken college bars...
I'm wondering though,
if you had the tools, the other parts can be taken off without opening or having access to the inside of the car correct?
i'm pretty sure it's just an over-reaction.
because no matter what, if someone wants to take it, they'll take it.
i know what..maybe i'll just take the panels off and lock them inside the car =P hehe
from what i can tell, the only panel that can be fully removed without opening the doors or back is the hood. it would be a whole lot easier to steal the whole car. i really don't see a thief showing up with his tool box, laying down on the pavement and spending an hour pulling panels off of a car that is parked on a public street. theifs are about quick hits. removing the panels would not qualify.
hey thanks for the heads up.. =)
i actually feel a lot better...not that i'll be street parking my car in the city often...but it's always good to know..
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