Rumor Control - yellow and red panels?

[Suze]

I thought I read this in some unrelated thread yesterday, but can't find it today.

The post mentioned that smart was checking VINs and only selling (08 tomato) Red and Yellow panels to owners of cars that originally came Red or Yellow.

Is that true? If so, what about those of us who have swapped our original panels? My car was built silver, but now is red. What if I need a panel for a repair - is smart going to refuse to sell to me because my VIN says silver?

If anybody has the true scoop on this, let me know.


Thanks!

[Big Panda]

interesting.......i just wonder if someone misunderstood when their smart center asked for a "VIN" to order a new panel.

i know where i work we ask for "VIN"s for any future warranty issues. their receipt shows that the part they purchased was done so for a particular vehicle.

but this is the first i've heard of smart centers asking for 'VINs' and will only order the color that came with the car. kind of defeats their claim that 'if you don't like your color, you can simply order a different color of panels', now doesn't it?

[skyzdlimit59]

Originally Posted by MENSA42

kind of defeats their claim that 'if you don't like your color, you can simply order a different color of panels', now doesn't it?

I believe that was before they discontinued the 08 red and the yellow panels.

It makes perfect sense until you factor in swapping panels or those of us that have more than one set of panels. I would contact your dealer and ask them.

[Dunerunner]

I understood that the panels are VIN specific, if the dealer has not sold the car. In the thread, as I remember it; the vehicle was damaged pre-delivery and the panel had to be special ordered from smartville to match the vehicles VIN because the sale had not be finalized.

[xcrew229x]

I have a hard time believing they aren't going to take your money based on your VIN.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

I understood that the panels are VIN specific, if the dealer has not sold the car. In the thread, as I remember it; the vehicle was damaged pre-delivery and the panel had to be special ordered from smartville to match the vehicles VIN because the sale had not be finalized.

THAT scenario makes sense.

i would highly doubt that any replacement panels for a vehicle AFTER delivery would be 'VIN' specific. if any new vehicle in our inventory (Chrysler) is damaged and needs a panel replaced (hood, fender, door, etc), then we must order a new "VIN" sticker to put on that panel after it's been painted.

however after it's delivered, they do not supply those "VIN" stickers.

[jwight]

wdhitch posted this in the "Questions" thread in the New Members forum:


Quote:
Originally Posted by jwight View Post
Extra panels are available from your smart center parts department.

Clarification - I'm going to assume you purchased a 2008. If that's the case there's a stipulation on purchasing another set of panels. If you are looking to purchase either a set of Yellow or (2008 tomato)Red panels, your VIN number from your car must have had that color when it was built. It will be verified by smart.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by jwight

.If you are looking to purchase either a set of Yellow or (2008 tomato)Red panels, your VIN number from your car must have had that color when it was built. It will be verified by smart.

if that's correct, then
IT SUCKS!

[Wdhitch]

posting from iPhone so bear with me. Information origionally came from Tampa dealer and was then verified thru Clearwater and Orlando dealers. Yellow is the main one they are checking because it's molded and there is a limited supply.I've heard that red really isn't an issue since we have the paint codes now.

[Westfield 11]

Originally Posted by xcrew229x

I have a hard time believing they aren't going to take your money based on your VIN.

At Mercedes, if you have an SL that did not come with a removable glass Panorama roof and you decide to order one later they check your VIN and refuse the sale. So such things are known to happen.