The Beast - FX45 :: 2004 Infiniti FX45

[GetLuckiFX]

The only part I'm not having painted is my roof, since it's already wrapped, so that might have slightly lowered the cost, plus the shop I'm doing it at had done all previous 4 cars of mine and I know the owner, with that said, the difference between paint and full wrap is a bit over $1000. To some that might not be a whole lot, but then I can do a lot with 1K

 

[la_fx35]

I would repaint too. Especially with the unique rare copper color.

 

[GetLuckiFX]

Thanks Andy , I'm still intrigued by a full wrap but afraid with my color I'd regret it fast. Roof, mirrors and rear bumper will have to do for now

 

[GEE50FX]

Love, love, your color, wise decision to repaint :good:

 

[RIPnFX]

Love your fx bro, sick mods. Looks super fresh

 

[GetLuckiFX]

Thank you gents!! Just reinforced my decision! Can't wait to have her back and looking like new

 

[JMB300z]

Nice Ride.. I love the halos

 

[GetLuckiFX]

The Beast is finally being put back together today. Finishing the wheel well trims and rocker panels. Then just do the driver's side mirror wrap, take pics and post that DIY

Window trim next weekend

Left side just wet sanded,
Right side buffed out/pre wax ...

 

[Viperi]

omg how you do that

 

[GetLuckiFX]

This took me 4 days. The plastic was pretty badly pitted from years of road abuse. Sanded it down with 400 grit paper, then sprayed with a filler primer, sanded that down with 600, sprayed over again, 1000 grit, then 2 layers of paint, 1500 grit, 2 more layers, then clear coat, 4 layers, 1500 and 2000 grit wet sanding, rubbing compound and waxed to give it a shine.
I didn't want to feel any bumps and uneven areas, this is so smooth even I'm sporting a big ass grin ). I let the primer dry over night before sanding it and painting, and same with the clear coat, wanted give it enough time to harden and cure. It's night and day in the way the plastic pieces feel. Used up total of 2 spray cans for primer/paint/clear coat.

---------- Post added at 01:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 PM ----------

Here are all the pieces painted with primer and sanded down

 

[Viperi]

wow. did you spray can the color also?

 

[meme405]

I've always wondered, aren't you guys (the gents on here with painted lowers) concerned about the paint flexing and chipping away easily from the plastic?

Or is it a non-issue?

I'm looking for insight as I truly have no experience in this realm.

---------- Post added at 03:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:03 PM ----------

Oh and it looks absolutely awesome Lucki. I need to contemplate this as an option. Problem is I doubt I would be able to pull it off like you... lol

 

[GetLuckiFX]

As long as you use the correct paint designed for plastics, that will withstand flexing to a certain degree as well as effect of temperature and other conditions. Prep work is a key too, and rocker panels are made essentially from the same material as our bumpers, and you don't see much problems with the paint, apart from random rock chip etc etc. I have painted my previous cars and honestly never had any issues with the paint flaking off, chipping or else. But my cars are also not exposed to 4 seasons like some.

I say if one is not confident in trying DIY, any good body shop will do it. And then anyone can give it a try, worse case scenario, it will have to be redone

And thanks for the comment.

About to put them all back on the car. Had to bathe her first lol.

---------- Post added at 04:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 PM ----------

Here are some pix of everything back on the car, including fresh paint

A bit naked ...




With molding back on ...







Next weekend will finish both bumpers to match.

 

[GEE50FX]

Yum, it's looking real good Adam.

 

[Viperi]

so nice! what primer filler and paint you use?

 

[la_fx35]

The paint job looks great Adam. One thing that really get me is there the bottom of the wheel molding meet up with the black on from the bumper. Any plan on paint the black on the bumper the color you use on the rockers and wheel moldings?

 

[GetLuckiFX]

Thanks Andy. Yes I will paint the bottoms of both bumpers this weekend to finish the look. Nothing escapes your eye

---------- Post added at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:00 PM ----------

so nice! what primer filler and paint you use?

Here is what I used

 

[Logan]

Nice work on the paint, smooth as a babies butt.

 

[GetLuckiFX]

so nice! what primer filler and paint you use?

Here is the paint I used

 

[GetLuckiFX]

Could not wait till the weekend so started on the front bumper now ...