7asteroid7

1. Does anyone know what those thin black rubber strips in the exterior are called? The ones between the tails and metal, glass and metal, etc. Hate to sound ignorant in these matters but I couldn't use the search function because I don't even know what they're called.

They have this white and greenish crud over them that I can't get rid of and mostly look really worn out. Makes the car look old. If anyone knows a way to make'em look new again please share. I even tried detailing the car, didn't work. If it's better to get'em replaced, I'd appreciate suggestions, shops in SoCal, etc. How much does it usually run to change them all?

2. I'm thinking about painting the car but I don't wanna spend 5 grand, so I was thinking about getting one of those $600 Earl Scheib paint jobs. Bad idea? Good idea?

Thanks.

V8_Aristo

1. Gaskets and weather stripping. The white and greenish crude you see is wax build up and residue that was never taken off and in time dried out. It can also be possible that they are just really weathered, but I have a 98, and mine looks fine.

2. I have never seen a good $600 paint job.

Santos.L.H

Do not use those cheap paint jobs for your car. You will surly regret it. Those places cut corners everywhere they can (lowest quality paint, sprayers, paint booths, etc). I once got an 89 Civic painted at Ear Schieb, and I was still disappointed (they got paint on the headlights). I understand you don't want to pay too much, but if you take your car to one of those places, it will look like complete crap. I have seen decent paint jobs that were around $2,000.