AutoCouture installed
05-08-07 | 08:07 AM
#32
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: BC
Well after 4 month wait period and a three week dry fit, paint and install, I'm good to go.
I thought that I would share some of my opinions on the product.
First I went with the full front and rear bumper.
I removed the old bumpers and installed the new one's myself. Old bumpers were very easy to remove; new bumpers were also fairly easily installed.
As far as the installation goes, the washer units required me to make up my own brackets. The kit did not come with any, not sure why, and they didn’t return emails. (little disappointed). The bracket system for the running lights is a bit cheesy as well and required a bit of retro fitting. They fit in a cup type system and are sloppy. I used a bit of double sided tape to hold them secure.
Overall the product is considered to be good. It's certainly not as good as the original when it comes to fit but more than acceptable. Both bumpers required additional body work to remove waves and ripples in the fiberglass. Some may say I went a bit overboard but then I'm a bit of a perfectionist. All in all the body work and painting cost me $1,100.
Would I do it again? Honestly I'm Not sure, I would have to say that the quality is not as good as what I really like for the car. The body shop did say that in relation to other kits they see, this is really good. I guess perhaps I expect a bit too much but then again I bought a Lexus and not a Saturn...
Total cost: $2500 for bumpers, $270 for shipping, $300+ for duty (I live in Canada) and $1,100 for paint. US $4,170 or $4,600 Canadian.
I thought that I would share some of my opinions on the product.
First I went with the full front and rear bumper.
I removed the old bumpers and installed the new one's myself. Old bumpers were very easy to remove; new bumpers were also fairly easily installed.
As far as the installation goes, the washer units required me to make up my own brackets. The kit did not come with any, not sure why, and they didn’t return emails. (little disappointed). The bracket system for the running lights is a bit cheesy as well and required a bit of retro fitting. They fit in a cup type system and are sloppy. I used a bit of double sided tape to hold them secure.
Overall the product is considered to be good. It's certainly not as good as the original when it comes to fit but more than acceptable. Both bumpers required additional body work to remove waves and ripples in the fiberglass. Some may say I went a bit overboard but then I'm a bit of a perfectionist. All in all the body work and painting cost me $1,100.
Would I do it again? Honestly I'm Not sure, I would have to say that the quality is not as good as what I really like for the car. The body shop did say that in relation to other kits they see, this is really good. I guess perhaps I expect a bit too much but then again I bought a Lexus and not a Saturn...
Total cost: $2500 for bumpers, $270 for shipping, $300+ for duty (I live in Canada) and $1,100 for paint. US $4,170 or $4,600 Canadian.
Here is a less flattering picture but it does show both bumpers. What I like is the fact that the bumpers lengthen the look of the car, something I really think the car needs.
05-09-07 | 08:07 AM
#35
Lexucanafer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, Canada
Beautiful SC430 !!! 
The pic of your car with the body of water in the background looks familiar to me.
That wouldn't be the Okanagan would it? You made mention of a winery too, which added to my suspicion...
The pic of your car with the body of water in the background looks familiar to me.
That wouldn't be the Okanagan would it? You made mention of a winery too, which added to my suspicion...
05-09-07 | 04:47 PM
#36
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: BC
05-15-07 | 09:00 PM
#40
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Canada
Woohoo! Another full AC kit in Canada! I actually really like it in lighter colors, its nice to finally see what it would look like. I think the kit looks even more subtle on darker colors like my dark blue. Great kit selection, I think it will definitely grow on you, as it certainly has for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Also great looking wheels.
Penticton eh? If I go to kelowna anytime soon, I will have to pay a trip to see your ride! Would be a cool to see a dual full AC kit photoshoot.
Steve
Penticton eh? If I go to kelowna anytime soon, I will have to pay a trip to see your ride! Would be a cool to see a dual full AC kit photoshoot.
Steve
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