Phantom kit vs painting

[Donk45]

I really love the flat black look, but I cant decide if I should take the panels off and get them painted or just buy the phantom kit?

What's the cheapest you guys have seen the kit for? I can get it for $800, but I think painting the panels would only be $100 per panel.

 

[tatt2r]

800 is cheap ..... i had a buddy paint mine and still cost me almost that ...i went gloss though

 

[Donk45]

800 is cheap ..... i had a buddy paint mine and still cost me almost that ...i went gloss though

The plastic kit is $800, not the paint. The motorcycle shop by my house said it would cost about $100 per panel (i think there are 5 silver panels) so that would only be $500.

Maaco was right next to the motorcycle shop and they cam out to look at my spyder and they said oh we would do a panel for $50 each, but that's maaco and im not using them.

 

[WackyDan]

The plastic kit is $800, not the paint. The motorcycle shop by my house said it would cost about $100 per panel (i think there are 5 silver panels) so that would only be $500.

Maaco was right next to the motorcycle shop and they cam out to look at my spyder and they said oh we would do a panel for $50 each, but that's maaco and im not using them.

I've seen two Maaco paint jobs in the past year. Both were very nicely done and both owners were pleased with the result and price. Not that every neighborhood Maaco is created equal...

It is of course flat black. Not sure how bad a painter you have to be to screw that up.

 

[tatt2r]

the one near me sucks

 

[Donk45]

It is of course flat black. Not sure how bad a painter you have to be to screw that up.

Funny, but almost all places said it would be more for the flat black, and it's harder.:dontknow:

 

[WackyDan]

Funny, but almost all places said it would be more for the flat black, and it's harder.:dontknow:

Really? How can that be when they don't even shoot clear coat? They are dealing with perfect panels, with minimal surface prep. Unless there is something about flat black paint on plastic panels.

 

[Donk45]

Really? How can that be when they don't even shoot clear coat? They are dealing with perfect panels, with minimal surface prep. Unless there is something about flat black paint on plastic panels.

I have no clue.:dontknow:

 

[WackyDan]

I have no clue.:dontknow:

I may stand corrected. I got curious and looked around. There are matte black finishes and a flat/satin look you can do with regular black paint and a special matte or stain clear coat... That may be the reason for the cost.

 

[fastfraser]

The plastic kit is $800, not the paint. The motorcycle shop by my house said it would cost about $100 per panel (i think there are 5 silver panels) so that would only be $500.

Maaco was right next to the motorcycle shop and they cam out to look at my spyder and they said oh we would do a panel for $50 each, but that's maaco and im not using them.

There are 8 or 9 panels and because the panels are plastic they HAVE to add something to the paint to allow for the flex in the plastic or you will get cracks.:dontknow:

 

[Donk45]

There are 8 or 9 panels and because the panels are plastic they HAVE to add something to the paint to allow for the flex in the plastic or you will get cracks.:dontknow:

I left off the little one in the back behind the seat, but they would that for free.

What am I missing off this list besides the little part behind the seat
-above rear tire
-front right tire
-front left tire
-middle piece
-hood
-side piece with vent
-open side piece

 

[tazz]

flat black kit

i had the flat kit to hard to keep it clean and it marks real easy.i painted my kit a gloss black looks good.

 

[bjt]

I left off the little one in the back behind the seat, but they would that for free.

What am I missing off this list besides the little part behind the seat
-above rear tire
-front right tire
-front left tire
-middle piece
-hood
-side piece with vent
-open side piece

Sounds like you got it all. Technically, the hood is two pieces (small nose piece and main hood) and you might seperate it for painting. We did on dltang's Spyder.

 

[burg650]

Just had the 6 black panels painted and it cost me $600.

 

[Donk45]

Just had the 6 black panels painted and it cost me $600.

Painted what color? Pics?

 

[burg650]

I painted the 6 black panels a color called Aqua Blur, it's a shade shifting color from blue to green and a hint of purple at times look awesome and goes really well with the yellow. Waiting now to do the graphics on the yellow, my attempts to post a photo has not gone well, still not sure how to do it but as soon as I can I will.

 

[bjt]

I painted the 6 black panels a color called Aqua Blur, it's a shade shifting color from blue to green and a hint of purple at times look awesome and goes really well with the yellow. Waiting now to do the graphics on the yellow, my attempts to post a photo has not gone well, still not sure how to do it but as soon as I can I will.

Here are two threads to help with loading pictures.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5841

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8394

Between the two of them, you might be able to make sense of it and get some cool pics loaded here.

 

[Sopher]

I bought my extra set of panels used from VWatso (Victor). Great guy.
I also painted then panels MYSELF.
I used a KlossKote 2 part epoxy Satin Black. Diluted with Laquere thinner for my spray gun.

Costs not including my time:
Used Panels Shipped: $550
Epoxy Paint: $25 (I need to buy a bit more to fix a goof)
New Spray gun: $35

How:
Sanded each panel to remove shine/clear coat.
Remove reflectors/decals and logos. (Masked over the decals)
Wipe all down with rag damp with thinner.
Spray each panel and inspect. Repaint if I flubbed.
Let dry at least 48 hrs.
The epoxy paint is flexable but very durable. Its from the Model airplane world (RC Heli's is my world!) And its fuel proof. If your a flyer, you know why that's important.