Anyone From Nz?

[win4ever]

In the past when I have given up on Repco and SupaCheap, I went into a local paint shop, they took the color code and mixed e up a touchup pot of paint based on the code

Only problem you get with any of the touchup paints is due to A) any fading of the original means the touchup is slitely different

and B) the clearcoat changes the color also

Hey Ray, yeah, there is a really really minor slight difference in the touch-up paint compared to the original colour which the person in CarColors has already told me about due to the clearcoat I have. However, the difference is really minimal and because the location of the scratch is at a really hard to spot place of the bonnet, you can't really see it.

He did advice me to get a clear coat for the reverse sensors if I were to spray them before installing them on my car.

So all in all, I am actually quite happy with the results and the paint will stop any rust on the exposed area!

[win4ever]

Actually, the Hankooks I've been running on the Cefiro for about the last 10-15,000k are Ventus Prime K105. I find them extremely quiet, good handling, and hard wearing, and far better than anything else I've used over the years. I've been very happy with them after having them recommended to me by my tyre guy.

The Bridgestone Turanzas we had on our '97 Stagea were unbelievably short lived for some reason (nearly worn out in 25,000km light use. My tyre dealer agreed and replaced them for Good year NCT5's at a very good discount). I haven't formed an opinion on the Bridgestone B390's we got on our M35 yet since we've only done about 2500km them so far.

Dave, sounds like Hankook is a good choice. My friend and a guy from the tyre shop also recommended me the brand together with Kumho. Will see if I can find a good set for my wife. I did saw the other day a set of bridgestone ones (I suppose it their more entry level range) being almost the same price as Supercat so I was thinking of getting that for her. The thing is the March seems to have this odd tyre size that is harder to find. Trademe only has those chinese brands for that measurement.

Seems odd to hear the Turanzas lasting such a short distance. I was using bridgestone tyres before in Malaysia (perhaps 4 years ago) and I recall them being really good and lasting. 25,000 km is definitely very low! I've tried Goodyear b4 too. They are good tyres but I do agree they are not as quiet as the Michelins and Bridgestones. I've tried before a brand called Barrum which is pretty good for the price but haven't seen this brand here b4 in NZ.

The worse tyres I've used are Silverstones (i believe they are a Japanese / Malaysian brand). Didn't last long and was really bumpy and noisy.

Anyway update me on how the B390s go after you have had them on for a bit longer. My Potenza is looking very good still now, but i guess it's good 2 start surveying for a replacement since we are on the topic now!

[win4ever]

Ok, I got some 19's over the weekend and put them on. They make the car look way better than the fugly 16s it had before. I would really like to drop the car in height, say about 30-40mm to help it sit right on the road and for looks. Let me know what you guys think? (sorry about the average pic)

Hey X, the 19" rim looks good on the car mate! Yeah, with bigger wheels, the car definitely looks much sportier! Anyway, always love the Vs side view. What brand of rims are those and where did you get them from? So what tyres are they on now?

The car looks good now. Dunno if lowering it will make it any nicer though as I think it looks really good in it's current state.

[Blade NZ]

But mate, I was researching on the lowering springs and they do come in lowered ones which wouldn't make the riding harder. Its all about right spring rates when you lower it and need the comfort to remain as much as possible. I wouldn't want to go around bouncing around as well so will do the right thing. Cheers

I agree and personally I would love to do it, I don't mind a firmer ride with a lower centre of gravity. Would handle better & it looks just right as well!

I could be wrong but if you just did the springs wouldn't you get a firmer ride, maybe not harsh or bouncier if well matched but surely firmer. What with the decrease in tyre height from lower profiles, the reduction in your useable shock stroke and wouldn't you need a heavier spring rate from standard if you had a shorter spring.

I'd still be interested in doing this all one day if the ride quality remained and as these assumptions are based on limited knowledge from many years ago I'd be keen to hear from you or anyone that does or has done this.

Ha, the first car I lowered (many,many years ago) we just chopped the springs with an angle grinder one day and went cruising . I did do alot better on later cars though.

I've actually recently been offered a set of 35mm lower RSR m35 springs for a reasonable price, still haven't made up my mind on this yet but the family comfort, need to tow a dirt bike and issues offroad when going to dirtbike events means I'd probably regret it so maybe not. Still love the look though and if someone assured me I'd have no issues with the above I'd be in. Pity I can't borrow them to try out .

I'm sure though if you spent the money and did a good job on everything you could get a really good ride with next to no compromises!

[X-Modcarz]

Hey X, the 19" rim looks good on the car mate! Yeah, with bigger wheels, the car definitely looks much sportier! Anyway, always love the Vs side view. What brand of rims are those and where did you get them from? So what tyres are they on now?

The car looks good now. Dunno if lowering it will make it any nicer though as I think it looks really good in it's current state.

Cheers mate, unsure about the brand as they are a special edition GTR wheels, got it off a guy who had it saved when he sold his gtr. It has cheapies on 2 x Nankangs and 2 x Ventus both 275/35/R18, I think. Yep, they are wide.

This pic is deceiving in terms of the gap between tyres and fenders guys, it looks not much in the pic. I only noticedt hat after posting the pic. It is actually quite a bit, only a little less than factory gap.

[Spong]

Ok, I got some 19's over the weekend and put them on. They make the car look way better than the fugly 16s it had before. I would really like to drop the car in height, say about 30-40mm to help it sit right on the road and for looks. Let me know what you guys think? (sorry about the average pic)

Two thumbs up from me. Looks way better than the 16's for sure. What make are those wheels, and what sized tyres did you go with?

Stupid me, I should have read the whole thread up to here. I see what they are now. Really makes a huge difference for sure.

Do they stick out past the guards?

Edited August 2, 2010 by Spong

[win4ever]

yeah, definitely agree the car looks very nice now!

As for the tyres, they do look really wide! I think mine is only 225 at the front and 245 at the back. Is the wheels 19" or 18" coz the tyres are saying 18" right?

So the rims came with tyres? Mind disclosing how much you got them for?

Anyway, do update us on development in terms of the decision to lower the car or not! Personally, i like the car to be as it is now although I know you are saying the picture is deceiving. Reason for this is i just hate the sound of the bottom of the car scratching against the ground when I am going through a bump.

[X-Modcarz]

yeah, definitely agree the car looks very nice now!

As for the tyres, they do look really wide! I think mine is only 225 at the front and 245 at the back. Is the wheels 19" or 18" coz the tyres are saying 18" right?

So the rims came with tyres? Mind disclosing how much you got them for?

Anyway, do update us on development in terms of the decision to lower the car or not! Personally, i like the car to be as it is now although I know you are saying the picture is deceiving. Reason for this is i just hate the sound of the bottom of the car scratching against the ground when I am going through a bump.

Sorry, my mistake they are 275/35/R19s. The offset is +32 all around so the wheels sit inside the guard in the front really well and around 5mm outside the guard on the rears. I was amazed how they actually fitted without it touching any sides. Its sweet even when turning and driving. Haven't scraped anything uptill now even going over bumps, no bottoming out so don't think it is going to happen in future. I am quite particular on this and do not want to look like some silly "boyracers".

The wheels came at mates rates, kinda exchanged for something he needed so cannot really put a price on them. Plus the deal is, if the car is ever sold the wheels go back to him.

[win4ever]

Sorry, my mistake they are 275/35/R19s. The offset is +32 all around so the wheels sit inside the guard in the front really well and around 5mm outside the guard on the rears. I was amazed how they actually fitted without it touching any sides. Its sweet even when turning and driving. Haven't scraped anything uptill now even going over bumps, no bottoming out so don't think it is going to happen in future. I am quite particular on this and do not want to look like some silly "boyracers".

The wheels came at mates rates, kinda exchanged for something he needed so cannot really put a price on them. Plus the deal is, if the car is ever sold the wheels go back to him.

Hmmm.... interesting arrangements you got there mate! anyway good 2 have mates to do this kinda deal for it as I suppose it's gonna be pretty good rates consider it's mates rates!

And yes, last thing I want my car to look like is some silly "boyracers" too! That's also the main reason I was saying I m not too keen to do much modifications to the car esp. those cosmetic ones!

Anyway, i m planning to sort out my reverse sensors this weekend as I've found a seller / installer near where i stay who does it. I've got an option to add 2 more sensors for the front. You guys think it's a good idea? I m actually more concern of the back coz with the coupe, you can't really see how far you are from an object at the back.

Next is probably the stereo's bandwidth expander from the place in Onehunga that Dave recommends.

[Blade NZ]

Sorry, my mistake they are 275/35/R19s. The offset is +32 all around so the wheels sit inside the guard in the front really well and around 5mm outside the guard on the rears. I was amazed how they actually fitted without it touching any sides. Its sweet even when turning and driving. Haven't scraped anything uptill now even going over bumps, no bottoming out so don't think it is going to happen in future. I am quite particular on this and do not want to look like some silly "boyracers".

The wheels came at mates rates, kinda exchanged for something he needed so cannot really put a price on them. Plus the deal is, if the car is ever sold the wheels go back to him.

Wow, nice wide tyres and a great deal. I bet it looks great from the rear. Do you think we could get a pic (when it's light) low down from the rear looking back along one side. Also good to know that size doesn't touch anything with such a wide tyre. Does the steering still feel good at slow speeds? Thanks in advance!

[rayh1]

Hey Ray, yeah, there is a really really minor slight difference in the touch-up paint compared to the original colour which the person in CarColors has already told me about due to the clearcoat I have. However, the difference is really minimal and because the location of the scratch is at a really hard to spot place of the bonnet, you can't really see it.

He did advice me to get a clear coat for the reverse sensors if I were to spray them before installing them on my car.

So all in all, I am actually quite happy with the results and the paint will stop any rust on the exposed area!

good to hear the colour is a close match,

I cannot remember which brand, but you can get a small sparay can of Clear Coat

for cars, it was either Supa Cheap or repcos that I got mine from

Main reason I got one was because I didnt want to end up with the clear coat lifting because of the scratch I had

I just gave the area a very light spray left it to harden then a very careful gentle buff with the car polisher

[win4ever]

good to hear the colour is a close match,

I cannot remember which brand, but you can get a small sparay can of Clear Coat

for cars, it was either Supa Cheap or repcos that I got mine from

Main reason I got one was because I didnt want to end up with the clear coat lifting because of the scratch I had

I just gave the area a very light spray left it to harden then a very careful gentle buff with the car polisher

Good idea Ray! Alright, it's going to be my mini project for this weekend then (apart from getting a reverse sensor installed) =)

The guy in CarColors asked me to get a can of clear coat too but it was a really big can and he said as the scratch is at such a hidden area, he said it doesn't really matter but he did suggest if I were to spray the sensors, I'll need the clear coat. Anyway, do you just spray the clear coat on or can I again use a brush to just apply a layer on the scratch?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[win4ever]

Wow, nice wide tyres and a great deal. I bet it looks great from the rear. Do you think we could get a pic (when it's light) low down from the rear looking back along one side. Also good to know that size doesn't touch anything with such a wide tyre. Does the steering still feel good at slow speeds? Thanks in advance!

Yeah X, we'll be keen to see more photos of the car with the new set of mags on!

[rayh1]

Good idea Ray! Alright, it's going to be my mini project for this weekend then (apart from getting a reverse sensor installed) =)

The guy in CarColors asked me to get a can of clear coat too but it was a really big can and he said as the scratch is at such a hidden area, he said it doesn't really matter but he did suggest if I were to spray the sensors, I'll need the clear coat. Anyway, do you just spray the clear coat on or can I again use a brush to just apply a layer on the scratch?

Thanks in advance for the help!

All I did with my old car was to give the area a good clean up and then degrease etc

I gave at a couple of very light spray coats and left to harden for a day or two before any light buffing

You dont want to cover too big an area with the spray,I went 1 to 2 inches past the scratch

Nothing much is going to make things look original, my aim was to try and prevent any spread of delamination

The can I got was a small one about 15gm abbout 6 inches high plenty there for this sort of job

You could try brushing it but I dont think you would get as good a seal around the scratch

[win4ever]

All I did with my old car was to give the area a good clean up and then degrease etc

I gave at a couple of very light spray coats and left to harden for a day or two before any light buffing

You dont want to cover too big an area with the spray,I went 1 to 2 inches past the scratch

Nothing much is going to make things look original, my aim was to try and prevent any spread of delamination

The can I got was a small one about 15gm abbout 6 inches high plenty there for this sort of job

You could try brushing it but I dont think you would get as good a seal around the scratch

Yeah, I agree that a spray will do a much smoother and nicer job. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately), the scratch I have is just probably a 2mm diameter scratch right at the tip of the bonnet closest to the windscreen which has started to rust. So it's basically almost impossible to spray without taking the bonnet out as the spray will get onto the windscreen. Tat's why I've used a brush to just apply a few layers of paint onto the car.

I guess i'll have to do the same for the clear coat as well....

Anyway, the scratch is really barely visible and my aim was also to prevent any spread of delamination. The sensors will be a different story though. If I need to spray, I'll probably make sure I do a good job on them! The seller was saying he got the color of my car for the sensor, so hopefully it's the case and tat'll save me some work.

[X-Modcarz]

Wow, nice wide tyres and a great deal. I bet it looks great from the rear. Do you think we could get a pic (when it's light) low down from the rear looking back along one side. Also good to know that size doesn't touch anything with such a wide tyre. Does the steering still feel good at slow speeds? Thanks in advance!

Yep, will do guys once this nagging rain passes us by. I have been wanting to take some good shots for a while now.

The steering is nice and tight and precise as it could be so no complains there, still feels the same at low speeds.

[rayh1]

Yeah, I agree that a spray will do a much smoother and nicer job. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately), the scratch I have is just probably a 2mm diameter scratch right at the tip of the bonnet closest to the windscreen which has started to rust. So it's basically almost impossible to spray without taking the bonnet out as the spray will get onto the windscreen. Tat's why I've used a brush to just apply a few layers of paint onto the car.

I guess i'll have to do the same for the clear coat as well....

Anyway, the scratch is really barely visible and my aim was also to prevent any spread of delamination. The sensors will be a different story though. If I need to spray, I'll probably make sure I do a good job on them! The seller was saying he got the color of my car for the sensor, so hopefully it's the case and tat'll save me some work.

I would suggest if you havent already done so that you either sand out the rust or very carefully apply some rust neutraliser ( carefully as it can damage paint finish) if it is close to the windscreen try masking off with newspaper you should be able to mask off everwhere but the area of the scratch. If you dont do something about the rust it will come back only worse

[win4ever]

I would suggest if you havent already done so that you either sand out the rust or very carefully apply some rust neutraliser ( carefully as it can damage paint finish) if it is close to the windscreen try masking off with newspaper you should be able to mask off everwhere but the area of the scratch. If you dont do something about the rust it will come back only worse

Hmmm... well, I basically gave the scratch area a good clean ensuring no grease or wax on it. Then used a hair dryer to dry it completely to avoid any moisture. Then applied 4 layers of paint on to it with approx 10 mins interval between each layer to allow the previous layer to dry.

The result is pretty ok. It's not as smooth as I want considering I am using a brush instead of a spray. But as the mark is really pretty hard to spot, it really didn't concern me as long as I have got the rust sorted. So overall, I would say I am pretty happy with the results.

[rayh1]

Hmmm... well, I basically gave the scratch area a good clean ensuring no grease or wax on it. Then used a hair dryer to dry it completely to avoid any moisture. Then applied 4 layers of paint on to it with approx 10 mins interval between each layer to allow the previous layer to dry.

The result is pretty ok. It's not as smooth as I want considering I am using a brush instead of a spray. But as the mark is really pretty hard to spot, it really didn't concern me as long as I have got the rust sorted. So overall, I would say I am pretty happy with the results.

Sounds good............as long as you are happy and the rust is gone thats all that matters

[win4ever]

Sounds good............as long as you are happy and the rust is gone thats all that matters

Yeah... all good mate!

Now just looking fwd to getting some reverse sensors in. It's really quite hard to do a side parking now as it's virtually near impossible to see what's at the back with the coupe's big bumper at the back....

Also, got my insurance all sorted with AMI. I have to say, I am pretty surprise by the cost of the insurance which is definitely much lower than what I expect esp after seeing how the Aussies got charged over there!