Bump Strips & Colour Coding

black-a4 · Post by **black-a4** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:59 pm

I know its been covered before, but was unable to get definative answers!

I have recently got a 9n3, after having a 9n for the last 4yrs. I didn't mind the plastic textured strips, handles and mirrors on the last one as it was a darker colour. But my new one is olympic blue and the black plastic stands out a little too much for my liking!!

Basically what are peoples experiences with colour coding?

I have a few quotes at the moment.
One place wants to order primed everything from the dealers (excluding handles) and then paint. It costs approx. Â£200 for the parts, and Â£250 for the painting. So Â£450 all in.

The second guy suggest I paint the parts already on the car. He would obviously prep. and prim them. He was looking Â£410.

So both prices are quite similar, but using different techniques. Are these quotes quite high?

Cheers, black-a4

david burton · Post by **david burton** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:06 pm

The quotes aren't ridiculous but they are high.

I was charged Â£350 to paint and fit bump strips and a votex kit. You should find a cheaper place would probably charge Â£150 for all strips fitted.

The reason I could do this was I bought a set of bump strips (textured) from VW (Â£90), sanded and primed them, got them fitted then sold the old ones for Â£40.

So it depends on how much work you want to do. I think a decent bodyshop would do them for Â£200 tops if they used the current parts, so probably your quotes are quite high.

I know a place in High Wycombe that might not charge the earth - Hanson Bodyshop, but it depends how far you want to travel.

black-a4 · Post by **black-a4** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:39 pm

Yeah I feel the quotes are high but I know the first guy is renound for his good work. But even at that was looking at paying a little less. I thought I could maybe get the job done incuding mostly new parts for about Â£100 less.

Would removing the bump strips warp or brake them at all?

Unfortuantley I live in Northern Ireland David, but if any NI members know of experienced, reasonable bodyshops please inform me!

david burton · Post by **david burton** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:54 pm

You have to be careful with the side strips because they tend to bend a little, but if you are careful then there are no worries - I resold mine without issues.

I'm pretty sure a guy near us offered full colour coding for about Â£150 all in, including sanding. My advice is to keep shopping around.