2004 plastic panels to metal panels?

soup · 11-21-2012, 07:32 AM

First time poster, but I've had a 2004 Element since the day I bought it off the lot. 172,000 miles later and I can not seem to kill the thing...

Its time for a refresh on it though. Here is my question:

I want to repaint the entire thing including the panels. I am assuming the only way to get a seamless look is to swap out the textured plastic panels with the painted metal ones, and then repaint the entire thing.

Can I do this? Has anyone else done this?
If so, can you tell me what year panels you used, or point me towards a thread or something...?

I did a search but the info was not specific enough for me.

Thanks for any help!

KoolBlue · 11-21-2012, 08:25 AM

Anyway to replace plastic siding on 2004 Element with metal?

soup · 11-21-2012, 08:49 AM

thanks. but theres more conflicting info in there.
2 people say no, and then someone else chimes in with: 'just go to a junkyard like me'.

so 2 no's and a yes...

anyone else? more details?

KoolBlue · 11-21-2012, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soup

thanks. but theres more conflicting info in there.
2 people say no, and then someone else chimes in with: 'just go to a junkyard like me'.

so 2 no's and a yes...

anyone else? more details?

There isn't metal replacements available. The 2009-2011's have metal front fenders but they are not interchangle with the 2003-2008's.

The rear "panels" on all years are plasric.

box-E · 11-21-2012, 09:05 AM

If you want to refresh your E why not try to find a wrecked SC and convert your front end to SC parts since you are going to paint it over anyway. All the panels up to 2009 will interchange you are just looking for 2006 EX-P (for painted) or 07, and 08 EX, SC which were all painted. if you find that wrecked SC you can even get the painted roof garnish instead of the textured. You might also find the textured blue panels from the silver 05s, they look great on your color blue in fact it almost matches. Some one did it a long while back and called his blue berry.

Drew.

Slobadon · 11-21-2012, 09:38 AM

What you have can be painted. The shop will have to sand them down to prep then primmer. Might be more cost effective that way.

Burn619 · 11-21-2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slobadon

What you have can be painted. The shop will have to sand them down to prep then primmer. Might be more cost effective that way.

My thoughts exactly. Why go metal unless you have to. Most people don't even know my panels are plastic until I tell them.

soup · 11-21-2012, 08:44 PM

cool. i have no problem with staying plastic and painting them.

I'm concerned about the quality/lasting power of the paint job on plastic(NY winters are harsh) and if its more cost effective to get the already painted panels and just repaint them...?

It looks like I can find some 2007 painted panels for $40 each. Will the paint shop have an easier time trying to paint the already factory painted panels?

Burn619 · 11-21-2012, 09:16 PM

yes, my painter told me that the sanding of the plastic panels was by far the most timely/costly step in the process. If I had to do it all over again I would try to find some painted panels in a junkyard or something.

misdirection11082 · 11-22-2012, 09:39 AM

There is a set of painted fenders in the trading post for sale.

11-21-2012, 07:32 AM	#1
soup EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2004 4WD EX-P AT Fiji Blue Pearl (FBP) Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 6	2004 plastic panels to metal panels? First time poster, but I've had a 2004 Element since the day I bought it off the lot. 172,000 miles later and I can not seem to kill the thing... Its time for a refresh on it though. Here is my question: I want to repaint the entire thing including the panels. I am assuming the only way to get a seamless look is to swap out the textured plastic panels with the painted metal ones, and then repaint the entire thing. Can I do this? Has anyone else done this? If so, can you tell me what year panels you used, or point me towards a thread or something...? I did a search but the info was not specific enough for me. Thanks for any help!

11-21-2012, 09:05 AM	#5
box-E EOC Rank: Carbon 2007 SC 2WD 5AT Galaxy Gray Metallic (GG) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Waldorf,Md Posts: 1,850	If you want to refresh your E why not try to find a wrecked SC and convert your front end to SC parts since you are going to paint it over anyway. All the panels up to 2009 will interchange you are just looking for 2006 EX-P (for painted) or 07, and 08 EX, SC which were all painted. if you find that wrecked SC you can even get the painted roof garnish instead of the textured. You might also find the textured blue panels from the silver 05s, they look great on your color blue in fact it almost matches. Some one did it a long while back and called his blue berry. Drew. __________________ 07 SC Galaxy Grey, SC spoiler, Pioneer AVIC Z130, Pioneer 4ways in front doors, Pilot leather steering wheel leather shift knob. More to come. Last edited by box-E; 11-21-2012 at 09:11 AM.

11-21-2012, 09:38 AM	#6
Slobadon EOC Rank: Carbon 2007 2WD EX AT Nighthawk Black Pearl (NBP) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,159	What you have can be painted. The shop will have to sand them down to prep then primmer. Might be more cost effective that way. __________________ My E Thread Elemental Motorsports >>Got Silicone?*

11-22-2012, 09:39 AM	#10
misdirection11082 EOC Rank: Carbon 2005 2WD EX AT Rallye Red (RR) Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: charlotte, nc Posts: 1,132	There is a set of painted fenders in the trading post for sale. __________________ http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...595&highlight=

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11-21-2012, 08:25 AM	#2
KoolBlue EOC Rank: Helium 2006 2WD EX-P AT Other Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 167	Anyway to replace plastic siding on 2004 Element with metal?

11-21-2012, 08:49 AM	#3
soup EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2004 4WD EX-P AT Fiji Blue Pearl (FBP) Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 6	thanks. but theres more conflicting info in there. 2 people say no, and then someone else chimes in with: 'just go to a junkyard like me'. so 2 no's and a yes... anyone else? more details?

11-21-2012, 08:44 PM	#8
soup EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2004 4WD EX-P AT Fiji Blue Pearl (FBP) Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 6	cool. i have no problem with staying plastic and painting them. I'm concerned about the quality/lasting power of the paint job on plastic(NY winters are harsh) and if its more cost effective to get the already painted panels and just repaint them...? It looks like I can find some 2007 painted panels for $40 each. Will the paint shop have an easier time trying to paint the already factory painted panels?

11-21-2012, 09:16 PM	#9
Burn619 Premium Member 2004 4WD EX AT Custom Paint Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 930	yes, my painter told me that the sanding of the plastic panels was by far the most timely/costly step in the process. If I had to do it all over again I would try to find some painted panels in a junkyard or something.

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