[Vindo310]

Hi I have a 2003 Element(I don't know which model). My front panel has a couple holes in it because I rear ended someone and my other panels look faded.


Where should I get the panels? Do they cost more from the dealership than other places?

Thanks a lot. I did search but I didn't find the answers.

 

[Vindo310]

Alright I searched around and now I know the painted panels are just smoothed plastic. Does anyone know if they sell the painted panels at the dealership?

I called one up and they seemed confused about what I was talking about. Then they said I would have to take the panels to a body shop to get painted.

Also would painted ones cost more than regular plastic panels?

 

[ramblerdan]

Welcome, Vindo310.

There were no painted panels in 2003, so unless the previous owner had the panels painted, you have the standard gray or charcoal panels. Replacing all the old, faded panels to match your new one seems like a waste of money. Some have reported good results with a product called Mother's Back to Black.

It will be easier for others to help you if you fill in your profile. Your VIN will reveal the trim level of your car (search for "vin decoder"), but if you have a double-height stereo and a subwoofer (rather than a storage cubby) in the center panel by the floor, it's likely an EX. If you have a rear skylight, it has 4WD.

 

[Vindo310]

I think I have an EX version. It is 2wd. I bought it used from a friend for 10k a few years back and never really cared about which version it was.

I need to replace the front bumper and the front left panel. Now that I realize I can't get the painted ones I want to get the black panels and bumper. I figure it wouldn't cost me too much more to just buy the remaining black panels. Or am I limited to Grey or Dark gray?

Any advice on where to get these? Thanks.

Edit:
I decoded my vin and it is a EX w/ ABS 2wd. Thanks for the help with that. I think I will just replace the ones I need and then I will try using forever black on the panels.

 

[ramblerdan]

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[Tim Vance]

You are not limited to just the grey panels....
When I replaced my front end, I just asked for a black one - they are all the same anyway, just different colours, depending on the year.

03, and 04 were mostly grey, and black became available in 05

 

[abulevan]

You are not limited to just the grey panels....
When I replaced my front end, I just asked for a black one - they are all the same anyway, just different colours, depending on the year.

03, and 04 were mostly grey, and black became available in 05

05 was still grey. black was on only on a limited edition color for that year, mm.

 

[MME4me]

05 was still grey. black was on only on a limited edition color for that year, mm.

Also came on Rally Red and with NBP, but I think NBP also came with the lighter grey that year too.