Topshop sides vs painted stock sides.

[Korywithak]

I wanted to see what my car would look like with the Topshop sides vs my painted sides. I carefully photoshoped this to see EXACTLY how much lower they would be. Looks as though they would drop the sides about 1.5 inches.

So what do we think? Is it worth the 350ish to have these for the difference?
While I do think they look better, I just don't know if I can justify the money for the difference.

Lets hear it! (Note: this is an OLD photo of my car from years ago, but it was the perfect angle to photoshope the sides)

http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Sides.jpg

[WillyWonka]

The key here is that its easier to paint fiberglass (to ensure a longer adhesion life) than it is plastic, especially if you have been treating the plastic with Armor All or a similar product. Many paint shops won't touch an exterior plastic (especially in an area so prone to chips) and if they do, they may give you a verbal disclaimer regarding the potential instability of the paint.

Sure, the skirts can be prepped to no end in order to negate the effects of any previous plastic treatment, but the paint simply won't stick as well in my opinion. Stock skirts have been painted before and results vary. Beyond the capabilities of the shop, environmental exposure (road salt, sun, etc.) makes a big difference.

The bottom line is - Painted fiberglass could last longer if done right.

[Korywithak]

Will, my sides have been painted for years now, and I have had ZERO problems, my shop does GOOD work. He sanded off ALL the texture and used some special primer. I couldn't imagine a better job.

Did you get your topshop sides yet?

[WillyWonka]

Will, my sides have been painted for years now, and I have had ZERO problems, my shop does GOOD work. He sanded off ALL the texture and used some special primer. I couldn't imagine a better job.

Did you get your topshop sides yet?
That's the key. You need a quality painter to handle them. Some don't have the experience or the cajones.

My skirts are not here yet but they are scheduled to arrive today.

[lpphreakx06]

Can't wait to see them on your car willy.

I say get them kory.

[Zero]

Get the TopShop sides, then buy the Molly front lip from Kaminari.

[topshop]

I think they look really good on your car,
Justin B

[Korywithak]

Get the TopShop sides, then buy the Molly front lip from Kaminari.

This is what Im thinking. Im a bit dissappointed in Kam though, I have called and they said they would return my call with a prices shipped to my door... the never returned my call. I also emailed them about the Molly front lip... no response. I just can't believe the customer service with most companies out there.


I think they look really good on your car,
Justin B


:gap: Ya think so? ;)

[WillyWonka]

This is what Im thinking. Im a bit dissappointed in Kam though, I have called and they said they would return my call with a prices shipped to my door... the never returned my call. I also emailed them about the Molly front lip... no response. I just can't believe the customer service with most companies out there.
Ask for Andy when you call. Just about everyone else will take a message. What happens to those messages is a mystery.

[GT_RyderZ]

keep the stock. it looks almost the same high as stock. why waste money.

[RUSH]

I'd go with ts ss.

[lamboceliGTS]

i'd say stick w/ the stock.

[topshop]

The side skirts are way thicker that 1.5 in. Besides that they give the car a way different stance than the stock skirts.If you have the entire kit to go with the rest of the car and you have it lowered that is going to give it and even more distinct look.

[Korywithak]

The side skirts are way thicker that 1.5 in...

What I meant is from eyeballing it, the Topshop sides look about 1.5 inches LOWER THAN stock... is this about correct?

[lpphreakx06]

I'd say thats a fair estimate.

[imatunergts]

get the sides gives it a nicer cut along the bottom

[imatunergts]

also what has been told to me many times get rid of the stock sides,,,,, when looking at your sig the first thing you see is the stock straight sideskirt and nothing else on the car is straight (stock lines)

[DooM]

I think the sides are exactly what they were created for, a nice subtle looking skirt.
From the chop they look nice on your car.
When I get the $$$ for them, I'm ordering w/ the quickness.

[peeper06]

I think that you should just stick with the stock sides. Your front isn't so low that the sides look weird and don't line up, which imo is the main reason to get sides. I would save your money if I were you.