I just ordered a pair of tonneau covers from rksport, and i need to paint them to match my car. Those of you out there that have them, did you paint them yourself, or get them done? if you painted them yourself, how did you do it, and how did they come out? if you got them done, where would you recommend i get it done, and how much did it cost you? thanks...
Posted by BPS (Member # 1260) on :
I got them done for $250
Posted by JohnnyBs98WS6Rag (Member # 1028) on :
Did you get the ones with the carbon-fiber blisters? If so, mask those off (obviously), paint the rest, remove the masking and clear the entire cover (including the blisters).
Out of the box, they should be ready to skuff and shoot. Remove any trim moulding around the edge too before shooting.
A buddy did mine for materials and beer (his "standard" shop rates ).
Another word of advice: use something to support the middle of the covers when installed in the car. After a while, all the bouncing will cause cracks near the seat-belt cutouts (weak spots). I fabricated a support "rod" from the middle where the 2 halves join down to my rear-seat cupholders and it eliminates nearly all the squeeking and prevents stress on those weak-spots.
[ 02 January 2002: Message edited by: JohnnyBs98WS6Rag ]
Posted by Rickerbucks (Member # 1208) on :
OMG. I want those. wish I never saw them. Just another $1000 CDN to spend.
BPS: I have GOT to see this car of yours. What colour is it? You coming over the water any time soon? Hopefully we will see you over here some time during the summer.
I took them last week - the car is parked and not looking it's best but you should get the general idea
Posted by 94camaroconvertible (Member # 1132) on :
ok, im definitely thinking im gonna have them done, vs doin it myself. no reason for me to drop 500 on them and have them look like s### cause i skimped on paint job. where would you guys recommend? anyone in the MD area? and johnny bs... you got any pics of the rod you fabricated? im sure ill figure it out once i get them, but ideas to work from would be nice. its great having access to a machine shop Posted by BPS (Member # 1260) on :
I'd try any local body shop, visit a couple for some pricing - likely the slower busisness the cheaper it will be. Mine were already painted, and the colour needed to be changed so there was a bit more prep time, As well, the origional colour on my car had faded a bit (it's a '94) so the shop tinted the paint to match the current car colour so the covers would't be a diffent shade.
As far as making a pole - it becomes pretty clear what to do and there are many options. All your trying to do is add a little support, frankly a 1" painted dowel with a slit in the top for the covers to rest in and sitting on the rear floor would do the trick nicely, as would a thinner pole which you could fasted to one if the support screws.
Posted by JohnnyBs98WS6Rag (Member # 1028) on :
My support rod (sorry, no pics handy) is made from 3/8" plywood (~ 6" wide) w/ a slit near the top that tucks between the front edge and 1st wing-nut-screw (that holds the 2 halves together). The bottom has a little arch that straddles the divider between the 2 rear-seat cupholders (in the console on T/As, not sure if Camaros have them - my '94Z didn't) I painted it dark grey to match my interior. Kinda crude, but it works great and was cheap to make.
Also, not sure if the RKSport tonneaus are shaped exactly the same as my BGM tonneaus.
Posted by BadAss30th (Member # 1026) on :
Dude, your car is BEAUTIFUL. Very tastefully done.
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