First on my list is to find a new muffler tip as well as spraying muffler with black primer to try to save it from rust death as this winter took a major toll on the original muffler and its showing signs of decay.

Looking for dual clamp on tip with possibly a brushed aluminum finish not rolled edge less than $60 and decent quality. I've looked in depth at flowmaster but the pictures show what looks like half *** welds. let me know if anyone has anything good.


next is that i'm considering doing some plastidip fender stripes as some other members have done.


I am also considering removing the LS badges and replacing them with RS badges. (my car being the lowest optioned available and one of the lightest setups for a 5th gen I feel it may be acceptable)

 

But the RS is a package, not just the lowest on the totem pole.

I like the tips, but only if you are running dual exits. It looks funny having 2 coming out of one side.

I would truthfully just debadge, remove the side molding, and really invest in a proper detailing. Your clear coat in that picture looks like it is just crying for some attention.

 

I have to agree with Mike on this one...

Those tips would look great with dual exhaust.

I have a friend with a 5th gen the same color as yours... Like Mike suggested... you should get a proper detailing.... That color is friggn awesome when its done correctly!

This is what yours could look like with a proper detailing!

Like Mike also suggested, smooth it out.. remove the door mouldings and de badge it. (Which is what I did to mine recently!)
It definitely give it a whole new look!

I also noticed that yours sure sits up pretty high.. Have you added larger springs? or did you put something in the springs?
I also noticed the camber on the right front is waaaay off (tilted out at the top) Looks like you could use a front end alignment!

Your 5th Gen Monte has soooo Much more potential!

 

Yep I agree with David and Mike take her to the salon for a facial

 

Also how does one ever go about waxing their car again near where the Plasti-dip stripes would be? Think they would have to be masked off everytime and hope you don't hit them with a buffer. What would it take to have them professionally painted on and be nice and shiny? $200 to $300 and they would be there for the duration.

Anyone else who did the "Plasti-dip" method experiencing any type of issues to include delamination from say like high pressure car washes etc.? Or do you just accept the fact that they will be an ongoing maintenance issue and call it good, fixing them when you need to?

 

dip is cleaned of all wax with rubbing alcohol and a towel a non issue lol. MY bumpers are peeling again and in order to fix them right i need to sand down to the plastic because the paint just bubbles and cracks everytime i redo it. i just got new rear struts and an alignment the rear has settled alittle sinece this picture was taken

 

Greg, after messing with PD last night I found it surprisingly durable, once I got it to peel off the surface my brother took a pocket knife to if and stretched significantly before finally tearing through it. It would have to be avoided with a buffer but I believe it holds up well in a car wash as long as you dont scrub it to rough.

When it comes to the price of pin stripes, my one stripe was $800 to re-do on my door. But if you find a good shop you could get it done cheaper.

 

ok so i need to find a good orbital sander/buffer and get to work

I also have some paint fade showing up on the roof and trunk. the chrome strip around the car is bad as well

 

that dent is the only thing preventing me from removing the strip

 

Cool was looking for more information on the Pd process and it's durability. Nice to see it is fairly resilient. Bet with the proper prep on could get it to adhere to some unusual places. Good job! Hell $800 for pin stripe repairs, ouch for sure, i can se why one would want to diy a smaller project then.