Where can I get a pre-painted oem front plate surround?

[Cobra4B]

I remember awhile back some vendors were pre-painting the OEM front plate surround. I'd like to purchase one on Torch Red. I plan on driving this car a whole bunch and don't want to donate anymore to the commonwealth than I have to. Plus, I think the car looks perfectly fine w/ a front plate when running the panit matched frame.

For reference here's the OEM bit from Ecklers

http://www.ecklers.com/images/vette/41179.jpg

Thanks,

Brian

[DropTheTop]

C5 Corvette License Plate Surround 1997-2004 Front Factory Colors - Mid America Motorworks (http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-c5-license-plate-surround+1997+2004-front-factory-colors-1-43-3113.html)

And here's one that you can get real cheap, and paint:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-Corvette-C5-LS1-FRONT-LICENSE-PLATE-SURROUND-TRIM_W0QQitemZ370321152391QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20100116?IMSfp=TL100116239008r34071

[Cobra4B]

Hmmm... buy one pre-done and call it a day, or buy the oem one and prime/sand/paint it... Leaning toward just buying a pre-done one. That way if I'm not happy w/ the paint match I can return to the vendor.

[DropTheTop]

Hmmm... buy one pre-done and call it a day, or buy the oem one and prime/sand/paint it... Leaning toward just buying a pre-done one. That way if I'm not happy w/ the paint match I can return to the vendor.

I included the ebay link, because I thought it was interesting that it was NIB, and came from almost your exact car! Did you read the details of the auction?

Me personally, I bought mine from Kewl, (when they were still in business) and called it a day. :cheers:

[Cobra4B]

^ I emailed KEWL... are they no longer in business? And yeah I did read the auction details... funny!

[DropTheTop]

^ I emailed KEWL... are they no longer in business? And yeah I did read the auction details... funny!

They've gone on and off the map several times over the years. They are most likely the ones supplying Mid America, although don't quote me on that. If you found them and they are selling direct again, then great! Probably be cheaper than Mid America.

$90 bucks.
http://www.kewlauto.com/2.htm

[Cobra4B]

I went ahead and paid the extra $9 and ordered from Mid America.

[Y2Kvert4me]

They've gone on and off the map several times over the years. They are most likely the ones supplying Mid America, although don't quote me on that. Yes, they are the supplier to Mid America on the pre-painted stuff. I've chatted with Greg (the owner of Kewl) at Mid America's Funfest a couple times - nice guy, but yes has had some business issues over the years.

I think Kewl prefers to do business that way, as Mid America orders and stocks everything, in every color. It's easier and far more efficient to do that sort of stuff in large batches, rather then custom paint one item at a time for individual customers (like Kewl used to do) and have the customers endure the resulting long lead times for a simple painted part.

As I see it, Kewl doesn't have the means to keep that rather huge amount of inventory like MA does, nor the means to advertise like MA does, so the arrangement works well for everyone.

:cheers: