The topic says it all really. Are the hood scoops on XKRs painted on the black cars like they are on other models? My 2005 is black and the hood scoops, while black, are not painted. Over time thay stand out probably more than they should because of the difference in colors. A little wax helps for a while.

Anyway, is this how the car came from the factory, or was it the result of a precious repair?

Thank you

 

Mine is 2000 model and black l am sure they are painted but short of scraping away at them can't be 100%

 

I can't imagine that they painted every colour expect the black ones.

 

My 02 Air ducts are painted same as body Anthracite metallic black. Might be they replaced them at some point on your?

 

They should be painted.

When I got my car the paint on the vents was cooked pretty badly, either from engine heat or the sun or maybe both. They were dull like you describe and while wax would help, it didn't last long.

The fix it to repaint them or do something like a hydrodip.

 

Mine are the same way, black, almost powder coated, but not glossy like the rest of the hood. I am considering the chrome mesh ones..

 

This photo really shows what I'm talking about. Powder coated is an excellent description.

 

Same here...

 

So it seems it may be an issue related to the later cars, or maybe even just the 2005s. Does anyone have a black 2006 xkr that can comment on how his looks? What about an 04?

 

OT: Like your flooring. Any pointer for me to look it up? Thanks.

 

I had it done by these guys. It took a weekend. Very easy and we are extremely happy with it - it's virtually bullet proof. It's supposedly a much better finish than you can get DIY as they grind the floor with a diamond grinder and then use some serious chemicals. I think it has a 20 year warranty?

Garage Flooring Systems Garage Floor Coating Solutions

 

Painted metal and painted plastic probably react differently to UV exposure.

bob

 

My 03 looked the same way before I painted them. Don't think it's year related.

 

So I wanted to follow up and share that I was able to greatly improve the look of the vents with Griot's trim dressing. I just applied with a microfiber rag. The pic shows the difference that one coat made... two more has it blending in almost perfectly. I don't know how long this will last, but I will update. I'm sure back to black or similar products from other companies would do the same thing, I'm just partial to Griot's products myself.

 

My Red XKR has the same problem but not as pronounced as the black. I'll try your idea with some of the new coating systems out there.

 

Hi,

I've got a 2003 XKR, per the colour code is Midnight Black. I've noticed in some light, usually when dark and under artificial light (not as pronounced in daylight) the vents are slightly different to the bonnet. However mine appear to be more of a different shade (a dark grey perhaps) with a finish to them (with metallic flecks and such) rather than having simply faded and showing any signs of damage. Also noticed the wing mirror covers and the boot spoiler the same. So perhaps in my case was a finishing choice taken by the original owner. Can't see how they'd all have gone the same way, with no sign of damage to them.

Perhaps that's how some cars are. Will try and get some close up pics.

Unless the whole car has been resprayed and they weren't touched, which would be an odd decision to take. If spraying all of it who'd skimp on a couple of small plastic trims?

Stuart

 

Why put dressing on paint?? It's better to just pop them off and get them repainted. It will look 100% better!

Don't be lazy, do it the right way