Folks,

Been thinking about some minor paint mods to subtly "harden up" the front of the the VRX/SX/GT models without extensive/expensive redesign and molds etc.

The idea was before the S3 was released but obviously Mitsu was thinking the same thing, earlier than me.

Attached is what I am investigating doing which will be relatively inexpensive but worthwhile from my POV.

The first two pics just show the difference from standard using the TMR380 as an example. The second pair are my car with Photoshop changes.
The last pic details the parts to be painted.

I've discussed this idea with a local paint shop and they reckon the colour to be used will be charcoal to match the head and fog light backgrounds.

I'll post proper pics when done hopefully in a few weeks.

could be good , but dont just do the bottom rail paint the upper and side of the mouth

Yep, that's the idea; the whole "mouth" will be done. Not very clear from the pics.

Its amazing what a little bit of contrasting colour can do. That does look a lot more aggressive.

Its amazing what a little bit of contrasting colour can do. That does look a lot more aggressive.
I agree, just those simple colour changing mods make the front look heaps more aggressive.

:thumbsup:
Looks good!!

hammer on some eyelids to help with the agressive look.

nice idea tho!

edit*: i didnt mean literally hammer them on with a nail....more so 'put' some eyelids on lol

Actually... Can i perhaps pinch your idea for mine? Maybe of course! And subject to copyright naturally! lol

Actually... Can i perhaps pinch your idea for mine? Maybe of course! And subject to copyright naturally! lol

Absolutely, buddy.

That's the reason I've started this thread. To show other 380 owners what can be done. My personal belief is there is massive potential in the model, it just needs some time to bring the ideas out. That being said it has to be acknowledged you are not going to get a XR6T or SS V8 challenger, but something looking and driving pretty good anyway and certainly different.

I hope other owners may consider doing the same. Not sure if it will work with the darker colours like blue and storm grey tho.

How about blacking out the inside of the driving lamps also?

That looks fantastic!

+1 great idea

Why use a pro painter, you could do that your self with some sand paper, primer and 2 can's of touch up paint, black and gloss.

that looks awesome, what a difference from such a minor mod :thumbsup:

Why use a pro painter, you could do that your self with some sand paper, primer and 2 can's of touch up paint, black and gloss.

and as soon as it flexes the paint will crack. panel shops add some flexible stuff in the paint so it can flex without cracking.

Why use a pro painter, you could do that your self with some sand paper, primer and 2 can's of touch up paint, black and gloss.

Yeah, I did think about it. Then I thought about how I am such a klutz with repairing stone chips and decided I didn't want to do it :headbange

Also, it's virtually a brand new car and if I sell it later down the track I'd like to say I got it professionally done.

Different shades of tinted headlights would give the effect of eyelids. I had that on my old Astra.

I think your paint mods would look just as amazing on a black 380!

Has anybody thought about tinting the 380 tail lights? A bit "90s world", but could help with all that red (if standard lights), or all that clear (if VRX lights).
Or, car color-coding the excess sides of the tail lights (from the side-of-the-car part, up and over the boot lid) might help reduce that "too much lense" look.
I might mock up a photo if this is too hard to understand.
EDIT: Like this (though my color-coding match-up isn't the best, but close enough).

Actually, I know I'm probably the only one but I love my VRX taillights :badgrin: .

They do look better with silver.

Actually, I know I'm probably the only one but I love my VRX taillights :badgrin: .

They do look better with silver.

I'm with ya on the VRX lights, and I love how they form part of the lip spoiler, I hate raised wings/spoilers.:D

Those first pics, the modded ones, very aurion.

Here it is...

Darth VRX hehe...

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z179/Krossbolt/Car%20Pics/My%20Car/Compl012e.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z179/Krossbolt/Car%20Pics/My%20Car/Compl024e.jpg



I'm rapt....:shock: :drool: ;)

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z179/Krossbolt/Car%20Pics/My%20Car/Compl022e.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z179/Krossbolt/Car%20Pics/My%20Car/Compl019e.jpg

And detail of fog light with lightgrey border

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z179/Krossbolt/Car%20Pics/My%20Car/Compl015.jpg

looks VERY nice!

awesome effort

Very :thumbsup: Schmick!!!

looks very nice

p.s i think the guy had some over spray onto ur numberplate, might want him to check that out for you

Thnx guys.


p.s i think the guy had some over spray onto ur numberplate, might want him to check that out for you
Haha, that's for the speed cameras ;).

After my tires are gone I'll go 19s and lowered a bit (prob only 30mm cause I have a very steep driveway).

Only thing is I can't decide on wheels that will lift the look of the car. I thought black rims with some silver or chrome would work but got Mozzaldinho to photoshop some and blah...:sick:

Chrome would be too much and I like the black and silver look - just have to find the right ones spose...

maybe something similar to the ralliart enki's (3rd gen)

looks awesome dude! looks way more meanier!! (if thats a word haha) top stuff!

And detail of fog light with lightgrey border

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z179/Krossbolt/Car%20Pics/My%20Car/Compl015.jpg

thats insane talk abt steady hands! might have to look into it :thumbsup:

Yeah, that's a great finishing touch on the driving lights, with the light grey outline. Nicely blends the 2 main color changes.
Isn't that spray for "blurring" rego plates illegal?

Ah, it's actually just been Photochopped out :D

The grey was the paint shop's idea which I'm very grateful for. It also borders the lower grill area.
The dark charcoal colour is metallic witha clear coat and blends really well with the headlights. I'm regretting I didn't take some shots in better light but can't complain since Brisbane actually had some rain those few days.
The mesh on the lower grill really stands out now because it is painted and glossy. Just not highlighted in those pics; might take another tomorrow.

I just got a 380 in the same colour, Lovin the dash Lights. Can I ask how much it cost you, That looks so good:cool:

Hi Shoot,

Welcome to the Forums, and congrats on the new car :thumbsup:

If you want to go the same way it cost me 430 (quoted) thereabouts (I chipped in a little more because they came up with the grey outline idea) and one and a half days because the front bumber assembly comes off.

I can PM the details of the shop in Brisbane Southside if you wish.

And we need pics of your car :D !

Thats not much moolah to earn some uniqueness about your ride.
Couldn't copy it, I will have to find my own uniqueness, but that would be hard to top.
Nice work:D

I am doing this with vinyl when I have the time

Ouch, what an old thread.
What are we talking about? Driving light surrounds? (couldn't quite tell...)

the mouth (lower grill) I am going wrap it so if it gets chipped I will just roll out more vinyl

do you think this would b cheaper then to get the vrx series 3 front insert?

do you think this would b cheaper then to get the vrx series 3 front insert?

that insert is something insane like $600ish

that insert is something insane like $600ish

Yea, certainly is. I have found a place in Adelaide that is offering to sell a second hand one for $300.

Looks great! Subtle, yet very effective! :)

what is the name of the place in Radelaide (or is that a mispelt Adelaide).

what is the name of the place in Radelaide (or is that a mispelt Adelaide).

Sorry, its in Adelaide at Eddie Wreckers.

mad as thanks