Thinking of going FLAT Black, Done! - LotusTalk

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 07:26 PM

So, I was watching the Exige vs. Apache video for the 1000th time, and for the 1000th time, I heard the venerable Jeremy Clarkson remark that the car was "black like an F117 stealth fighter..." and I got to thinking, "how would the car look in FLAT black?"

So, for purely aesthetic reasons (not interested in the radar absorbing qualities, nor do I think they exist), I'm considering having the car painted in flat black, much like we've seen on Ducati's. I think the car would look just plain...mean. The car is lowered on Nitrons, has 245's on the rear, the Gut wing and splitter and a full mesh replacement kit from Specialty Car Craft, who will be doing the work. One concern, raised by CJ - what would I do about the Starshield? It would probably look silly over the flat black. I've attached a few pics for reference. Opinions/comments would be appreciated.

Ian · 08-28-2006, 07:29 PM

I think it would look great. I'm not sure about the starshield though. Are your turn indicators and side markers painted, or are those decals?

Yeti · 08-28-2006, 07:34 PM

Compact Sports Car did that a while back with a WRX STI. They also took off the giant rear wing. It looked pretty cool.

But I do also think it is the next best thing to an accident to kill your resale value. Of course if you are planning on keeping the car forever, what does that matter...

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAElise

I think it would look great. I'm not sure about the starshield though. Are your turn indicators and side markers painted, or are those decals?

Thanks Ian. The markers are all painted by Specialty.

powerbookguy · 08-28-2006, 07:37 PM

this has been my exact same thinking for several months.

pure utility, no track rash!

might affect resale though.

nugg_dawg · 08-28-2006, 07:40 PM

Flat black would be soooooooo bad assl. The SS would stock out like a sore thumb though........but who cares?

BTW, tell us more about the mess conversion from specialty.

Regards,
John

Vantage · 08-28-2006, 07:44 PM

You might be able to cover the entire car in flat black 3M film if repainting is an issue. Downsides are any visible seams, durability of the film, and cost (for a temporary solution).

JnC · 08-28-2006, 07:45 PM

FWIW, any rock hits on unprotected bodywork are going to be highly visible... white dots on black.

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeti

Compact Sports Car did that a while back with a WRX STI. They also took off the giant rear wing. It looked pretty cool.

But I do also think it is the next best thing to an accident to kill your resale value. Of course if you are planning on keeping the car forever, what does that matter...

Ha - it that a vote to remove my wing?

I did think about the resale issue, but I don't forsee selling the car in the near future.

kaz · 08-28-2006, 07:46 PM

Do it...I concur would look totally badass

Donovan · 08-28-2006, 07:47 PM

I think it would look awesome - definitely couldn't use starshield - would look shiny where you applied it -

Kinda like this color is what you have in mind?...

ZippinGold612 · 08-28-2006, 07:48 PM

I think that flat black would look so awesome, and kinda bad ass. I think that would make it look even more exotic and exclusive to have it painted flat. I liked the Pontiac Solstice when the concept was in flat black, but they didn't keep that as an option for production.

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nugg_dawg

Flat black would be soooooooo bad assl. The SS would stock out like a sore thumb though........but who cares?

BTW, tell us more about the mess conversion from specialty.

Regards,
John

Thanks John. The mesh conversion looks SPECTACULAR, imo. Nice to get the plastic off the car. Jacob (knucklehead) and I worked with Steve to develop it and now he's making kits. More about the conversion here.

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donovan

I think it would look awesome - definitely couldn't use starshield - would look shiny where you applied it -

Kinda like this color is what you have in mind?...

Yes!! Thanks for the ref. photo - love it!

EDIT: Now that I'm looking at the helmet, I wonder if the SS areas would look good in the contrasting gloss.

Donovan · 08-28-2006, 07:53 PM

If you want to find a bunch of good examples - punch in MATTE black as opposed to flat when you search google or whatever...

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donovan

If you want to find a bunch of good examples - punch in MATTE black as opposed to flat when you search google or whatever...

Thx, good call. Will do.

dickedup · 08-28-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serebo1

So, I was watching the Exige vs. Apache video for the 1000th time, and for the 1000th time, I heard the venerable Jeremy Clarkson remark that the car was "black like an F117 stealth fighter..." and I got to thinking, "how would the car look in FLAT black?"

First of all.......MAYBE on your deer huntin' truck, but NOT on any type of sports car.

Secondly, any type of rock strike or parking lot rash, will be visible an eighth of a mile away.

Why don't you just paint your trailer home flat black instead?

Yeti · 08-28-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serebo1

Ha - it that a vote to remove my wing?

I did think about the resale issue, but I don't forsee selling the car in the near future.

Not in the least. In fact I think you might be able to out do the "Ultimate Elise Wing" if you wanted.

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaz

Do it...I concur would look totally badass

Thanks Kaz - just trying to match that exhaust note!

Serebo1 · 08-28-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickedup

Why don't you just paint your trailer home flat black instead?

Sure, I'll let you know when it's done, and you can bring the Lucky Lager over for a house warming.

08-28-2006, 07:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Serebo1 fm78.tv - check it. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,730 Images: 3	Thinking of going FLAT Black, Done! So, I was watching the Exige vs. Apache video for the 1000th time, and for the 1000th time, I heard the venerable Jeremy Clarkson remark that the car was "black like an F117 stealth fighter..." and I got to thinking, "how would the car look in FLAT black?" So, for purely aesthetic reasons (not interested in the radar absorbing qualities, nor do I think they exist), I'm considering having the car painted in flat black, much like we've seen on Ducati's. I think the car would look just plain...mean. The car is lowered on Nitrons, has 245's on the rear, the Gut wing and splitter and a full mesh replacement kit from Specialty Car Craft, who will be doing the work. One concern, raised by CJ - what would I do about the Starshield? It would probably look silly over the flat black. I've attached a few pics for reference. Opinions/comments would be appreciated. Attached Images __________________ Matte Black, Sport, Touring, ***** intake (TBA), RAC Mono wheels, Painted Shift knob, smoked turn signals, Alpine SPS 6.5" rear speakers, MB Quarts, JVC Nav, Starshield, LBH exhaust, Dpic perf. gauge, Custom true HID projectors, GUT wing and splitter, Mesh side pods, Sector111 harness bar and 4-point harness, Lotus Sport Ohlins double-adjustable suspension, swaybar, '06 LED tailights, Toda flywheel, Lotusport interior. Last edited by Serebo1 : 08-29-2006 at 02:26 PM.

08-28-2006, 07:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ian Certified Fun Stopper Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,832	I think it would look great. I'm not sure about the starshield though. Are your turn indicators and side markers painted, or are those decals? __________________ '06 Exige; Polar Blue; Track/Touring/Stage II/LSD-TC '05 Elise; Arctic Silver/Ruby Red (R.I.P)

08-28-2006, 07:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
JnC Thread unraveler Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,714	FWIW, any rock hits on unprotected bodywork are going to be highly visible... white dots on black. __________________ Read about my recent journey across the US here: Travelblog 06 Lotus Elise :: Chrome Orange :: Base :: Black Pack :: TC :: SS 00 VW Golf GLS TDI

08-28-2006, 07:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
kaz JabStrongFierce Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Downtown LA + SF Posts: 1,639	Do it...I concur would look totally badass __________________ 2006 Elise : JFG \| Nitrons \| 2bular 8" Single \| Reverie diffuser and misc. carbon bits \| Ronin supercharger + intercooler \| FF EFI

08-28-2006, 07:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
Donovan Talkin' Loco Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Snohomish, WA Posts: 1,054	I think it would look awesome - definitely couldn't use starshield - would look shiny where you applied it - Kinda like this color is what you have in mind?... Attached Images

08-28-2006, 07:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Yeti Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 910	Compact Sports Car did that a while back with a WRX STI. They also took off the giant rear wing. It looked pretty cool. But I do also think it is the next best thing to an accident to kill your resale value. Of course if you are planning on keeping the car forever, what does that matter...

08-28-2006, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
powerbookguy Looking Down The Inside Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 952	this has been my exact same thinking for several months. pure utility, no track rash! might affect resale though.

08-28-2006, 07:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
nugg_dawg Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Baltimore Posts: 936 Images: 1	Flat black would be soooooooo bad assl. The SS would stock out like a sore thumb though........but who cares? BTW, tell us more about the mess conversion from specialty. Regards, John

08-28-2006, 07:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
Vantage Weekend Warrior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Diego / Los Angeles Posts: 4,033	You might be able to cover the entire car in flat black 3M film if repainting is an issue. Downsides are any visible seams, durability of the film, and cost (for a temporary solution).

08-28-2006, 07:48 PM	#12 (permalink)
ZippinGold612 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: De Pere, WI Posts: 22	I think that flat black would look so awesome, and kinda bad ass. I think that would make it look even more exotic and exclusive to have it painted flat. I liked the Pontiac Solstice when the concept was in flat black, but they didn't keep that as an option for production.

08-28-2006, 07:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
Donovan Talkin' Loco Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Snohomish, WA Posts: 1,054	If you want to find a bunch of good examples - punch in MATTE black as opposed to flat when you search google or whatever...

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