After we shared the third episode, it is time to take a look to the latest updated in our Hyundai Veloster N rebuild project, and looks like we are closer than ever…
Front End Fitment
With the car back from the frame shop and parts arriving on a weekly basis I was able to start assembling the front end of the car. First order of business was replacing the OEM Hood and fenders with… Newer OEM hood and fenders that I was able to get already painted the factory white color. The fenders proved easy enough with once one side needing a little welding since spot welds cracked during the accident. The hood on the other hand proved to be another challenge as it would not align to the fender and hood. I instead needed to modify and bend the factory hood hinges so i could align the hood to be centered.
To paint, or Not to Paint
The Veloster N has a very unique bumper so i had to get a new one from the dealer. Since this would be the only part that would require paint i shopped around to see if a wrap was cheaper. To my dismay they were both close to the same with a wrap being $375 and to have it painted was $400 (US-Dollar). Surprised at the price to paint just one bumper, i took the liberty to uncover my paint equipment and painted the car myself. The reason i wanted to have it done was because painting a car or car parts is labor intensive and a lot of work but at the cost of $400 i’m better off doing it myself. I picked up about half gallon of paint, materials, the cost was about $160. I scuffed the bumper and spayed the primer the night before then painted the bumper the next day. The final coat came out well, despite a few issues here and there with DIY paint jobs. The win came in the day when the paint blended well with the OEM parts.
Getting the final pieces
We are getting close to the end of the rebuild, now all that is left is getting or making the final parts. With the bumper available i can mock up the front end and finish the core support and build the front crash bar. Thats the goal for the next episode. Stay tuned!
