Buying from blackdragonauto... need warm fuzzy feeling
07-30-07, 12:39 PM
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Buying from blackdragonauto... need warm fuzzy feeling
So, I'm ordering from blackdragonauto... I'm ordering a new S5 front bumper.
http://www.blackdragonauto.com/icatalog/rx/0003.asp
From that page, I'll be ordering part 99-012. Now, the front bumper COVER is the rubber exterior piece correct? The actual bumper is the black piece under it behind the foam blocks. Correct? I just want to make sure I'm getting the right part.
Need that warm fuzzy "Yeah, looks like the right thing!" or "Dude, you realize you are ordering the wrong part, right?".
I'm NOT looking for "Dude, you should just buy a used one locally.....". I have my own reasons for getting a NEW one.
Thanks,
Micah
http://www.blackdragonauto.com/icatalog/rx/0003.asp
From that page, I'll be ordering part 99-012. Now, the front bumper COVER is the rubber exterior piece correct? The actual bumper is the black piece under it behind the foam blocks. Correct? I just want to make sure I'm getting the right part.
Need that warm fuzzy "Yeah, looks like the right thing!" or "Dude, you realize you are ordering the wrong part, right?".
I'm NOT looking for "Dude, you should just buy a used one locally.....". I have my own reasons for getting a NEW one.
Thanks,
Micah
07-30-07, 04:07 PM
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As an added warm and fuzzy, I have bought quite a few items from BlackDragon and their service has always, always been great. Most times delivery has been faster than expected. Of course they are just across the state from me so that probably helps with the delivery issues.
07-30-07, 04:43 PM
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I am a little worried about delivery of a flexible bumper.. but, I'd imagine it can't break too much being that its flexible and all... but, I wouldn't put much past DHL/FedEx/UPS.. they all suck. 
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08-02-07, 09:25 PM
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Well, I got it........ But.... I'm a little dissapointed. Its NOT an OEM part.... Not even close.
Its semi-OEM-ish... It doesn't have the mazda embossing on it, and is black plastic instead of that weird yellow plastic. The black plastic is actually more rigid.. so thats nice. But, I would REALLY like to have the embossed mazda emblem. That really ticks me off... Its pretty S4-esque and lame. (sorry S4 peeps)
Its semi-OEM-ish... It doesn't have the mazda embossing on it, and is black plastic instead of that weird yellow plastic. The black plastic is actually more rigid.. so thats nice. But, I would REALLY like to have the embossed mazda emblem. That really ticks me off... Its pretty S4-esque and lame. (sorry S4 peeps)
08-02-07, 09:45 PM
#9
that sucks man, i hate it when something turns out to be not as good as i had thought it was. are you gonna keep it and use it?? also why are you after a brand new oem bumber, are you doing a crazy restoration? I'm just curious cause I would love to completely build a new rx7 part by part one day......
08-02-07, 10:20 PM
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Here it is... black plastic instead of that weird yellow stuff it comes in stock:
Here's where the mazda embossing SHOULD be:
There were a couple dips in the molding of the plastic... not perfect all the way around..which might need some filler (which is dissapointing).
So, after overreacting.. its not as bad as I was thinking.. but might need filler.. which is never something you want on a rubberized piece of a car. I might sell this thing.... Would be perfect for somebody who wanted to shave the mazda emblem
So, for my first blackdragonauto/victoriabritish purchase, this one wasn't a great start.
As for why I bought it.... Locally, all I can find is bumpers with major dents in the front where a license plate frame has pushed in the rubber and permanently formed two indents in the bumper. Its ugly. I hate it. So, 200 dollars for a brand new piece seemed like an insane deal for something I KNEW was going to be perfect and exactly what I wanted. Now, I'm back to my search of finding a local bumper withOUT dings in it. OR I can repair the weird bumps on my stock one... Not sure how I'd go about repairing a rubberized bumper cover. Is there a sandable rubber bondo?
Here's where the mazda embossing SHOULD be:
There were a couple dips in the molding of the plastic... not perfect all the way around..which might need some filler (which is dissapointing).
So, after overreacting.. its not as bad as I was thinking.. but might need filler.. which is never something you want on a rubberized piece of a car. I might sell this thing.... Would be perfect for somebody who wanted to shave the mazda emblem
So, for my first blackdragonauto/victoriabritish purchase, this one wasn't a great start.
As for why I bought it.... Locally, all I can find is bumpers with major dents in the front where a license plate frame has pushed in the rubber and permanently formed two indents in the bumper. Its ugly. I hate it. So, 200 dollars for a brand new piece seemed like an insane deal for something I KNEW was going to be perfect and exactly what I wanted. Now, I'm back to my search of finding a local bumper withOUT dings in it. OR I can repair the weird bumps on my stock one... Not sure how I'd go about repairing a rubberized bumper cover. Is there a sandable rubber bondo?
08-02-07, 10:31 PM
#11
Lives on the Forum
For $200, that's a good price.
Ever tried to order the Mazda OEM part from the Mazda dealer?
If you were really hung up about the Mazda logo, I would've asked them in advance about it.
Also, I don't think a brand new Mazda OEM part would've came out yellow.
I think you need to order those parts pre-painted depending on your color code.
If you think an aftermarket manufacturer is going to replicate the part exactly as OEM, oh boy...we're not restoring Ferrari's!
-Ted
Ever tried to order the Mazda OEM part from the Mazda dealer?
If you were really hung up about the Mazda logo, I would've asked them in advance about it.
Also, I don't think a brand new Mazda OEM part would've came out yellow.
I think you need to order those parts pre-painted depending on your color code.
If you think an aftermarket manufacturer is going to replicate the part exactly as OEM, oh boy...we're not restoring Ferrari's!
-Ted
08-02-07, 10:33 PM
#12
micaheli,
From the body guys I have have talked to have said that if the front bumper is damaged in anyway it's shot, I was told it was one of the worst ones for that. I forget which one was the worst, but I have heard that from a few different ones in two different states. So looking at the blackdragon one, its doesnt look that bad, yes I agree with you on the mazda logo thing, but for the price I might buy one for my car. Anyway just some fyi for you.
From the body guys I have have talked to have said that if the front bumper is damaged in anyway it's shot, I was told it was one of the worst ones for that. I forget which one was the worst, but I have heard that from a few different ones in two different states. So looking at the blackdragon one, its doesnt look that bad, yes I agree with you on the mazda logo thing, but for the price I might buy one for my car. Anyway just some fyi for you.
08-02-07, 10:35 PM
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For $200, that's a good price.
Ever tried to order the Mazda OEM part from the Mazda dealer?
If you were really hung up about the Mazda logo, I would've asked them in advance about it.
Also, I don't think a brand new Mazda OEM part would've came out yellow.
I think you need to order those parts pre-painted depending on your color code.
If you think an aftermarket manufacturer is going to replicate the part exactly as OEM, oh boy...we're not restoring Ferrari's!
-Ted
Ever tried to order the Mazda OEM part from the Mazda dealer?
If you were really hung up about the Mazda logo, I would've asked them in advance about it.
Also, I don't think a brand new Mazda OEM part would've came out yellow.
I think you need to order those parts pre-painted depending on your color code.
If you think an aftermarket manufacturer is going to replicate the part exactly as OEM, oh boy...we're not restoring Ferrari's!
-Ted
Yeah, I hear ya... If it seems to good to be true......... it probably is...
Well, I learned something.
And yes..I'm hung up on the mazda logo..
08-02-07, 10:36 PM
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micaheli,
From the body guys I have have talked to have said that if the front bumper is damaged in anyway it's shot, I was told it was one of the worst ones for that. I forget which one was the worst, but I have heard that from a few different ones in two different states. So looking at the blackdragon one, its doesnt look that bad, yes I agree with you on the mazda logo thing, but for the price I might buy one for my car. Anyway just some fyi for you.
From the body guys I have have talked to have said that if the front bumper is damaged in anyway it's shot, I was told it was one of the worst ones for that. I forget which one was the worst, but I have heard that from a few different ones in two different states. So looking at the blackdragon one, its doesnt look that bad, yes I agree with you on the mazda logo thing, but for the price I might buy one for my car. Anyway just some fyi for you.
But yeah. 200 bucks was hard to turn down. I think mazda wanted like 2000 or something
08-02-07, 11:28 PM
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So, the fitting on the car portion.
It appears to be the right part.... it looks similar to the S5 front bumper... but its about 1" too wide for the entire car. And the ends don't meet the fenders at the right angle. I'm sure on their site somewhere it says "Will require fitment" to get around this...but.. CRAP!... I suppose I got what I paid for....
I'm tarded
Whoops, Pics:
It appears to be the right part.... it looks similar to the S5 front bumper... but its about 1" too wide for the entire car. And the ends don't meet the fenders at the right angle. I'm sure on their site somewhere it says "Will require fitment" to get around this...but.. CRAP!... I suppose I got what I paid for....
I'm tarded
Whoops, Pics:
08-03-07, 01:59 AM
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Yeah... 200 dollars of scrap plastic. Sucks *****.. I'm going to send it back... there's no way they can't accept a return of this nature.. I mean.. if it didn't have the emblem and was not-perfect.. thats one thing.. but being the WRONG SIZE for the car its bought for... thats another thing. IMO this is completely unacceptable. Nowhere on their site does it say "This product may not fit the car entirely".
08-03-07, 07:06 AM
#21
Wow, that is very disappointing. I've admired the cheap bumper cover in the Black Dragon catalog before and thought it looked like a steal since I actually did replace my S5's front cover with a new OEM piece about 7 years ago at some astronomical price.
Although this will probably be of little comfort to you, we should all thank you for investigating this and finding out the shortcomings.
Although this will probably be of little comfort to you, we should all thank you for investigating this and finding out the shortcomings.
08-03-07, 07:43 AM
#22
My condolences on the bumber thing. I agree...completely unacceptable. My buddy (if I could convince him) could probably do a better job in his fiberglass shed without trying. You'd think it would be easier to rip off a mould from a Mazda factory one.
If the bracket thing bothers you so much, why not get a bumper from a state with no front license plate - although with shipping you might as well get a new one from mazda.
BTW, those minor dips in the bumper may be from shrinkage or improper design of the thickness at that location. You will need some sort of flexible spot putty, as primer won't fill that properly. As far as general repair - it *is* doable with fiberglass and there is putty for flexible parts, but cracks tend to come back if any odd force is applied. Nothing is as forgiving as the untouched OEM material, obviously.
If the bracket thing bothers you so much, why not get a bumper from a state with no front license plate - although with shipping you might as well get a new one from mazda.
BTW, those minor dips in the bumper may be from shrinkage or improper design of the thickness at that location. You will need some sort of flexible spot putty, as primer won't fill that properly. As far as general repair - it *is* doable with fiberglass and there is putty for flexible parts, but cracks tend to come back if any odd force is applied. Nothing is as forgiving as the untouched OEM material, obviously.
08-03-07, 11:52 AM
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My condolences on the bumber thing. I agree...completely unacceptable. My buddy (if I could convince him) could probably do a better job in his fiberglass shed without trying. You'd think it would be easier to rip off a mould from a Mazda factory one.
If the bracket thing bothers you so much, why not get a bumper from a state with no front license plate - although with shipping you might as well get a new one from mazda.
BTW, those minor dips in the bumper may be from shrinkage or improper design of the thickness at that location. You will need some sort of flexible spot putty, as primer won't fill that properly. As far as general repair - it *is* doable with fiberglass and there is putty for flexible parts, but cracks tend to come back if any odd force is applied. Nothing is as forgiving as the untouched OEM material, obviously.
If the bracket thing bothers you so much, why not get a bumper from a state with no front license plate - although with shipping you might as well get a new one from mazda.
BTW, those minor dips in the bumper may be from shrinkage or improper design of the thickness at that location. You will need some sort of flexible spot putty, as primer won't fill that properly. As far as general repair - it *is* doable with fiberglass and there is putty for flexible parts, but cracks tend to come back if any odd force is applied. Nothing is as forgiving as the untouched OEM material, obviously.
Shipping on a used bumper isn't bad at all... Its about 40-50 bucks depending... and a NEW mazda bumper will be WELL over that..
I regret instantly not going with a good used one. I've been scouring ebay this morning/last night for a good one. There seems to be nothing locally at this time.
Well, if anything good has come out of this, the forum be warned. Currently taking paypal donations for this information. LOL. j/k
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