I agree and that is one thing I didn't like about the my GT500. It's weird that the GT's had painted stuff but mine didn't. One good thing is that you never get rock chips I guess.

We're on the same page here...cept for the colours and ragtop.
My moolah doesn't grow on any tree I have. But I would still think hard about getting another newer one if it did. More than likely get an older one.

good call on the back to black, with my ailments I hate applying it

Had my rockers painted cause I like the look better. The car was a year old when we bought it and the rockers were already faded with stains and what looked like white marker paint. So, no regrets on the paint even if I have to get them redone some time in the future. The new rear facia was also painted to pull the color all the way back from the side view. The facia was designed to be painted, so shouldn't have a problem with that. I like the 2 piece bumper style of the '11's.

Just wondering what is it about the parts exactly that they can't be painted. Is it not a painted surface,, like an impregnated colour or something? Or is it because of the material it's made of? Years ago we used to paint cars ( FORD) and they peeled right in the plant before leaving, but they found out the reason was they weren't being prepped properly. Again, just wondering. :?

prep is the key

We had an '89 Ford HD 3/4 ton that needed to be painted when it was less than a year old. After an argument with the service manager it was repainted under warranty. I think the problem was the primer.

Sometime if the people are new into the plant that worked on the car, they don't know what they're doing. Yes, it happens more often than you think. They don't get trained properly or whatever. But they wipe the unit down ( for dirt) with something they shouldn't and then the paint doesn't ad-heir. But there are lots of other reasons as well. Like Red Pony says, it could have been the primer in her case.

The last body shop I took it to, told me the front grille surround could be painted, as it is a "paintable surface", but told me the side skirts were not. Not too sure why, but I do know the grill surround is smooth, and the side skirts are rough, so maybe that has something to do with it:? Anyway, he talked me out of painting the grill surround, and I'm glad I listened. I saw one last month at the local show & shine, and it looked terrible.

Hmmmm, I'm going to have to have a good, close look at one ( 2010) now. Most things can be painted. Like SNAKEBITE said above prep is key. Most people are in too much a of a hurry to get the paint on, and don't prep enough. Even body shops ( time is money). Then, unfortunately it shows. Next time you go to some shows, have a real good, close look at the paint job. You'll be surprised at what jumps out.