SA CF rear finish panel

[Adam]

Hi.
I purchased SlickAuto's U.S., carbon fiber rear finish panel through MiataRoadster and figured I'd give a review a shot.

I made the purchase on Thursday, November 8th of last year; following day Bill Willner informs me it will be backordered until "mid December". I told him I'd wait for it versus getting the CarbonMiata piece. A few updating emails were sent between Jeff at SA, Bill at MR, and myself; both were helpful. Then it finally shipped on December 24th. Afterall I'm content with how they handled me as a customer.

So it arrives! Well packaged with protective sheets and wrapped, sorry no pics. Tried to get a good shot of the weave:


Price: $349, was ~$24 for shipping out here

"Manufactured with pre-preg carbon fiber using vacuum bag and autoclave" In China, didn't bug me

Installation: Piece o cake, exact mirror of removing your factory panel, same studs that aligned perfectly for when I re-used the 10mm OE nuts

Fitment: Perfect as the original




Issues: 1 very small fisheye in the clearcoat, 1 minuscule chip, keyhole looks unfinished and jagged. 0 cracks or scratches though.


!On MiataRoadster it stated hardware was included but I did not receive any; I didn't dispute anything because at the time I was frustrated at the long wait time and the small imperfections.

Installed:




Durability: Well I haven't had it on long enough to see it will fade like cheap CF hoods I've seen but it does install vertical so maybe it won't get baked everyday, sure hope not.

Overall rating: 8.5/10 Not sure if I'll keep it, part of me thinks its a tad over-the-top with my spoiler and dual exhaust tips. Whatcha think? Happy to answer any questions.

[miatasaint]

Ugh. Im so jealous.

[cbmmiata]

It looks nice, I say keep it

[Kasdan]

I love it, but I'll gladly take it off your hands if you don't like it

[dmn2258]

looks really great Adam! but carbon miata's is cheaper + great quality as well

[Stealth97]

wow, very nice piece. If you don't like it, I'd be happy to trade you for my black oem panel, straight up

[oldgrayfrog]

I think it's a really good looking piece, and with the spoiler and those twin exhaust tips, gives the rear end some much needed attitude. Of course if it fades over time, you can always paint it in the OEM blue, or go with a nice satin black to keep that attitude going.

[Adam]

Didn't see these posts, my bad.
Kasdan, you'll be the first offered if I decide against it. Part of me thinks to keep it for another Miata though, who knows.
Stealth, I still have my OK condition, OE black panel.
Dmn, my first reason against CarbonMiata was that it was made in China; I've seen the guy around on CR but I don't know.. But then Bill@MR informed me both were Chinese, oh well.
Thanks OGF!

Plus, for the nitpickin', I'll eventually take care of my awfully weathered tail light surrounds.