ITRCA

I want to do a jdm type r conversion, however, i've heard they're quite a bitch to do. Would a normal autobody shop do the conversion good or do you have to take it to a specialist? Also, besides the cost for the materials themselves, how much can i expect to pay solely for the labor invovled? Thanks

yes a regular body shop could do it
you will need to make sure they are good with wiring though or wire the lights yourself. go to merrititr for the wiring diagram
expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$2,500 for a used front end from a wrecked car from jdm land may be with hid's or maybe not
expect to pay $2,800-$3,500 for new stuff depending on hid's again and also wether or not it is oem stuff or aftermarket
then anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 for the install depending on the shop.
where are you at?

I'm located near philly but i could take the car somewhere in baltimore if they do good work for an honest price. I've also seen the conversion in fiberglass, i understand they are not quite as strong but are substantially less expensive, is it work pay 1000+ for the real thing? Also i'v heard things about the radiator support and a shit load of welding, is this so?

I actually don't understand the point to JDM...spend all that money to look "stock." I guess, JDM front end would be worth it if you want the aerodynamics parts from Mugen (for JDM front only, y'know). But, is trying to make your car look JDM really worth all that money?

i have heard horror stories about fiberglass and i have heard people say that it isn't that bad. i think it's worth the extra money. i would rather not take the gamble of it not fitting correctly. it isn't a shit load of welding from what i'm told. there a people who have done themselves it all depends on how adventurous and skilled you are. i personally bought the front end off of a wrecked real deal jdm car and have been waiting almost 2 friggin months for it to arrive. but i got everything including hids for $2300 and i'm going to Mike at IPS Racing in Boston to get it done. he's a member of this board and of honda-tech. I think he goes by Mike M on both boards. get in touch with him for all your questions. IPSRacing.com

but i got everything including hids for $2300

are you reffering to just the front end or the entire conversion? If just the front end what parts other than the projectors themselves do you need to make the projectors fit? PHEW

hood, front bumper, l/r front fenders, radiator support, grill, headlights, side markers, switch for integrated foglights, hood latch and hood cable, nuts bolts and etc.....

Used OEM conversion with HID runs around 2200-2600 depending on condition
Used OEM conversion w/o HID runs around 1800-2000 depending on condition
New OEM conversion w/o HID runs around 3000
With HID, add another 1000

Then add up another 1500 for paint and install. (depends on the shop).

It isn't exactly a cheap cosmetic mod...