I went into a high-end auto paint store to pick up some SEM Trim Black paint for my valances. I saw two employees talking, so I introduced myself and asked what it would cost to paint a primered hood on a 4Runner. He said it depends on the color; if it's red, it might be pricey. If it's white he could do it for cheap. I said it's white and he looked to the other employee "that's 040 right?" I said yep it is. He said he could do it for $100. The other employee laughed and said "you're always low-balling yourself. He laughed and said "I don't care I don't have any employees to pay." So... I'm just going to go the painted route now.

A lot of people have said just buy OEM hood, which would put me about $6-700 out the door with paint. If I opt for the replica hood, that's $400 out the door with paint and all the guts. It's hard to beat that price! One user said the replica was perfect. Another user said the replica had some damage, so I'm not sure whether to take the gamble.