If the body shop has the correct paint code, can anything go wrong with regards to colour matching it? What possible ****-ups could I expect if they do it wrong?

 

Everything

Paint too thick, too thin, spotting, your car has faded over 4 years. The new paint hasn't. It may need blended in. Orange peeling, rough to the touch

The list goes on and on and on.

 

Specific to Moonrock!
There are two codes from different paint manufacturers
One matches better than the other.
Take the car to the shop and try the swatch for each against your car.
Cleanliness is a big issue any $hit lying around will end up in your paint!

 

Beginning to favour Honda's own bodyshop over an independent...

 

Honda's will likely be an independent.

From problems I've had with mine - now all sorted, after 3 trips to offending bodyshop.

Front wings: Badge removal and incorrect refitting. Broken side repeater lenses - taken out carelessly. Dust under paint - leaving little blotches. Poor masking leaving laquer overspray on other panels.

It's been a complete PITA, not helped by the bodyshop not really giving a sh1t, even though I have given them plenty of my work and recommendations in the past.

All sorted now though.

 

What could go wrong you say - you could have a colourblind sprayer

 

Pie puts another angle on it!

 

If it is the front wing - the badges are guaranteed to go on as "2000 S"
Someone on here has that on one side.

 

I'm guessing the stripping of the old bumper is going to add considerable cost to the respray in labour, might it be cheaper and easier to get a new one sprayed that's already prepped? (also means I don't have to be without my car!)

 

Good Luck with it!

Everything can go wrong like Gas mentioned. Preparation is key to a go job.