Hello everyone. I have quite a few rock chips in the front end. Hood, fenders, etc. I drive on the Interstate 60 miles each day, tons of traffic so they kick up a ton of road dust, sand, and in some cases BIG ASS ROCKS...

Bought the touch up paint for my color S, and need any suggestions on how to prep, apply, etc.

Any ideas would be welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

 

Mark,

I'm in the same shoes you are - the daily driving part. I have never been a big advocate of touch-up paint (maybe because I've seen so many poor jobs), so I just live with rock chips till they get to the point where I want the front repainted. or a new front end

There are clear protective coats that can be applied to the front end of any vehicle. We stopped doing it here because the company who used to do it for us got a bit shoddy. I did notice something in the "For Sale" forum by one of our sponsors. When I get another minute, I'll see if I can find it for ya.

 

Mark,

I'm with Alex. Rock chips unfortunately are a part of daily driving. Hence, the reason I am looking for a new daily driver. But even then, you still get rock chips no matter when you drive.

I think those new clear "Bras" might be the way to go.

Anyway, no educated suggestions on paint preparation, except, . . . . . make sure the touch up paint is mixed (shaken, not stirred ha) very well, so the color is homogenous.

-rob

 

Mark,

I've looked all over the place for that Clear Bra I saw in the "For Sale" section, to no avail

I believe I saw one on dkhl's car when we were having BBQ in Richmond. He may know where to go.

If you do want to go with the clear bra, call me tomorrow and I'll call my different buddies around town to see what they know

 

If you want to use the touch up paint you can follow these basic (and not guaranteed) instructions.

1. Apply just enough for the paint to fill the chip. The paint will look a little bubbled up (not too much). It will settle once it is dried.
2. Buy rubbing compound (PepBoys) and apply once the paint s dry. This will a. Make it shine. b. remove any excess or bleeding. NOTE you will have to rub fairly hard.
3. Zaino afterwards


NOTE2: In theory you can do step 2 with the Zaino clay bar. But since I don't have Zaino I could not vouch for it.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. I thought about the bra, but the chips are mostly above the area the bra would cover, if it hits the rubber part of the bumper it just makes a small dent, but mine are mostly fender area top of wheel and mid-hood.

I did try yesterday touching up a couple. Great suggestion Cashout, I applied more than enough to make it bubble up. Not toooo much, and then this morning it looks flat. Used some masking tape, cut hole the size of the chip, put it over it to catch excess. Pulled off after a few minutes. I hit it with some mild compound, lightly.... then wax. Looks pretty damn good. One of the three spots I can't even find to show the +1.

Thanks again for the great ideas.

Alex, does the bra cover the first 30% of the hood area? That seems to be where I am catching most of the hits. My son keeps telling me that if I would slow down below 85 they would hit the bumper instead... Silly boy.... ME slow down???

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GOGOGO
Alex, does the bra cover the first 30% of the hood area?

 

I've been reading about the clear bras. I'm interested in finding local installer (DC). If anyone knows...
Also,.... my right rear wheel came in contact with a curb tonight. Turing speed. The driver cut too close and scrapped 1/4 of the wheel. Some rubber scrapping too. Can these be "buffed" out? I guess it depends on how deep the abrasion is. I'll post a pic tomorrow. Might have to replace the stock wheel (ouch ++ $$)...

 

Definitely post a pic of that wheel. There are "Wheel Doctors" out there, so don't stress it too much

 

I've had great success applying touch up paint w/ the tip of match sticks. Works much better than the brush applicator it comes w/.

Alex, know of any Wheel Docs in the NOVA region?