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Brettdb11

New member
I was commuting home from work last week when the dreaded rock came bouncing off my hood:angry :angry . I got the truck id number and contacted the operating manager and she agreed to take care of it.

The rock (boulder) left a chip down to the primer about the size of a nickle; but the surrounding paint is flaked around it to size of a quarter.

This is my first new car and still an infant (3 months old). I have lurked around this site and have acquired a love for detailing (newbie) and this eye sore is causing me sleep. I know people on this site can feel my pain and come to you for advice.



How would you go about fixing a chip like this? My girlfriend told me to just like put a hood ornament over it. The chip is off center by at least 4 inches and wish I could think that way about a 30K investment. Where would you take it to get fixed? I live in Saint Louis, Missouri and would like to hear any input on how to fix this or any places to take to get fixed.



Happy New Year Aut. Members,



Brett
 
I fix paint chips myself, and if you do it properly, you won't be able to tell when you are finished.



I was watching the DIY channel last night and they had a little different approach from the one I use, but it was basically the same.



DIY Chip Repair



You can also look at DavidB's article which is very similar to the method I use:



Repairing Chips and Scratches



Since the trucking company is paying for it, you might check around about having it done professionally. A professional should be able to do it so you can't tell. You should also ask about a lifetime guarantee.
 
While I sure wouldn't try a DIY on it, yeah, a good body/paint shop should be able to fix it quite well. The trick is finding a good shop.
 
Brett,



Sometimes, the best way to find a good auto paint shop is to simply contact your car insurance agent and ask them to supply you with a list of quailfied shops in your area.
 
Brett, I feel your pain, I live in the STL, on the Illinois side, I think our roads are the worst in the nation for aquiring rock chips!!:mad: I won't take my Audi into the city very often, but when I do, I have the bra on the car!!



What part of STL do you live in??
 
Same here, bra on car (with a strip ofpainters tape underneath for added protection) anytime I travel on a large highway or interstate
 
Krautfed 03 said:
Brett, I feel your pain, I live in the STL, on the Illinois side, I think our roads are the worst in the nation for aquiring rock chips!!:mad: I won't take my Audi into the city very often, but when I do, I have the bra on the car!!



Click to expand...



So, does the bra prevent the nose on your car from sagging? :D
 
I had a medium sized paint chip on my driver's side door. In this area where I live there are paint chip repair services that go around to all of the dealers and fix chips on their cars. I got the number of the one my dealer uses and I took my car to them. They buffed off a small area of paint, primed it, then resprayed it and you can't even tell its there. It cost me $100.00 and took about an hour. Might want to contact your dealer and ask if they use a paint chip repair service. For very small and tiny chips it isn't worth it but for medium to large I think it is. I had a few very small chips on my trunk which you had to look really close to see. All I did was put some touch up paint using a syringe and needle. This medium chip on my door was noticeable.
 
Krautfed 03,



I live in creve couer (olive&270) and have spent a few miles on my bike (bandit 1200) on the ill. side and agree about our terrible roads!! How often do you take your bra off? I am thinking about ordering one; can you tell me about your procedure for eliminating damage by the bra?



forrest,



Thanks for the recommendation. Is there a specific person to ask for?





Thanks for the comments and help,



Brett
 
Brettdb11 said:
Krautfed 03,



I live in creve couer (olive&270) and have spent a few miles on my bike (bandit 1200) on the ill. side and agree about our terrible roads!! How often do you take your bra off? I am thinking about ordering one; can you tell me about your procedure for eliminating damage by the bra?



forrest,



Thanks for the recommendation. Is there a specific person to ask for?





Thanks for the comments and help,



Brett
Click to expand...



I only use the bra when I drive in high traffic areas or for long distances on the Interstate...like over 30 miles. I wash or QD the area of the paint the bra will touch, then use a shop vac and vac the inside of the bra with the brush attachment, shake the bra, then vac again to make sure it's clean. After I am home, I remove the bra. Remove it immediately if it gets wet in rain or snow. It's also a good idea to place painter's tape on the car where the edges of the bra are, this is a good idea if you have to leave it on for more tha a couple of days...it will eliminate possible abrasion from dust, salt, etc. that comes in contact with the edge of the bra.
 
I've been quite impressed by the repairs to this sort of damage by Colors on Parade. It's a franchise that does ding and chip repairs. Far better then normal body shop aproach of painting the whole panel.
 
I can't recall anyone's name at EBG. The building's not much to look at, but their work was top notch for me.



Instead of the bra, consider a clear bar like Xpel instead.



I have it on 3 of my cars, and it's a lifesaver.
 
Sorry for your first ding, Brett. I remember how it feels to have that happen to a new car. In fact, I just noticed a long scratch on this, my 2nd new car, last week. Talk about being steamed. :angry :grrr But at least now, I've got that "first ding" syndrome out of my system. It's all downhill from here, baby! LOL LOL



Charles
 
forrest,



I just did a search on this clear bra and really intrigued by the product. Does it damage the clear coat?



What are the Pros and Cons of the Clear Bra?????



I know through searches that it is visible from about 5 feet in. You will obviously lose some of the depth and shine from the paint. I think that this could be justified with the amount of protection offered!!! Where did you get yours installed and at what cost?



Sorry for so many questions I am just excited about a product that could solve a major concern of mine.





Thanks for all the Help,

Brett
 
Pro's are the chip resistance and the fact it doesn't flap at speed, marringf the paint.



Cons - up close you can see it IF you look close. And, the cost ($400-500).



I had mine installed by the local franchisee, but he died in an off-raoding accident out in Colrado over the summer.



Ask at a high end dealership like Plaza Motors - they have them installed by someone.
 
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