One Chip in Paint on Hood....Arrrrrgh!!!!

[Z06ADCT]

When washing my new car for the first time this past weekend, I noticed a small 1/8th inch chip of missing paint on my hood. Might have been there when I got the car two weeks ago. Nonetheless I am now faced with a dilemma on what to do about it. I think it is down to the primer. It is not really noticeable though. I can think of a few options and was hoping if someone can suggest the best action to take. Note: That I have the $750 Millennium Yellow paint option.

Possible options:
1) Do nothing and keep the car well waxed.
2) Use touch up paint to at least seal the chip.
3) Have it professionally fixed. This option scares me.
4) Cry
5) Go to the bar and have a beer.


Any advise is most appreciated.

Thanks,
Craig
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?i...46069265&idx=1

[Patrick]

I'll be interested to hear other people's responses to this, as well.

Craig, if it were me, I would at least get some touch-up paint to seal the chip. When it dries, I would immediately wax it to attempt to make it blend as closely as possible with the finished appearance of the rest of the vehicle. When that's done, I would go to the local sports pub and have a beer.

You may also want to invest in some of that invisible shielding to help prevent future rock dings.

I would only recommend going to a body shop and getting it repainted if the problem was chronic enough (i.e., spread over enough of the car, and visible from a distance) that you felt it might be appropriate to have the entire car repainted. That's a pretty drastic step (not to mention expensive.)

At least, that's my $0.02. And since that won't buy a beer, the sparkling adult beverages will be on you, Craig!


-Patrick

[Aurora40]

FYI, your hood is not made of metal, hence will not rust. So "sealing" isn't really a problem. But I'd try to touch it up. It won't look as good as new, but will look better than with a chip. Just be careful and research some good touchup techniques. Don't use the brush in a touchup bottle to glob it on.

Getting the hood painted will mean blending onto other panels. I wouldn't want to do that, but that doesn't mean no one would.

[vetteboy86]

I am going to have to disagree. I think that if the chip is small enough that it is best to leave it alone. I dont understand the purpose behind sealing it. However once you wax it the residue will get into the chip. I dont know if there is a good color wax you could use just in that small area. I assume you drive the car correct. I noticed my first stone chip about a year ago, since then I have added a few more. What I am saying is that it is going to happen. Like you said you can hardly notice it. I have learned that I can easily find the faults in my car. I cant say the same about other people, they dont see the car the way i do. If you do however decide to touch up the chip, check out the detailingdude's segment on that. I find all his info and advice is very good.


Good luck with whatever you decide.

Craig

[78SilvAnniv]

Chips happen, just drive. Save the big-$ fixes for major repairs.
Heidi

Of note...I like the idea of sealing the chip because I feel it would prevent moisture from getting under the paint and causing larger problems. Granted, I've never seen that happen, and don't know if it is even possible, but it couldn't hurt to protect the fiberglass from absorbing unwanted fluids (like oil).

[Z06ADCT]

Originally Posted by vetteboy86

I am going to have to disagree. I think that if the chip is small enough that it is best to leave it alone. I dont understand the purpose behind sealing it. However once you wax it the residue will get into the chip. I dont know if there is a good color wax you could use just in that small area. I assume you drive the car correct. I noticed my first stone chip about a year ago, since then I have added a few more. What I am saying is that it is going to happen. Like you said you can hardly notice it. I have learned that I can easily find the faults in my car. I cant say the same about other people, they dont see the car the way i do. If you do however decide to touch up the chip, check out the detailingdude's segment on that. I find all his info and advice is very good.


Good luck with whatever you decide.

Craig

Craig,

Thanks for the reply. I sort of agree and am leaning towards doing nothing. It is pretty small. Since I never cared about paint until now, I thought I'd post the question.

Craig

[Z06ADCT]

Originally Posted by 78SilvAnniv

Chips happen, just drive. Save the big-$ fixes for major repairs.
Heidi

Of note...I like the idea of sealing the chip because I feel it would prevent moisture from getting under the paint and causing larger problems. Granted, I've never seen that happen, and don't know if it is even possible, but it couldn't hurt to protect the fiberglass from absorbing unwanted fluids (like oil).

I like that: "Chip Happens!" That has a nice ring to it!

Craig

[78SilvAnniv]

Originally Posted by Z06ADCT

I like that: "Chip Happens!" That has a nice ring to it!

Craig

Thank you, kind Sir, for recognizing my fun with a pun.
Heidi

[Z06ADCT]

Originally Posted by 78SilvAnniv

Thank you, kind Sir, for recognizing my fun with a pun.
Heidi

No problem. That is my type of humor!

Craig