So while installing my new hood crest I noticed just how bad the chips are on my car...and I have to say it made me sick. Didnt get the clear bra...Yes Im a moron... I know you are saying it....

The question is at this point what are my options? other than a complete paint...

 

I've personally used this:

http://www.langka.com

It takes some practice, but I like it more than the "paint and sand" technique because 1) you don't have to wet sand over the paint blob and 2) a poor application can easily be flattened and removed.

Good luck.

 

even if you fix them now, theyre going to come back, itll be a never ending process. If they really bother you, best thing is to get a repaint and clearbra... then be done with it.

 

that langka stuff seems pretty cool,,,,any comments out there on this one...Seems cheaper than the repaint...Can you clear coat after this process?

 

face it,if youre gonna use a car on public roads,chips/scratches/dings are a fact of life. The only way it stays show room clean is if you leave it in a show room...but then, what fun is that?

 

Is it a lease, or do you own it? If leased then do the langka stuff and put a clear bra...that's it. You should be fine, but you definately should add the clear bra to prevent further damage.

 

Ditto on the bra.

 

I didn't do a clear bra because I think they look like crap. If the next in line doesn't like the paint chips, he can deal with them.

 

Does anyone know a good place to go to that I can get a clear bra put on in the Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas or nearby area? And possibly tint the taillights too.......

 

You can also check out Dr ColorChip. It's great for small chips or scratches. I've use it on both my black 997 and black Lexus w/ good results.The process is pretty simply and fast.

I've never liked 'clear bras. I think the edge is too noticeable, the texture is too 'grainy' and of course if your paint color is light it's more noticealbe.

For long trips (ie. weekends or more) is use a Colgan bra. It does a great job protecting the paint and fits really very well so it prevents the wind for buffetting it and causes it to rub on the paint.

Bottomline" You can't protect a low painted nose from road debri and rocks. Even a 'clear bra' will get road scars.

Good Luck!

ps. In So. Cal it seems that just about every street or road is being repaved so it makes protection almost a necessity.

 

I have used langka, works well, but only on factory paint, not on any area painted after accident etc

 

I have a clear bra and it is the best mod I ever did! It has saved the look of my car more than I can tell you all.

 

Edre from EDL (envisage design lab) does exotic cars on daily basis. he is a great guy and does great job. i am sure many in LA can vouch for him. he actually lives in the SFV and can do it in his garage after hours. let me know if you want his number.

 

HW, check out Premiere Protective Films in the Bay Area ask for Sammy. I realize it's 5 hours north of you, but you're fortunate to have one of the best installers in the country that close! My car is white and I hate the line in the middle of the hood, this place did an AMAZING job.

 

I contacted Premier and here's what they told me:

Standard Precut Kit:
21” hood bonnet
fenders to match w/ hood pc
mirrors
headlamps
driving lights
front bumper

Price: $890

Options: priced to be added to kit above:

1. custom 21” hood bonnet (emblem removed w/ film wrapped around leading edge) + custom front bumper (headlamps / driving lights, signals removed for film tuck) = $290

2. custom 48” hood – film stops 3 inches short of the top corners – small area exposed on the top corners – 4350

3. inner front and rear wheel arches - $125 (4 corners directly behind tires)

4. custom full fenders - $690 (both sides – seamless application)

First off, is this a good price? I have no idea, I haven't contacted the other people yet...
Second, is it worth it to do the 48" hood upgrade and / or the full fenders?? It seems like alot of money but I think it may look better than having a line across the hood and fenders, or do you not notice it that much?

If I already have a few chips (or more) already, the car is over 2 years old, is it still a good idea to do this?

Thanks!