MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

Storer · #1 08-15-2003, 06:28 AM

Got my Autovisuals AutoSharp Pen last night. Gave my IB/MCS a good wash and went to town on the million and one nicks in the front bumper. For starters, let me say that this was one of the easiest things I have ever done. Took very little time and it looks awesome. I wish I had taken some before and after pics, but oh well. Plan on putting the clear bra on next week, so this helped immensly. If you have any problems with nicks, do not, I repeat, DO NOT hesitate about the $20 for the pen (including shipping). Awesome product.
-Chris

2minis · #2 08-15-2003, 06:32 AM

I highly recommend the clear bra.

VAmini · #3 08-15-2003, 06:36 AM

Storer, did you apply the paint directly with the pen? I too have a million small nicks on my bonnet and bumber, and actually bought the pen. But I have been hesitant to use it, because I've heard the paint comes out quickly... or maybe I'm just lazy, but please, more details on your process!

Storer · #4 08-15-2003, 07:17 AM

It was actually real easy, the paint does not flow fast at all, unless you actually depress the tip, then it comes out as fast as you want. I would just follow their instructions. Shake well for about a minute, dab on a piece of paper or cloth to get the paint flowing to the tip, and then touch up! I used it on some EXTREMELY minor nicks, and had no problems with overflow whatsoever. Good luck
-Chris

P.S. 2minis, did you have the bra put on, or did you do it yourself?

Thechandler81 · #5 08-15-2003, 07:28 AM

I have the same problem with dings from rocks and what not.. anyone else have feedback or experience with this product?

Storer · #6 08-15-2003, 07:33 AM

As a side note, I had my MCS repainted by the company who repaired it after my accident (a re-cap for those not familiar... 18 hours and 129 miles into it, my car was nearly totaled by some ass from CA who blew through a stop sign). Turns out, that the body shop didn't let the pain cure long enough, and I had a massive chipping problem. They agreed to repaint it, so I tooled around with the brush-in-a-bottle touch-up paint... disaster. Looked like hell, did not blend in whatsoever.

OmToast · #7 08-18-2003, 09:29 AM

Good info, Storer...!

I, too, have an IB/W MCS and I have some itty bitty little scratches on the doors that the dent guy told me not to bother with, but I also have a truly gross scrape on the bonnet--giant road debris, I presume--that really needs touched up. It's quite noticeable. I was leaning toward the AutoSharp pen, but your feedback pushed me over the edge. So that will be one of Ollie's "Thanks for putting up with 10k or so miles of X-country abuse" present! Does the pen have a clear coat, or do I have tpo purchase that separately? THe metallics really match up well? I'm amazed by this--and it's one of the reasons I've been hesitant...

It should be noted that the scrape may be severe enough that the touch up paint looks deranged, but at least I'll go down trying, rather than an immediate paint job...

Storer · #8 08-18-2003, 09:41 AM

Toast, not sure if the pen has a clear coat in it. But as far as matching up to the original paint, I have had great success. You might have to go back and re-touch dome trouble areas, but after a coat or two, you won't be able to find the blemish. I'm not sure about a huge scratch like you described, I haven't had to do anything of the sorts. Let me know how it comes out. You might want to go with a clear bra to prevent any further damaging. I'm putting my X-Pel on this week.
-Chris