we just returned from a trip and there are probably close to a hundred paint chips (sizes ranging from very tiny to a few medium). Is there a way to repair these without having it repainted? I've searched the forums but most all I can find is advice for fixing one or just a few chips, not hundreds. any help, advice, or pointing in the right direction would be much appreciated!

 

I know of a shop that can repaint part of the hood by using chemicals that bleed the new paint into the old. Apparently it's almost not visible. The other option is to repaint the entire hood. I've got tons of chips as well - hoping I don't have to repair before returning end of lease. Definitely will be considering a clear bra for my next car. If it isn't the rocks and debri in the summer, it's the damn chunks of road salt and grit in the winter.

 

If you got a bunch of small chips this is the best stuff to fix it. Fast & easy, almost idiot proof.

http://www.drcolorchip.com/

 

Increasing your following distance when driving, then getting a clear bra (like the 3M ones that dealers apply) can minimize future chips.
Due to the shape of the mini's front, and it lowness, it is particularly vulunerablr to chips from rocks, sand and other road debris, which is often thrown up by the cars infront of us.

 

once fixed...stay away from ALL large trucks and be especially aware of landscapers/grass mowers with open trucks that are loaded with crap that's thrown everywhere. If I end up "behind" one these *^%holes I pull off and let someone else's car take the punishment. It's worth the few lost minutes.

 

As mentioned by Stealth, Dr. Colorchip will smear color into your holes so they are less visible, but it does nothing for the surface. If you look closely at a repaired Dr. Color Chip panel, you will see all of the holes that were just colored in with paint. There is very little difference between using that product and taking a Sharpie (assuming the color matches) and recoloring the spots to match. Respraying the front end it your best bet, then not driving it for 30 days and then using clear bra film to protect it is probably what you need.

 

I'm wondering what everybody thinks about the cost of clear bras... I'm still undecided.

Repainting the bumper every few years is relatively cheap. And the quotes I've seen suggest the bumper is quite pricey to clear bra - more expensive than repainting.

I guess it's the hood that is the most expensive part to repair. Even then, my understanding is that most clear bras only protect part of the hood.

And then there are the mirror caps... on a MINI that is a minor issue as you can replace the caps or pic a vinyl decal... unless you have the pricey CF.

 

If I had hundreds of chips, I'd certainly take it to a reputable body shop and have it done right.

That said, the cheapest and best solution is to not drive so close to the vehicles in front of you. This not only saves your paint, it may save everyone's' well-being. Not to mention their stress levels.

During the winter here in New England, you can still get dinged by rocks from oncoming cars and sand-trucks though.

I got my first chip on the nose of my 2003 R50 this winter. i think I'll go for the Dr Colorchip. Thanks for the link.

 

Yeah, sounds like it's too late now, but my clear bra was worth every penny I paid... My 2011 MCS looks as new as the day I picked it up.

http://www.transguardprotection.com