Fixing Nicks and Scratches on your MINI
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North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,070
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From: Colorado
Fixing Nicks and Scratches on your MINI is Now Easier
The Problem
Your car is subjected to abuse every time you back out of your driveway. It might be blasted by sand as you pass by a construction site, or pounded with pebbles as you swerve around that meandering dump truck, or showered with gravel as you zip over a fresh asphalt patch. Even parking your car at the mall or the supermarket exposes it to scrapes from the person parked next to you opening their door.
There are only so many precautions you can take. You can park in a spot so far away it will take a global positioning system to find your way back. You can drive around with a car cover on. You’ll just need to cut out openings for the doors and windows. You could even hire an armed escort to surround your car wherever you go. These solutions, though imaginative, are impractical. Face it. You drive a MINI. Not a tank. It’s going to get chipped and scratched.
The Contenders
There are shelves filled with products just waiting for you to bring to the register. Polishes, putties, rubbing compounds, and touch-ups. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Polishes and rubbing compounds let you buff out the tiniest of nicks and the surface scratches. That’s a lot of elbow grease for very little return. Touch-ups are simple and straight-forward. You brush them on and the scratch is gone. However, unless you’re an artist with years of training, those tiny little lines from that brush are always going to show. Repainting your MINI is unnecessary when a high quality touch-up product will do.
The Solution
The AutoSharp Pen was designed and developed after years of work in the field and in the lab. The first thing you’ll notice is its remarkable resemblance to a felt tip marker. The slim lines, familiar cap, and fancy gold lettering is similar to what you’d find at any good stationary store. The first hint that it’s something different is when you shake it. That rattle is the sound of a miniature ball stirring the glossy urethane paint in the barrel. Once the paint is mixed, uncap the AutoSharp Pen and gently depress the tip on a smooth flat surface, letting the paint surround the end until the tip is moist. Then wipe the dirt from the target area, dab it with a little alcohol to remove the wax, and you’re ready to begin. In minutes, the paint is dry and because the paint is matched to your car’s original paint code, the scratches and chips all but disappear.
MINI Paint Codes
850 Pepper White
895 British Racing Green Metallic
903 Velvet Red Metallic
902 Liquid Yellow
901 Silk Green Metallic
900 Pure Silver Metallic
871 Dark Silver Metallic
870 Electric Blue Metallic
862 Indi Blue Metallic
851 Chili Red
668 Black
303 Cosmos Black Metallic
859 Solid Gold Metallic
Visit us on the World Wide Web at http://www.autovisuals.com
Toll Free: (877) 701-7780
Fax: (818) 576-0068
Email: info@autovisuals.com
The Problem
Your car is subjected to abuse every time you back out of your driveway. It might be blasted by sand as you pass by a construction site, or pounded with pebbles as you swerve around that meandering dump truck, or showered with gravel as you zip over a fresh asphalt patch. Even parking your car at the mall or the supermarket exposes it to scrapes from the person parked next to you opening their door.
There are only so many precautions you can take. You can park in a spot so far away it will take a global positioning system to find your way back. You can drive around with a car cover on. You’ll just need to cut out openings for the doors and windows. You could even hire an armed escort to surround your car wherever you go. These solutions, though imaginative, are impractical. Face it. You drive a MINI. Not a tank. It’s going to get chipped and scratched.
The Contenders
There are shelves filled with products just waiting for you to bring to the register. Polishes, putties, rubbing compounds, and touch-ups. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Polishes and rubbing compounds let you buff out the tiniest of nicks and the surface scratches. That’s a lot of elbow grease for very little return. Touch-ups are simple and straight-forward. You brush them on and the scratch is gone. However, unless you’re an artist with years of training, those tiny little lines from that brush are always going to show. Repainting your MINI is unnecessary when a high quality touch-up product will do.
The Solution
The AutoSharp Pen was designed and developed after years of work in the field and in the lab. The first thing you’ll notice is its remarkable resemblance to a felt tip marker. The slim lines, familiar cap, and fancy gold lettering is similar to what you’d find at any good stationary store. The first hint that it’s something different is when you shake it. That rattle is the sound of a miniature ball stirring the glossy urethane paint in the barrel. Once the paint is mixed, uncap the AutoSharp Pen and gently depress the tip on a smooth flat surface, letting the paint surround the end until the tip is moist. Then wipe the dirt from the target area, dab it with a little alcohol to remove the wax, and you’re ready to begin. In minutes, the paint is dry and because the paint is matched to your car’s original paint code, the scratches and chips all but disappear.
MINI Paint Codes
850 Pepper White
895 British Racing Green Metallic
903 Velvet Red Metallic
902 Liquid Yellow
901 Silk Green Metallic
900 Pure Silver Metallic
871 Dark Silver Metallic
870 Electric Blue Metallic
862 Indi Blue Metallic
851 Chili Red
668 Black
303 Cosmos Black Metallic
859 Solid Gold Metallic
Visit us on the World Wide Web at http://www.autovisuals.com
Toll Free: (877) 701-7780
Fax: (818) 576-0068
Email: info@autovisuals.com
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,062
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
The only reason that I haven't ordered this yet is that the touchup paint from MINI (which I haven't ordered yet, either) comes with clear coat, whereas the AutoSharp pen does not. At least, this is what has been posted elsewhere... So, does this matter for a scratch or chip the size of a pinhead? Is it even noticeable? If so, what can be used to even out the clearcoat?
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
You do not need the Clear Pen for touch up. The paint is made to have sheen. If you want a show room sheen, this is when you buy a Clear Pen. Clear Pens are also good for scratches that are through the clear coat but not the base coat. Clear will hide the scratch.
AutoVisuals
info@autovisuals.com
AutoVisuals
info@autovisuals.com
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
From: VA Beach
How come there's no code for the white of the roof?
I bought a touch-up kit from MINI, which had the clear coat and EB colors. The next day I noticed a small chip in my white roof! I haven't had a chance to get white touch up paint for it yet...
I bought a touch-up kit from MINI, which had the clear coat and EB colors. The next day I noticed a small chip in my white roof! I haven't had a chance to get white touch up paint for it yet...
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
Good catch! Six bucks to ship a pen is friggin' ridiculous! 
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,062
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
Yeah, stick it in a padded envelope, good old USPS, $1.50 tops. I'm not ordering either, unless that price comes down.
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 0
From: Cooper City, Fl
I ordered it and thought the shipping was a little high but I'd rather spend $6.00 for the shipping if its going to make me happy not seeing those GD chips. I spent $16.00 for the BMW touch up and the brush that comes with it suxed !!! It cannot fill the small chips and it looked like crap !!! So I figure this should work better. Hey its only $6.00!! Everything for the MINI is over priced. Get use to it!!!
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Milford, CT
>>I ordered it and thought the shipping was a little high but I'd rather spend $6.00 for the shipping if its going to make me happy not seeing those GD chips. I spent $16.00 for the BMW touch up and the brush that comes with it suxed !!! It cannot fill the small chips and it looked like crap !!! So I figure this should work better. Hey its only $6.00!! Everything for the MINI is over priced. Get use to it!!!
Very true, but then there's always the option to not buy it and make the retailers drop their prices! I've been holding out on lots of things until the hype winds down a bit...
Very true, but then there's always the option to not buy it and make the retailers drop their prices! I've been holding out on lots of things until the hype winds down a bit...
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
To address a few concerns:
1) The paint code for the white roof is: 382
2) Shipping: All orders are sent UPS Ground. Minimum to ship for UPS is 1 pound. Most consumers do not know this, so even if the pen and package is a few ounces, we still get charged for 1 pound. We ship via UPS because they provide tracking numbers, approximate delivery dates and guarantee the shipment. The post office does not.
3) We are happy to ship your orders via USPS, but will not guarantee the order if you do not receive it. The shipping on 1-2 pens will be $.80. You can also request to send it via Priority mail at $3.85. If you want to purchase the pens and other products, you must call in your order.
Thanks for your responses. Let me know if there is anything else we can do. You can call in orders Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm Pacific Standard Time.
AutoVisuals
Toll Free: 877-701-7780
1) The paint code for the white roof is: 382
2) Shipping: All orders are sent UPS Ground. Minimum to ship for UPS is 1 pound. Most consumers do not know this, so even if the pen and package is a few ounces, we still get charged for 1 pound. We ship via UPS because they provide tracking numbers, approximate delivery dates and guarantee the shipment. The post office does not.
3) We are happy to ship your orders via USPS, but will not guarantee the order if you do not receive it. The shipping on 1-2 pens will be $.80. You can also request to send it via Priority mail at $3.85. If you want to purchase the pens and other products, you must call in your order.
Thanks for your responses. Let me know if there is anything else we can do. You can call in orders Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm Pacific Standard Time.
AutoVisuals
Toll Free: 877-701-7780
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: California
Just getting ready to order both blue and white thinking I'd get both shipped for the $6 (as they are so light right?). $7 pops up as the shipping cost! Not meaning to be a cheapo here, but surely two pens don't put it over that 1 pound minimum charge for UPS?
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
UPS Shipping to a residential address will cost any where from $4.50-$7.00 depending on how rural of an area you live in.
You can call us directly if you would like to place any order and have it delivered via Priority Mail or 1st Class Mail. However, we cannot gurantee an order through the post office, There is no tracking system.
Priority Mail costs $3.85 and first class mail for shipping is $.80.
AutoVisuals
Toll Freee: (877) 701-7780
You can call us directly if you would like to place any order and have it delivered via Priority Mail or 1st Class Mail. However, we cannot gurantee an order through the post office, There is no tracking system.
Priority Mail costs $3.85 and first class mail for shipping is $.80.
AutoVisuals
Toll Freee: (877) 701-7780
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: New York
I don't get it i would like to order and probably will in a few days but i just ordered somethning else for my mini and shipping was $4.00 the package weighed 3 pounds, not to be a wise guy, maybe you should check again with ups and see whats up.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
If you would like a different shipping method and rate, please feel free to contact us directly, and we are happy to give you a different shipping method and rate.
AutoVisuals
Customer Service
Toll Free: (877) 701-7780
AutoVisuals
Customer Service
Toll Free: (877) 701-7780
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Shipping Costs:
UPS Shipping has been adjusted. We cannot explain our costs of doing business, but shipping is a large expense for any business. Many times money is lost on shipping when sent to rural areas, we try to keep it as low as we can. Please remember, anyone is always welcome to phone in their order for a different shipping method.
Orders of $1-$50: Shipping is $6.00
Orders over $50: Shipping is $7.00
AutoVisuals,
Customer Service
Toll Free: (877) 701-7780
UPS Shipping has been adjusted. We cannot explain our costs of doing business, but shipping is a large expense for any business. Many times money is lost on shipping when sent to rural areas, we try to keep it as low as we can. Please remember, anyone is always welcome to phone in their order for a different shipping method.
Orders of $1-$50: Shipping is $6.00
Orders over $50: Shipping is $7.00
AutoVisuals,
Customer Service
Toll Free: (877) 701-7780
Now that everyone has the shipping issues figured out....anyone actually use this yet? If so, how well does it/does it not work? Gotta know! I got stuck behind a sand truck last week...he was spewing the beach all over about 2 miles of interstate highway!
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 0
This touch up pen seems to be a terrific product. I am looking forward to place an order for our current MINI and my upcoming MCS.
One final question....will the code 668 solid Black color paint pen will also work on black roofed MINIs?
_________________
2002 MINI Cooper CVT (Pepper White/Black Roof)
2001 Chevy Impala LS (For Sale)
On Order: 2004 MCS (Chili Red/White roof) September '03 production date, October '03 delivery.
One final question....will the code 668 solid Black color paint pen will also work on black roofed MINIs?
_________________
2002 MINI Cooper CVT (Pepper White/Black Roof)
2001 Chevy Impala LS (For Sale)
On Order: 2004 MCS (Chili Red/White roof) September '03 production date, October '03 delivery.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Product looks great, I ordered a couple today....question though - how does this handle claybars? Should I worry at all about claying the area where the chips used to be? Will the clay remove the touchup paint from the pens?
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Roofs:
We only have a paint code for the white roof which is #382. I am not sure if the 668 will match the roof, you would have to try it. MINI has not provided us with a color chip for the roof. The 668 pen I think will be too shiny.
AutoVisuals
We only have a paint code for the white roof which is #382. I am not sure if the 668 will match the roof, you would have to try it. MINI has not provided us with a color chip for the roof. The 668 pen I think will be too shiny.
AutoVisuals
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Thats great but how much is it? Does it work as good as the touch up paint you get at the dealership? I have also have to say that the "Bomb", witch is a quik spray on detailer works awsome between car washes and waxes... 
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
The pens are $16.99 each.
Have not heard of "The Bomb". We use a product called "The Glosser". They are premoistned wipes that contain cleaner and wax. Great for between washings as well.
Have not heard of "The Bomb". We use a product called "The Glosser". They are premoistned wipes that contain cleaner and wax. Great for between washings as well.