It was minor but still cost around 6k for parts and mini service .. Crazy huh. And thank god all of those chips are gone. I'm now considering a clear bra for the hood since it is a whole new front end now .. Thoughts?

 

I've got about 100,000 miles on a 3m clear bra...no chips.
The tiny line where the edge is drives some folks nuts, me, the chips would be worse.
Since the paint is fresh, an installer MIGHT tell you to wait 30-60 days before install to let the paint finishing curing.
Another consideration is MANY body shops use a single stage paint for repairs as opposed to multiple coats/clear, like the OEM to save $$...and this results in slightly less durable paint...so on a hood, might be a good idea IMO.

 

Yeah being as ocd as I am I think the line would actually **** me off a little too but not as much as the rock chips all over my hood did. I agree with the opinion though, I think I am going to do it. How much should I be looking at?

 

Since it is largely labor, just like window tint, it will vary...
About $200-350 if I recall from posts depending on the area, and bra material...
Some places offer a full hood version...but not sure the change in the shine/reflection would be with getting rid of the line.

 

Ok I'll look into it when I get the car back Friday from the dealer collision center, thanks!

 

A slightly more expensive option on a clear bra is just to do the whole hood, no line at all that way.

 

You know as OCD as I am, I am actually considering this option now. Does anything else but the hood need to be protected or is it just the metal hood that chips?

 

You can get a slightly thicker material that protects the headlights...
keeps them clear, and prevents them from yellowing....also protects them from a stray stone, preventing cracks...at about $350-550 each for xenon's...I did them, DIY...mine still are as clear as the day I bought the car...
some places will do the bumper too with the bra material....but think that might be going too far IMO..those chips will not rust, and the plastic is flexible...so less likely to chip...guess if you had a VERY light or Bright color, might make sense....

 

Yeah I have seen that too I think I am going to try this as a side project as well. I think the bumper is too far I had 125,000 on my bumper before the accident and no issues..I just had the headlight rings, door handles, beltline, and gas cap all wrapped in matte black vinyl so lets see how long this stuff lasts! I cant wait to pick up my car tmrw!!!