Not even a month goes by and I have my first paint chip. :-( Sand trucks and icy roads I guess got the best of my baby. Is there anyway to repair it or prevent it from getting worse? (like rusting due to rain?) I know I'll get chips...and that is the joy/hazards of motoring...but I want Dory to be flaw-free for as long as possible. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
PJ

 

Get paint stick from dealer dont leave it to start rusting.Go get the 3M or equivalent mask done on your car right away.Both our mini,s are done its the best accessory you can buy.:impatient

 

How much do I need to set aside for this? Not complaining, but just curious. I want to get it fixed.

Thanks,
PJ

 

I usually use touchup paint on a tooth pick with a slighly mashed tip and
just put layers upon layers of paint (sometimes up to 10-13 coats) until
the touchup paint is slightly convex to the surrounding paint. let dry
about a week.

then i use some 2000grit sanding block and wetsand until it is flat with
the surrounding paint, polish, and done.

you should get a clearbra installed before it gets worse.
www.autopaintguard.com


goodluck

 

The good news is that our bonnets (hoods) are made of aluminum, not steel. They can't rust from the paint chips. That's the good news. The bad news is like the originator of this thread, I got my first paint chip in less than a month. I'm considering the clear 3M plastic (bra). But would really like one of those plastic "bug deflectors". If anyone out there (in any country) knows of where I can buy one, please post or email me at gabemail@aol.com.

Thanks!!

Happy holidays.

 

|I purchased a Colgan Bra from Mini Mania and like it.Normally use it for hiway driving,around town i leave it off.Q

 

Much better than the Colgan Bra (Which I used to use in my previous '04 MCS) is the VentureShield clearbra kit. This is special clearfilm that is made to withstand rock impacts of about 200 MPH, yet protects the front end of your MINI and better yet, it is a permanent solution, unlike the Colgan et al vinyl bras that need to be removed often for cleanup and you run the risk of damaging the paint/clearcoat as dust and grime tends to get trapped between the bra and the paintwork.

The VentureShield clearbra kit is superior in quality, durability and optical properties to the competing 3M clearbra films in the market. VentureShield offers a LIFETIME warranty against cracking, peeling and yellowing for as long as you own the vehicle. The typical warranty coverage of 3M based cleabra kits is about 4-5 years (X-Pel, InvicaShield, etc).

My '05 MCS has the clearbra kit since day 1 and no chips Very easy to maintain... Just wax 2-3 times a year over the clearbra film is all that is needed.

The MINI's factory piantwork is beautiful but unfortunately fragile due to the fact that the paint formulation is water based (As every other manufacturer in the world today). These paints are more environmentally friendly but unfortunately offer very poor chipping and abrasion resistance.

My first MCS collected some annoying paint chips and given that experience I vowed to never let this happen again with my next MINI. I am glad I did. The VentureShield cleabra has been the best investment I have made on the car so far.

Rock paint chips will continue to take place until you take a course of action. If you don't so anything, within 6 months, 1 year, your car will look like it was attacked with a BB gun

My installed is based in South Florida (Tamarac/Broward county area) but you may start inquirying about the clearbra locally from VentureShield. Here is his website:

www.accuguard.biz

If you have any other questions, feel free to fire away.

 

Wow! Thanks everyone! I will definitely shop around now. I contacted my MA and will try to get my baby into the dealership next week and get the chip fixed up. And then......I'll get a clearbra! I didn't think I wanted one, but if this happens after only one month....I don't see why I should live without one when I love this car so much.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Merry Christmas everyone....

~PJ and Dory

 

I never seen anywhere documentation stating that our bonnets are made of aluminum .

As far as I am concerned, every sheetmetal panel on the MINI is made of steel.

 

It all depends on the going installation rates in your area. My VentureShield kit was only $350, including labor. That was the absolute rock bottom price I could find locally.

I made several phone calls to reputable installers in the area and the lowest quote I got for the 3M cleabra film was in the $450 ball park including installation.

Shop around. I personally would not pay more than $400 to have the whole kit installed. Perhaps your dealer or other local MINI owners may recommend a specific installer that has worked on MINIs.

Due to the curves in the MINI's hood, the clearbra installation is best left to a professional.

The VentureShield kit I have in my MCS has the following pieces:

Full front bonnet
Hood scoop
Full front bumper
Front headlights
Front bumper marker lights
Front bumper fog lights
Both front door handle cups
Leading edge of front roof <----- A MUST!
Front/bumper grille slats

The installation was done between 2 guys and it took just about 2 hours. I had the bra installed back in June.