Paint chips

[gladiator]

I bought my Fiesta brand new last June
It's a titanium in metallic blue.

I jet washed my car this morning down at Morrisons and was horrified to see upwards of 20 tiny paint chips on the bonnet. I think a gritter must have sprayed my car whilst it's been parked on the main road

I live in Leeds Does anyone recommend a company such as Mr Chips to sort out the paint chips or is there a better way to get the car as good as new. I imagine it would cost a fortune to respray the bonnet.

 

[Burnerman]

A Chipsaway specialist could be the way to go - a good bodyshop will have their own contractor.
However....I'd have a word with the Ford garage about this. you deserve better for a car just a few months old. They'll probably bullshit you but do give it a go. Shy bairns get nae chocolate etc!
John

 

[JohnD]

I used to have a very good Chips Away franchiser, i had him round once a year to keep my cars like new. He used to use a tiny sprayer to paint into each chip individually, and buff the paint blob flat before it was fully hardened.

They don't seem to use such a good process any more.

 

[Burnerman]

If I had the choice of buying a car with a chip free paint coating I'd happily pay more for it....bloody ridiculous what manufacturers get away with
John

 

[gladiator]

Thanks John, I thought about contacting my Ford dealer, Lookers, but it's not really their fault or the manufacturers. I worked for Ford for years and can't see them doing anything

I forgot to mention. The chips are down to the primer, so no chance of rust.

 

[Burnerman]

I know exactly what you are saying but a pebbledashed bonnet is just not fair after just a few months. You never know, there could have been other complaints!
I look after my cars too and get really narked when things spoil like that.
John

 

[gladiator]

Thanks John I will contact the dealers.

Wish I'd never jet washed the car. Bloody rubbish result and I'll need to do it by hand to get it properly clean.

 

[Nige F]

Anyone remember the Mk. 11 Cortina in Silver Fox ? Paint peeled off the roofs in sheets

 

[Burnerman]

I had a Mk3 Escort, X reg in midnight blue.....managed to get a full respray with that one, it was so bad
The next one was in olympic blue and that wasnt much better.
The paint wouldnt stick to the goddam primer
John

 

[gladiator]

Contacted Mr Chips guy and sent him some photos of bonnet.

£350 plus vat to respray the bonnet, although the chips are on one side only.
OR I could get a touch up stick and do them myself. I'm tempted to do this.

Anyone recommend a good place for touch up sticks please

 

[Burnerman]

Stone chips are a very vague area on any vehicle warranty........ I still think its worth a try but if you don't want to the best touch up sticks - if its a 'new' colour especially - are from Ford themselves. If its not a new colour then a motor factors will help you - Dupli-color used to be a favourite. You may find a cocktail stick better than the crap brush that comes with the touch up.
A couple of thoughts if I may though - you stand a chance on the bonnet looking like Desperate Dan's chin if you do the job yourself....fair enough, its your car. If a body shop does it, the paint will then be so much thicker, and further chipping should be a thing of the past and the final surface will also be lacquered. That will help when trade in time comes!
Either way, good luck with the outcome - the Fiesta is a brilliant car that shouldn't be marred by dud paint.
John

 

[gladiator]

Thanks Jon. Appreciate your comments

 

[Brigadier]

Bonnet wrap will protect (what's left of) the paint from further chipping, and can be removed for trade-in.........

 

[gladiator]

I've been in touch with senior management at the Ford dealership I bought the car from.
Taking it for inspection on Saturday.

Either be done under warranty or at cost.

 

[Burnerman]

A good move, I think.....just say what a marvelous car it is and how good the dealership has been to you (so far ) and you’d like to buy another etc etc - does no harm to bullshit a little
I hope things go well!
John