[BK]

I'm so upset I almost posted this in the October meet thread but I decided against it. Don't want to detract from that thread.

I washed my car today and saw TWO door dings on the left rear passenger door. I have no idea where they came from, but they are new since I last washed it on Tuesday(!). I never park near anyone so I have no idea how I got them. Maybe they are from a rock on the highway?

They are little breaks where the clear coat came right off. The paint beneath looks like it is still there, but it is very dull without the clear coat over it. The clear coat looks like Saran Wrap or something peeled right off -- it is fairly thick and is that shiny (and as a result, the paint looks quite dull beneath it).

Each "ding" is two little chips, one up high and one down low on the door. Very small little nicks.

I tried to clay one of them, thinking/hoping it may just be some tree sap or something, but it is clearly a chip. The clay just made it a little duller all around the chip. I guess I removed the wax I had in that area by claying.

How do I fix these? Touch up paint blotted on them? Or just blot clear coat on them? I've never done either before, but my car spends most of its time outside and I don't want them to get any worse. So I'm willing to give it a try.

Shim, I'm afraid to get my car buffed by you until I get this fixed. I wonder if it would make the chips worse. Anyone help? I'm distraught that my baby is damaged. Meanwhile, my wife thinks I'm crazy and reminds me that I promised I wouldn't be obsessive about the car.

[KL2DC]

Brian, if it makes you feel any better, I have those chips you speak of. About 2-3, on both rear passenger doors. I found my first one about 3 weeks into ownership and I was quite upset. They look more like rock chips than the dread door dings which often leaves an indentation on the bodywork. I have a feeling the design of the car makes it conducive for these oddly placed chips. Recently, I have installed front mudflaps to try to reduce the risk of more chips happening, high up on the bodywork.

I have not addressed them yet but my car was recent Shim'd and I am happy to report no catasthropic paint peeling/flaking occured

[BK]

Yes, believe it or not, that does make me feel a lot better that yours aren't spreading. Seriously, I was so upset when I saw them, my wife had to intervene and remind me to stop obsessing. I found myself wondering what a new door might cost. I have to remind myself it's just a damn car.

Also, it makes me feel more sane knowing they must be from rocks. Since they must have happened sometime this week, I was wracking my brain trying to think of when I could have parked next to someone. I don't think I did at all this week. Must be from rocks.

[KL2DC]

I'm quite particular when it comes to parking, always taking the end lots, making sure of my neighbors etc. I also take my trusty Civic when I am unsure of the parking situation at the destination I need to be at. So far so good *knocks on wood*. Still dreading for that first ding, though. I am pretty sure you guys will know about it, when that happens

[BK]

So, have the mud flaps helped at all? Too early to judge? Maybe I'll look into that.

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by BK

So, have the mud flaps helped at all? Too early to judge? Maybe I'll look into that.

Too early to judge, they look like they might help though...

[shimshimhada]

Take pictures! Are the chips down to the primer or just through the clearcoat?

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Take pictures! Are the chips down to the primer or just through the clearcoat?

In my case, primer, I think The white/grey primer is visible. I believe, Brian's case as well as he mentioned, he had thought the chips might have been tree sap.

Are you offering touch up services as well? Hey that's a great idea...I know Langka and similar is a PITA multi-step process, perhaps you can explore that venue?

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

In my case, primer, I think The white/grey primer is visible. I believe, Brian's case as well as he mentioned, he had thought the chips might have been tree sap.

Are you offering touch up services as well? Hey that's a great idea...I know Langka and similar is a PITA multi-step process, perhaps you can explore that venue?

I am. I'm learning how to wetsand deep scratches. I'm practicing on our Benz.

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

I am. I'm learning how to wetsand deep scratches. I'm practicing on our Benz.

Wetsand Heavens...

Just paint touch-up and finishing required, please

[BK]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Take pictures! Are the chips down to the primer or just through the clearcoat?

I'll take a picture. I'm really not sure -- I was thinking just clearcoat, but it's hard to tell if the primer is dark. It's not bare metal, at least. Definitely the clearcoat is gone, though. On the plus side, it's hard to see them unless you know where it is... then they stick out like a sore thumb. It is the "red dot" on the cashmere sweater on Seinfeld.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Wetsand Heavens...

Just paint touch-up and finishing required, please

Well you need to wetsand lightly so the touch-up blends in. Then polish afterwards. Otherwise it sticks out.

[ase2dais]

google

Dent Wizard,

I believe they are still in Rockville,
unless they change their name.

Originally Posted by BK

I'm so upset I almost posted this in the October meet thread but I decided against it. Don't want to detract from that thread.

I washed my car today and saw TWO door dings on the left rear passenger door. I have no idea where they came from, but they are new since I last washed it on Tuesday(!). I never park near anyone so I have no idea how I got them. Maybe they are from a rock on the highway?

They are little breaks where the clear coat came right off. The paint beneath looks like it is still there, but it is very dull without the clear coat over it. The clear coat looks like Saran Wrap or something peeled right off -- it is fairly thick and is that shiny (and as a result, the paint looks quite dull beneath it).

Each "ding" is two little chips, one up high and one down low on the door. Very small little nicks.

I tried to clay one of them, thinking/hoping it may just be some tree sap or something, but it is clearly a chip. The clay just made it a little duller all around the chip. I guess I removed the wax I had in that area by claying.

How do I fix these? Touch up paint blotted on them? Or just blot clear coat on them? I've never done either before, but my car spends most of its time outside and I don't want them to get any worse. So I'm willing to give it a try.

Shim, I'm afraid to get my car buffed by you until I get this fixed. I wonder if it would make the chips worse. Anyone help? I'm distraught that my baby is damaged. Meanwhile, my wife thinks I'm crazy and reminds me that I promised I wouldn't be obsessive about the car.