Paint Repair
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Monroe NC
Paint Repair
Posted this on "Paint/Body" with no replies. Perhaps someone here can help.
I have a spot, about the size of a quarter on the front lower fender area. The paint is gone judging from the rough edges around the spot. I'd like to fix this. I have the appropriate paint from GM, but not sure how to prep the surface. Any suggestions or links where I can find assistance? This is a daily driver, so I'm not looking for perfect at this point. When time and money allows, I'm going to have the car repainted.
Thanks
I have a spot, about the size of a quarter on the front lower fender area. The paint is gone judging from the rough edges around the spot. I'd like to fix this. I have the appropriate paint from GM, but not sure how to prep the surface. Any suggestions or links where I can find assistance? This is a daily driver, so I'm not looking for perfect at this point. When time and money allows, I'm going to have the car repainted.
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Richfield WI
Fixing this isn't easy
A repair on a spot the size of a quarter on a fender is too big to use a touch up stick for. The options I've listed below are also effected by the color. If your car is white, option 1 is possible. Most other colors make this impractical. As I see it here are the options.1.) Sand the spot un the fender until it is blended smooth. You'll need to primer, sand and paint. If you've never done this, just hire a pro. This is a bad option for any color other than white. The cost of materials alone will be $150 to $300 or more depending on color. A pro probably won't charge much more than $300 to $500.
2.) remove the fender and have it entirely repainted by a pro. They know how to sand an prep it. By removing it yourself, you'll avoid the cost of paying them to remove it. If your car isn't that great to begin with, you can pay less by just having a pro prep, tape it off and paint it.
3.) Buy a used fender that already is painted the same color as your car and replace the fender.
4.) Touch it up with a $7 bottle of touch up paint. Will look like heck, but if you are down to the bare fender, it might be better to give it some protection.
Of course, you can always just leave it.
OJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
You can fix it yourself or just take it to a good body shop. If you want to try and fix it yourself and it does not satisfy you, you can then go the body shop route.
Go to the Duplcolor website and they have some videos on how to fix it. They also have a great line of PerfectMatch colors that come in a spray can. I have fixed a lot of bigger areas than yours using their product, including my wife's lexus and got a pefect match. It was cheaper than buying the paint for my Binks gun.
PS: I am very critical on paint having painted several show cars. Being on the side of the car a lower down makes it easier and less noticeable than say, on the top of the hood or fender.
Good luck, let us know how it works out. Post to me if you want to discuss further, we can even talk on the phone.
Go to the Duplcolor website and they have some videos on how to fix it. They also have a great line of PerfectMatch colors that come in a spray can. I have fixed a lot of bigger areas than yours using their product, including my wife's lexus and got a pefect match. It was cheaper than buying the paint for my Binks gun.
PS: I am very critical on paint having painted several show cars. Being on the side of the car a lower down makes it easier and less noticeable than say, on the top of the hood or fender.
Good luck, let us know how it works out. Post to me if you want to discuss further, we can even talk on the phone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 11
From: las vegas nv.
Ive been there afew times-first is the vette in mint cond.except for the quarter spot? If it is--Have it done by the best you can find--you will be happy! If the car is alittle rough in other areas--than who cares-try to fix it yourself--
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Monroe NC
Thanks for the replies. The car is Pewter Metallic. I have a rattle can from GM based on that color. Overall, the upper portion of the car is in good shape. The rocker panels and underside of front bumper are evidence that the previous owner(s) had the thing lowered to the max. Not necessarily noticeable unless you get down and do some looking. Hence the long-term repaint goal. This particular "spot" is on the passenger side just below and to the rear of the turn signal light.
As indicated, not looking for perfect at this time, but I do think it needs to get some attention.
I'll check out the suggested video and then decide how to proceed. Since this is my DD, down time is an issue at this time.
Thanks again for the responses and offers of assistance.
As indicated, not looking for perfect at this time, but I do think it needs to get some attention.
I'll check out the suggested video and then decide how to proceed. Since this is my DD, down time is an issue at this time.
Thanks again for the responses and offers of assistance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 7
From: Andreas Pennsylvania
SeattleVette has given you some good advice. There are tons of videos on Youtube showing guys doing spot repairs. Watch them and see if it something you are willing to try. There are tons of companies that make auto paint and sell them in spray cans (I am not talking about dupont paint from an auto store or walmart). You order the paint and have exact match paint to spray the fender. I did it with my wifes mini van. No one else could see it, but I still did. The paint was a metallic and I couldn't get it to match the factory. It was close enough that they didn't notice it when we traded it in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 5
From: Hyde Park New York
SeattleVette has given you some good advice. There are tons of videos on Youtube showing guys doing spot repairs. Watch them and see if it something you are willing to try. There are tons of companies that make auto paint and sell them in spray cans (I am not talking about dupont paint from an auto store or walmart). You order the paint and have exact match paint to spray the fender. I did it with my wifes mini van. No one else could see it, but I still did. The paint was a metallic and I couldn't get it to match the factory. It was close enough that they didn't notice it when we traded it in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: North Topsail Beach NC
I had someone key the side of my dark blue Chevy Blazer a few years ago and took it by a used car lot where they have a guy come and do minor on the lot touch-up repairs. He repaired the damage (about an 18" scratch) and did such a good job that and I couldn't see the repair. Four years later the repair is still undetectable. He charged me just under $100. This might be an option.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski