Stone Chips and Cracked Lacquer.

[tommytucker]

These have been issues for a while, but I've not been able to do anything about them for a while. Basically the bonnet is covered in stone chips, about 8 in total, there's even one on the windscreen surround. The front bumper's lacquer has also started to crack and peel. 

Here are a couple of examples:







I'm toying with the idea of getting a quote from the local body shop, but having spent nearly £1000 on the car in the last month, I'm a not that keen on spending too much more, at least not for a couple of months anyway. The other option as far as I see, is to do them myself. I've had a look for those pen things, but can't find any in my colour (Le Mans Green) And I don't even know where to start with the lacquer. 

[Fast Jan]

You should be able to get the paint made up by an automotive paint supplier - most will supply by post if you've not got one local to you. They only need the paint code from under the bonnet. I've had sunspot paint made up a couple of times for chips etc.

If it was me, I'd have to go the bodyshop route simply because of the lacquer, it would need flatting right down with wet/dry and then repainting & lacquering. I'm sure there are plenty of guides on youtube, but it's not something I'd ever want to attempt however easy other people make it look. I know my limits and don't have the patience for something you need to be slow and methodical with.

I wouldn't imagine the cost should be huge, I got all 4 wheel arches de-rusted and sprayed for £150, I'd guess that a bumper and windscreen surround shouldn't be too much more expensive.

[tommytucker]

That doesn't sound a bad idea, may go and see the local body shop in that case.

[Fast Jan]

Definitely worth getting a quote before going the DIY route, with any luck you'll be pleasantly surprised