heavy stone chip on bonnet - advice needed

[fabes]

Drat

Drove up from the coast to Stafford (still here) last night and picked up one all mighty 'crack' from something which upon inspection has given the merc a finger nail sized indentation and two scratches just off center of the bonnet, just at the lower lip.

Haven't got any pictures to offer, but would appreciate any advice on best route or service near Southampton to get this fixed.

Automatically thinking of a chips away type thing, but they never quite get the match and as its on the bonnet, it will be easilty visible if not done properly.

This looks like it will rust if not tackled, so early recommendations appreciated.

In the meantime, should I consider dropping a bit of clear laquer I have on a touch up brush to protect/seal it?

Cheers

Jonathan

 

[Barryh]

Sorry to hear about that,pain in the .....
I got the slk keyed last week.Took it to a friends body shop and well a door respray is the only way.So it may be a bonnet respray I am afraid.Good luck though with an easie route

 

[fabes]

Cheers for the initial thoughts

But has anybody got any thoughts about the less comprehensive (and expensive total respray option. I will have a chat with a local paint shop at nearby to where I live, but any recommendations in the Solent area?

Fabes (about to hit the road again south)

 

[Crazyjester900]

Well there is always touch up paint, depending on the size of the chip?

 

[The Dent Guy]

If the indentation is right on the very edge/lip then a bodyshop would be the only way.

However, if the dent is a little bit up from the lip, there is a chance it could be removed by someone like me. Be careful though, i've heard a lot of dent companies dont attempt the front of bonnets due to double or sometimes triple skin or box section access problems.

Where there's a will there's usually a way - but occassionally it just cant be done.

I had my wheelie bin blown over in the high winds onto the front corner edge of my bonnet (where its curved and rock hard) recently - i was sweating on the repair but, i did it.

I wouldn't pay for a bonnet respray just for a chip - touch it in as best you can.

Good luck

 

[fabes]

an update

Just to drop another name into the recommended businesses list on the forum (Mods please move this if necessary)

Panel Care just outside Southampton got the dent out from the leading lip of the bonnet and then did a 'good' job touching the actual holes in the paint in- I didn't want (to pay for) a respray

Whilst there, he fixed a chunk that I took out of a front alloy a few days ago - all for a very reasonable fee - and he provided a courtesy car for the morning as well.

He was recommended to me by the Main dealer at Southampton ( had a few of their cars there a the time) and is now also recommended by me
Terry is the chap in charge there.:bannana:

http://www.panel-care.co.uk/index.html

Hope this is of help

fabes