Chip on Hood: Fix it, or "fix" it?

[Calpchen]

Discovered a small chip on the front of my hood the other evening. It looks like the rock that hit the hood made a slight dent while chipping off the paint.

Do I spend $200 to have someone fix it? :whipping2:

Pros: Dent fixed. Professional paint job.​

Cons: So much money for such a small chip and dent.​

Or do I try to touch it up myself for $30 in materials (which includes using a color-matched touch-up paint pen)? :art:

Pros: Cheap. Quick.​

Cons: Dent not fixed. Uncertain results in terms of looks and longevity.​

Follow-up Question: How do I protect my car afterwards? Car bra? Bug deflector? Paint protection film? :shrug:

Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Uneek]

Is there a dent? I don't see one in the pics.

I would just touch it up and move on. You can get a clear bra, but if you drive in areas where are a lot of loose gravel, etc., it won't save the leading edges. I've got several chips on the edges where a clear bra wouldn't save the paint.

 

[Calpchen]

Is there a dent? I don't see one in the pics.

There's a slight dent where the bigger chip is. I'm assuming that was the initial impact point. The photos don't show the depression, but it's definitely visible in the reflection when viewed at an angle.

 

[White 4x4runner]

I say touch up paint and the hair dryer and computer cleaner method to maybe pop the dent out. If that doesn't work then see what itll cost to get it fixed

 

[gsweetz]

i say touch it up.. and hide it with a hood deflector..

 

[Calpchen]

You guys are right. Touching it up and protecting with a deflector would be the sensible course of action. :hatsoff:

That's why I've decided to have it puttied and painted professionally, then covered with paint protection film.

And then I'll install a deflector.

What is this called? Overreacting? Don't mind if I do! :jump:

 

[ToyoTech]

touch it up to prevent rust but you will get more rock chips, cant avoid it

 

[034RUNNER]

I realize this post is old but I Just have to say, it is pretty disappoint how easily the paint on the newer Toyota's is chipping. Our 08 Tundra is already rusting out.

I'd fix it the cheap way since it's so small, but that definitely sucks, especially seeing that is a 5th gen.

 

[blizz86]

i would fix it properly. i had cracks in my clearcoat (tiny maybe about 1-2mm small on my daily drive trunk that developed into some kinda gray seepage through the clearcoat and paint) now i wish i handled it properly :l

 

[DexTech]

chips in the paint on the front are unavoidable where I live.

windshield gets pitted as well. I used to have the windshield patched until I figured out it would be cheaper to just leave them and replace it when it gets really bad.

I feel the same way about the hood. hit it with touch up paint to avoid rust etc then save your money to just repaint it when/if it gets bad. I think it's cheaper that way

 

[4RNNR]

..... I Just have to say, it is pretty disappoint how easily the paint on the newer Toyota's is chipping. Our 08 Tundra is already rusting out.....

I'd have to say the thin pain on my '08 is my biggest dissappointment with this truck