Guess it was bound to happen... (rock chips)

[r4m3n]

Sigh... Walked up to my car and noticed 3 small rock chips right behind the driver's door. Forms a triangle... Found it odd that chips would form there rather than the front bumper.

And because my car is blue, it sticks out like an eyesore

Should I bother with touchup paint pen?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by r4m3n

Sigh... Walked up to my car and noticed 3 small rock chips right behind the driver's door. Forms a triangle... Found it odd that chips would form there rather than the front bumper.

And because my car is blue, it sticks out like an eyesore

Should I bother with touchup paint pen?

Attachment 9521

That does suck, same happens with red, it shows from 50 feet away.

On the bright side, its a nice tight pattern. Looks like you've been hunted by a Predator (alien not drone). Maybe you should touch them up with red, or little reflectors.

[eriktherod]

Touch up paint (if you can find it yet) is do-able, but be very careful and patient.

You can try the ball-point roller end which helps full in those little chips. It's better to be conservative than aggressive with the application. If you feel it's "not enough," wait for it to dry in 15-20 minutes and try again. It's better that way than slopping it on furiously trying to fix it and ending up with little bulges.

Also, keep some acetone and mineral spirits nearby. If you need to get the paint off, use the mineral spirits and wipe off. I've been told that using the wooden end of a match (or toothpick) to lightly apply paint isn't too bad, never tried. If you want to sand the area a little, wetsand it with 1000 grit and soapy water (hand soap).

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by eriktherod

Touch up paint (if you can find it yet) is do-able, but be very careful and patient.

You can try the ball-point roller end which helps full in those little chips. It's better to be conservative than aggressive with the application. If you feel it's "not enough," wait for it to dry in 15-20 minutes and try again. It's better that way than slopping it on furiously trying to fix it and ending up with little bulges.

Also, keep some acetone and mineral spirits nearby. If you need to get the paint off, use the mineral spirits and wipe off. I've been told that using the wooden end of a match (or toothpick) to lightly apply paint isn't too bad, never tried. If you want to sand the area a little, wetsand it with 1000 grit and soapy water (hand soap).

Been meaning to ask if anyone has ever used the "Dr. Color Chip" products you always see advertised in the back of the auto rags. Seems a little too good to be true, but I would like try some on my son's 2002 Accord.

[r4m3n]

Checked Toyota and they don't have the touch up for the frs. Local subie dealer parts department is closed too :/

[eriktherod]

Originally Posted by r4m3n

Checked Toyota and they don't have the touch up for the frs. Local subie dealer parts department is closed too :/

I was out of luck here too, as I needed to get a bit to repaint my lower bumper. I ended up going to CarQuest's store with an auto paint section and got them to mix me a 20oz bottle by giving them the paint code (C7P for Firestorm). It matches perfectly.

I'd suggest the same for you, go to CarQuest and search for a nearby location that has an automotive paint department. If there aren't any nearby, you could try Sherwin-Williams as they have similar. Your Ultramarine is paint code E8H, with that they can make your paint. The 20oz bottle only cost me about $10. I'd also recommend picking up a medium reducer (thinner) as it can be quite thick out of that bottle.

[Zgrinch]

This brings up a good question, is touch up paint available from Scion/ Subaru and if not, when will it be available.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Zgrinch

This brings up a good question, is touch up paint available from Scion/ Subaru and if not, when will it be available.

All of the Subaru colors have been in production for a long time; DGM, SWP, WRB and LR are all offered on the Impreza WRX/STI. You shouldn't have a problem walking in and requesting those colors.

[eriktherod]

Yup, you can go that route too! Hot Lava is the only color that isn't offered by Subaru, and that's paint code H8R.

The iQ's 'Hot Lava' color is NOT the same paint code as the FR-S's hot lava.

[r4m3n]

I ended up ordering it through my local Toyota dealer. They claim it will be here in a week. It's about $16. but may end up just going to Subaru if there's one by my workplace (not open Sundays)

Just washed my car and those 3 chips are now even more obvious :P

[RRnold]

Maybe the mud flaps might be a wise purchase.

[TPO]

Originally Posted by Zgrinch

This brings up a good question, is touch up paint available from Scion/ Subaru and if not, when will it be available.

I'm on it

[Bonburner]

Dang, at least my silver makes it hard to see ...
I got a couple on my front bumper :/

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Bonburner

Dang, at least my silver makes it hard to see ...
I got a couple on my front bumper :/

That's what I loved about my PSM WRX. It never looked beat up despite some paint cracks, rock chips, and bug acid...it just looked dirty.

[civicdrivr]

My local Subie dealers had touch up paint in stock. You just need to know the paint code. They wont be able to cross reference the Scion paint name with their system.

And I've heard that Dr Color Chip is actually pretty good, but Ive never tried it myself.

[Fish]

Ouch, that sucks. I think Mike recommended the Dr. Color Chip on here somewhere though.

[russv]

Originally Posted by Bonburner

Dang, at least my silver makes it hard to see ...
I got a couple on my front bumper :/

One of the main reasons I got Argento. I had a small rock hit the front plastic bumper creating a small crater. Not sure how to fix it.

[russv]

The Dr Color Chip video is impressive, but mighty pricey.

[Mazdaspeed]

Yikes! This is why my car is getting wrapped in blue tape for the ride home. Those mud guards are sounding like a pretty good investment as well...

[civicdrivr]

I just ordered the mudguards.

[was385]

I got a decent one right along the passenger side of the hood. Fortunately, being right next to the seam draws your attention away from it but I may pick up some WRB touch up paint.

[engee]

Just offering an alternative over the OEM mudguards, Rallyarmor is also developing mudflaps for the BRZ.

Here are some photos that they have posted up.