To respray or not, that is the question...

[Robertb]

My otherwise v clean Arena Red metallic Targa has little stonechips on the bumper, mirrors, bonnet and headlight area on wings. To far advanced for a chips-away man I suspect, not too noticeable on quick inspection, but I am a perfectionist!

I am therefore contemplating having the front resprayed.

First q; can paint-shops just respray the affected part of a panel rather than the whole panel?

Second q; the paint is original; will a respray use different quality paint and be more susceptible to further chips?

Third q; from a value perspective, is it better to have the paintwork done, but not original, or chipped but original?

Many thanks

 

[Franck]

Hello Robert,

Maybe this will help you make up your mind.

Just like you I am a bit of a perfectionist and cannot stand stonechips on my cars. I therefore had the front bumper + bonnet resprayed on my 993 Targa (iris Blue) and the colour match is perfect and I have not noticed too many stonechips since having it done.

However, I just got my 911SC back from the paintshop for a full front respray which has been done by the same people and in the proper way (all panels off, stripped to bare metal and so on). Had to go to Paris last week and decided on taking the SC to give it a bit of a much needed run. 500kms later, the bonnet (and with some "luck" only the bonnet) of the SC has received a real battering (although I was being careful not to follow others too closely) and is good for a new respray !!!! Considering I had got the car back for less thank a week I am a little bit P****** off......[:'(][:'(]

Conclusion : If your stonechips are not too bad, I would leave the car as it is and wait in case you ever get a nasty stone that really damages your bumper or bonnet.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

www.langka.com - Takes a little practice, but results can be exceptional.

 

[968er]

Problem with driving is that you will always get stonechips. I now carry a double 00 paintbrush and touch up when I can.

Have been down the bumper off respray route and then had to drive past a gritter on the motorway, it all ended in tears.

 

[Guest]

Respray followed by Armorfend or similar would probably be a longer term resolution...
Otherwise, just budget for a respray every 2-3 years...

Or live with the car as is and enjoy to its potential!!

 

[Franck]

Hello Mark,

This langka product seems quite amazing (on paper). Have you had a chance to try it ? I would be very interested in finding out more about it from PCGB users.

FXM

 

[Guest]

Yep, it's a matter of personal choice. Stone chips are a classic problem for 911 owners. I recently had a bumper/hood-off front-end respray because the front was liberally pepperd with chips. But I'm expecting more (one already...). Don't really fancy the Armourfend route.

 

[38F3E1]

ORIGINAL: MoC2S
.... I think the Zainos, Zymols, Meguars etc etc could also help, and hopefully their advocates will leave their perches and descend on this thread with relish !

cheers, Maurice [8D]

The Zymol Concours wax I use doesn't leave any marks in the chips. However the stull you use to clean the paintwork every 12 months (HD Clean I think) leaves a brownish/whitish surface where you don't clean it all off and therefore can be a bit of a sod in the chips as you have to use something like a soft toothbrush to make sure you have got it off all the edges (you have the same problem where the rear wing stone guard finishes).

I have been through the respray / don't respray thing and decided to live with it for now.

Ian.

 

[Robertb]

Thanks for your views- I am inclined to let it get a bit worse before tackling it. The trouble is that once it is perfect, I'd be afraid to use it. As it is now, it is clean but usable...

I have tried Langka; as you say it is impressive, but does require practice and experimentation to get excellent results. I reckon the best way (for a metallic finish) must be to fill the chip nearly up with paint, then overfill the chip with laquer. Then use the Langka to 'flat' the laquer. www.langka.com has comprehensive instructions and tips. www.frost.co.uk supply it in the UK.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Pretty much what Robert said about the Langka.

You can also mix a little of the colour and lacquer and then use. I also find that leaving 2 or 3 days (rather than the 2 or 3 hours recommended) works better on the Porsche paint.

Do a search on hte forum and I think you will find comprehensive hints and tips for Langka (cheaper from the States - even with postage!)

 

[Shane Hodges]

Another option is to get an expert to airbrush in the stone chips.

This was actually done on my car by the OPC before I purchased it - I still can't believe this is a Porsche Approved Repair, but so be it.

I'm not sure who does it / can do it, but the finish is excellent. The only downside is that when you stop under Petrol forecourt lights in the dead of night, you can see all the touch ups. No problems under street lights though.

 

[Gary Spalton]

Ive got a metalic black C2 with stone chips on the front bumper ( why do Porsche use white undercoat?) and the previous owner drilled self tappers into it to put the no plate on.
Took it off myself and got a local body shop to weld the hole and spray. Match is perfect. I would not hesitate on the plastic, I'm a bit more reluctant to address the metal bits.

Gary