Davidswifey

My husband and I bought the car about a year and half ago. We didn't notice at the time that what I believe is the clear coat peeling/chipping off. I hate the way my entire car looks JUST because of the hood. My husband has called and took our car to a few paint shops only to be told it would be 500+. I have been looking online for new hoods. The only problem is they are either black, aluminum or some other random color. My car is a tan color.I have called around my area and get quoted 800/1000 for fixing it. Is there a way we can do it at home? I will actually be working on the car this weekend, changing the oil,and putting a new blower in because the air flow from the vents and we have to hit near the glove box with my husband's cane, also replacing the cabin air filters.

I know a lot about cars and LOVE working on them so if I can fix it at home (our 9 and 10 year old boys will be helping me more than likely because they love working on the car with me).

Davidswifey

It's a 2002 Acura 3.5RL

SykVSyx

Unless you have paint/body work experience, I would let the pro's handle the problem.

Also, hard to tell without pics whether it could be a potential DIY project or not.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

paint takes skill!

not saying that you are skillless, davidswifey....just saying it takes years and years to perfect their technique!

thus why they can charge so much!
also, it involves lots of prep work!

the hood needs to be sanded down to bare metal then primered.

I'm a DIY kind of person, but i'll let the pros paint! lol

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

big body pieces dont come painted from the factory!
the hood has to be painted, that's why it comes in black or aluminium

Davidswifey

I can go take pics right quick

Davidswifey

The look from the front .<br/><br/>It wasn't this bad when we first got it. It has just got worse over the last year and half




Look from passenger side




Drivers side

Davidswifey

My dad was a paint/body man when I was younger. I would get him to do it but that's kinda hard since I cut him and his toxic ways out of my life.

kapikap

See how far you can go with a clay bar, then cleaner/ polisher, then regular wax. You might get some good results.

Besides that, on the cheap, plastidip the hood, as its very forgiving for the novice.

kapikap

had to take a look at your hood from the PC, Damn!!! pretty bad, sorry.

one of those Macco or quick paint shops may offer a lower price for the damage.

I would still suggest you give it a shot with rubbing compound , clay bar , polishing compound, you never know.

Maybe you can clearcoat it and preserve the Patina, its a popular and custom look right now.

$800 to spray the hood is a very tough choice.

I am in a similiar situation, but have a black car with dozens of white chips by the grill and along the front of the hood and bumper. I just keep it waxed and clean, and deal with it. You would be amazed how much a difference a nice detail can do for an old paint.