CGTSX07

So like many of you all, the front bumper, hood, and fenders of my TSX have collected a number of rock chips. Not so much, but enough to bug me. I received a quote from a guy that works at a body shop on the "other forum" which will basically repaint my hood, bumper, and fenders and include a "flex" additive which will make the paint stronger. He is quoting me $600 for this job. Afterwards, I would invest in the clear bra immediately. SO overall this job would cost anywhere from $750 (if I install the clearbra myself) - $1000. Do you all think this is worth the pain and suffering of the rock chips?

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Nope. Spend that $1000 on some new wheels instead.

PACman

If you've collected a lot of rock/paint chips, then I say go for it. I was quoted $300 just for the bumper. "Flex" is a additive for the bumper, since the bumper will bend and flex. Flex additive will help the paint from chipping off. I haven't heard of Flex additive used on sheet metal, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were.

supraken

iTrader: (1)

If you're confident that he can do the job right and the paint will match with the rest of the car, then I say $600 is a good deal.

However, I don't think any body shop will have the same painting enviornment as the factory. The paint process is going to be slightly different (baking the paint, etc) and I don't think it will be as good as factory. It might be close, but won't be as good (although I think the factory paint on the TSX sucks... I get tons of rock chips which has never been a problem on any car I've owned).

Brandon24pdx

I wouldnt bother, but do what you want. Others have brought up some good points already.

BAYAREATSX06

It depends on how bad it looks. 600 is a great price but it all boils down to how good of a job the guy can do and how much it bothers you. If theres only a couple I would just clear bra it and save up for rims or however...

jwood_06TSX

Not sure if you like the look but you can get a CF hood for $600

Get the Mugen replica front bumper from SSG for $580 and then paint it....so something like $1200 total and a sweet looking car




Half kidding half not....lol. Seriously though, you need to just watch out for the paint color matching....$600 is pretty good deal though!

kennungesser

What jwood_06TSX said. Unless you dont like the looks of an all CF hood, then I say the original price is a good deal. Would he cover his work?

CGTSX07

well i think he is giving me a deal by doing all of this for $600. He described the process to me and it actually sounded like a lot of work. He mentioned that when he bought his used NHB TSX, it was the first thing he did so he has done this before.

I guess what bothers me most about this is I feel like I shouldn't have to do this, the paint should be stronger

TSX420J

Dont drive so close to the cars in front of you. Doing this prevents rock chips..

Also, your car is almost on the ground making it more likely to get hit by rocks and other debris.

TSX420J

He would have to do a blend and that usually works well with making it look color matched, but it will also make the car look like it was painted after a while with no wax. I say you leave the factory paint, get a mugen kit, then later down the line paint the chips. Your car is too new to be painted.

jaehshim

what can we do about rock chips and etc? we will keep experiencing them.
it's good to keep it clean and new, but after all, it's a car. Seriously that's waste of money. spend it on something else, travel somewhere

TSX420J

When people do spot jobs they, look good at first, then after a while the clear starts to dull and look bad until you polish and wax it. After time the area that was blended
starts to show more and more. It would be great if he painted the whole panels, but with no blend you can notice the difference in shades from the factory to the new paint.

yeefuchew

If it bugs you (no pun intended) like it did me, I'd do it. Do the clearbra yourself. It does save a lot.

CGTSX07

This is always one of the first things that ppl say when I tell them I have chips. Ever since I purchased this car I have been really cautious with everything, including the distance between other cars.

I don't think there is anything we can really do to prevent rock chips with this car unless we get a car bra, or don't drive it.

CGTSX07

He said he would completely repaint the hood and front bumper but would need to "blend" the fenders.

Is there that much a difference between the paint a body shop would use and paint from the factory? Why would it turn up so noticeable like you say over time?

jwood_06TSX

When i got hit in my old 04 SSM, the body shop that was fixing my car told me the exact same thing. They told me that Acura paint is VERY hard to color match but they will blend it and you would never know it was different. They had to paint the trunk and the driver rear quarter panel and they blended it into the bumper and the rear door. I couldn't tell a difference at all even with the un hitting it or putting a UV light on it. However, i got rid of the car a month later so as for time, i can't talk from experience.

Celtic FC

I was in a minor accident & the hood was repainted. The color matches fine, but the clear coating made the rock chips a lot more noticable.

S14 n Tsx

let me ask you this...how long are you planning on keeping your car? If this car is going to last 3-4 more years then I would take the deal and get a clearbra but not too long then don't bother. I also thought about doing something like that but after while I just gave up on it. I'm probably trade in my tsx something else in few years so..
good luck,