[Toby]

Guys and girls,

Some fool of a workman has spilt battery acid/brake fluid or something like that over the bonnet of my beloved No 8.

Does anyone know where I can get a can/spray can of Indy blue mettallic paint? I'm loathe to take it to a garage as I've been quoted £250 for a full bonnet respray, and basically it only needs a couple of inches of paint.

Please help before I resort to Hammerite!

Cheers,

Toby

[MJKK]

Had a couple of 2 inch scratches on the bonnet of my Indi Blue MC, through the paintwork but not through the primer, local Mini Dealership quoted £500 (that's including VAT!!)

A reputable refinishers filled in the scratches and re-laquered whole bonnet for £140. I'm in Bristol, so not quite London prices but not far off.

You need to be really careful with the metallic paint, and think of resale value, or should I say part exchange for when you get your next Mini, as if it isn't done properly it'll look terrible.

hope this is some help - Good Luck

[Toby]

Thanks MJKK, but I just need something short term. The damage is so bad the whole thing will need a complete respray at some stage, but having just bought a flat in London money is somewhat tight shall we say.

I just need something that will cover up the damage, blend in with the rest of the bonnet (as much as possible) and prevent any rusting. Then I'll get the whole lot done in six months.

Does anyone know if any of the suppliers or Mini themselves sell sprays or touch up paint kits? I've looked and can't see anything anywhere.

[KenL]

MINI dealers do sell paint either as a touch-up (i've got one £8 I think it cost) and spray cans.

[Mega Mini]

I had a serious stone chip in the bonnet of my IB mini cooper. Took it to panel beaters and they had to do a respray and beat out the dent. Total cost was £270 and took three days but they did an excellent job and cant see any dent at all. Maybe do a temp repair now and then wait twelve months until you have some chips or want to sell and go for the full respray option. Good luck.

[Toby]

Thanks guys. I've taken KenL's advice and ordered in a spray can from my local dealer. That way it covers it up short term and means I can wait for the full respray.

Many thanks for your prompt help.

[MJKK]

Good Luck with it

[cwarner]

You do need to make certain that you neutralized the acid that was spilled on your car and removed any residual acid, or it will continue to eat into the hood. Mix up a paste of baking soda and water and spread it on the area that had acid spilled on it. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse off. If you see bubbling when the baking soda was applied, do it twice. Water alone may not remove all acid, and leave some that eats under the paint making the problem worse.

Good luck with the repair.

Cliff