Also, regarding chipping, I don't know if it's a jap-thing, or a formulation requirement - but, my other car, a 2006 Honda Civic (black), has a lot of chips, even exterior rust where I've not repaired it in time.

If I'm stuck DIY on the paint repair, I'll practice on the Civic...then see if I can FIND a chip on my 97 Ranger...I think the paint on that truck will outlast the truck...(red)

Please next time read carefully what you have typed.
All it takes is just add 2 more letters ("an") or (anese),in your first sentense.

Some people still are sensitive about these things.

try Dr. colorchip. I haven't used it myself but have heard good things about it. its a touch up paint kit with a process to blend it in.

Dr. ColorChip: Automotive Paint Chip Repair Systems

I think it's a case of being *over-sensitive* if someone lets that ("jap") bother them, and they need to get some thicker skin. (That said, would people who have thicker skin be offended easily by those with thinner skin telling them they are offended?)

Besides, maybe I was abbreviating "Japanese Automaker/Automotive Product"...

Yeah, I've been going back and forth on it and the LAHGHRWAUSRE product (exaggeration of the name, can't remember what it's called - but it starts with an L)

Langka......Personally I've never had any success with that...

Good to know...

That said, I spoke to the GM at the dealership today, he looked at it, and said they'll take it to "their" autobody shop (not their in-house guys, a 3rd party shop) and have them touch it up - if it comes back and I find it unacceptable, they'll repaint the hood! Probably a bit excessive, the most I think about it, but, if it looks like "I" did it, it'll be unacceptable (unfortunately) - he mentioend they'll blend it in, so that's promising...

Wow...

Granted, I've not had a lot of new-car-dealer experiences, but this guy just made me a customer for my next vehicle...at least...

With my car being black, what are my chances it'll look "perfect" again w/ touch up if done by a pro-shop? The chips themselves weren't through the color coat...maybe that helps, maybe not...?

Face it, this 370Z is an awesome car, but once again: you get what you pay for. When my friend got his 1993 RX7 brand new from the dealership, it was worse than just paint chips, excess oil consumption (a quart every 2 weeks), trim parts i.e. stereo knobs literally breaking off, his rear wheel (the stock 5 spoke) even cracked from the lug nut hole to a spoke when we took it to the drag strip. He didn't own that car much longer, he sold it.

I'm just mentioning this because I think the 370 is akin to the FD3S, especially the sport-package. It's delicate in many areas...hopefully not the areas that count i.e. motor/tranny/suspension/brakes/electrical etc.

I'm paranoid as hell about getting rock chips... 3m clear bra worth the money/time?

It definitely seems to be the norm with the 350z/G35 crowd and I don't expect it to be much better with the 370z/G37. The Nissan paint and the low ride height just doesn't work out too well.

I've heard good things about the clearbra but I've seen how it is on white cars. It's no bueno, just yellows and looks like crap. I guess I'll just have to repaint it at some point or another.

My Z is now at the dealer. They gave me a new Altima as a loaner. CVT Transmission is whack - reminds me of the mid-80's FWD sedans, where you mash the gas, the engine winds up to about 4K, and the car rolls forward..meanwhile the engine stays around 4K...

Usually sounds you'd hear from a trailer park, with 4 fatties in a buick with a bad muffler and badly faded paint.

No offense intended to fatties (like me), or buick owners, or bad muffler owners, or badly faded painted car owners.


I'm sure it's a nice car, but after spending 20 minutes in the Z, going to the Altima...personally, I think my 2005 Civic Sedan is "better" in terms of driveability. Maybe it's like the movie "Twins" - the Z got all the good - lol...

Dealer called, said they want to keep the car overnight, feather the repair in better and reshoot the hood. They said they wanted it perfect.

Wow!

Cool...

I wouldn't recommend repainting the hood for a few chips. To properly repair chips you need to apply a tiny bit of undercoat if it's down to the metal, then put multiple coats of paint in the chip so it is a little higher than the surrounding paint. Also each application of paint should be about a day apart so it dries. At this point it needs to be wet sanded down level with the surrounding paint. Then it needs to be machine compounded to remove the wet sanding marks and then machine polished to a high gloss. This usually makes the chip undetectable. I never like to repaint unless it is absolutely necessary. This process should only be done by a professional or someone with a lot a practice.

I agree. I hope it looks as good as what I have in my head. I'll know in 1.5 hours or a little less!

Curious, how many coats of paint and clear coat on the 370?