How much does a frontend hood/fenders cost? ---

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by scottfab

(no hijack intended) I'd sure like to hear more about this. Maybe a "How to..." or what is now called "Technet" on the new webpage? Or a link another thread or somewhere?

Not meaning to hyjack the thread too badly, I'll give ya the "talking points"

• Stripping the wax/polish is essential. I used 3M adheisive remover on a pad to do it, cuz it won't hurt the paint (and it strips pretty well, apparently).
  
• Follow the directions that comes with the kit, for the most part
  
• Drying time is the key, and it depends on ambient air temp, temp of the painted surface, and relative humidity. Drying too long and the blob of touchup paint gets too hard and you have to rub and rub to get it flat with the surrounding paint surface - if you can. But, too short and the blob of touchup paint will be too soft and the paint repair will "dish" or divot so the surface of the repair is lower than surrounding paint surface.
  
• I find that for temps in the 70-80ºF range, about 30 minutes is nominal (for the GM touchup paint), give or take 10 minutes or so (just have to see what works best and go with it!). Less time for warmer/dryer (maybe 20 minutes) to 40-45 min. for cooler, moister conditions.
  
• If you guess wrong, no big deal. Just remove the repair paint blob and put in some fresh touchup and adjust the drying time. I usually get it right by the third try, IF NOT on the second (with practice).
  
• Might be worth a try. Course, if it is a really big chip, then prep, paint, and sanding might be the only way to do it.

P.