Dent & Ding repair...
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
Ouch. I feel your pain. Although I would not go into such drastic measures as repainting the entire hood (and risking a color mismatch, overspray, etc) for a ding that's 1/20 size of a nickel, but it still hurts.
When I got my RX, my dealer offered XZilon Paint Protection package. It consists of a sealant that is applied to clear coat, and is supposedly protecting the paint from bird droppings, acid rain, other crap, even paint spray. It also covers leather from any spills, rips, etc. It also came with the paintless dent removal warranty from the dealer, which is what sold me in a first place.
2 weeks into ownership, I got a dent on the front passenger door, the size of 2 nickels, and it was removed at no cost on my 1k service visit.
As for the paint chip, I would take it to the dealer and see, if they can fix it, at least make it look better. IMO, if you take it to professional paint shop, they will most likely advise you to 'get more dings first' and then repaint the entire hood.
When I got my RX, my dealer offered XZilon Paint Protection package. It consists of a sealant that is applied to clear coat, and is supposedly protecting the paint from bird droppings, acid rain, other crap, even paint spray. It also covers leather from any spills, rips, etc. It also came with the paintless dent removal warranty from the dealer, which is what sold me in a first place.
2 weeks into ownership, I got a dent on the front passenger door, the size of 2 nickels, and it was removed at no cost on my 1k service visit.
As for the paint chip, I would take it to the dealer and see, if they can fix it, at least make it look better. IMO, if you take it to professional paint shop, they will most likely advise you to 'get more dings first' and then repaint the entire hood.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
There have been complains for years of other Lexus' folding mirror not beening auto fold and the inability to turn that auto fold function on and off. I guess Lexus do read these forums and listen to our complains, good to know 
Pole Position
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 26
From: GA
I think a good body shop can fix it right w/o painting the whole hood.
Last edited by Cruiter; Jul 14, 2009 at 01:48 PM. Reason: spelling
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: BC
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
I know Auto-folding mirros feature has been the option in JDM, at least since 2G. Also some other countries' GS can equip with this feature. Lexus N.A. may have the special consideration about some of features like this and decide not to do so. Dunno.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
GS doesn't have this feature yet?
I know Auto-folding mirros feature has been the option in JDM, at least since 2G. Also some other countries' GS can equip with this feature. Lexus N.A. may have the special consideration about some of features like this and decide not to do so. Dunno.
I know Auto-folding mirros feature has been the option in JDM, at least since 2G. Also some other countries' GS can equip with this feature. Lexus N.A. may have the special consideration about some of features like this and decide not to do so. Dunno.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
But, many of countries' Lexus have decided to make it as the standard option.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
BTW, I dont think Lexus will do a panel change in the 2010 GS just for one button. The GS is a low volume seller and the additional profit from that one feature will not justify the cost.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
Its all a trade off, in most countries, the GS still comes with the 3L engine. We get the 3.5L. Lexus probably thinks that we dont need auto folding mirrors because the streets are wider here in the US.
BTW, I dont think Lexus will do a panel change in the 2010 GS just for one button. The GS is a low volume seller and the additional profit from that one feature will not justify the cost.
BTW, I dont think Lexus will do a panel change in the 2010 GS just for one button. The GS is a low volume seller and the additional profit from that one feature will not justify the cost.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
Lexus N.A. will make it as the option, or part of the advanced packages, etc. It won't be the standard although it's the standard feature in most of countries outsides N.A.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 26
From: GA
'Reading Room' find
Need your suggestions, please.
After retruning from 2.7K trip, my engine hood got these. It's no surprise with such damages. On the other hands, I'm quite happy with the strong resistance on our paint because there are no more scratches or any other minor ones, except these 2.
Should I do DIY? Or should I look for helps from dealers or professionals? If DIY, what should I do?
Thanks.
(In Day 1, I was ever considering the film protection, such as XPEL or others. But, I didn't do so...)
.
After retruning from 2.7K trip, my engine hood got these. It's no surprise with such damages. On the other hands, I'm quite happy with the strong resistance on our paint because there are no more scratches or any other minor ones, except these 2.
Should I do DIY? Or should I look for helps from dealers or professionals? If DIY, what should I do?
Thanks.
(In Day 1, I was ever considering the film protection, such as XPEL or others. But, I didn't do so...
).
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
While in the 'Reading Room' this morning I came across an add in my Autoweek mag. I thought of your post and checked it out. This could be what a lot of us need from time to time. Looks like it might even actually work on dark colors. http://drcolorchip.com/ . If anyone tries it or already knows about it, please leave a post.
I heard this prodcut before, but never got to know anyone using it. Please advise. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
Just googled it. I found some info interesting...
http://drcolorchip.com/index.shtml
http://www.langka.com/
http://drcolorchip.com/index.shtml
http://www.langka.com/
Dr. Colorchip: an easier quicker solution but takes longer to cure, best for small chips that are not too deep it seems. Paint is dabbed into the chip and finger-smeared, then excess is wiped off shortly after, then excess is wiped off using their proprietary curing solution. They also mix their own touch-uppaint which is included in the price: $39. You provide color code they mix it for you. They cater mostly to dealerships for rapid touch-up solutions.
LANGKA: Longer application process but shorter curing time. Similar process but they use a plastic card to level off the paint into the chip, then a "blob remover" solution to wipe down the excess paint. Touch-up paint is not included in the base kit which is around the same price as Dr. Colorchip's who does.
Both look good, I would prefer the LANGKA solution if I has a classic car, but for rapid touch-ups (and that I will be touching up frequently) I am going to try Dr. Colorchip 1st.
LANGKA: Longer application process but shorter curing time. Similar process but they use a plastic card to level off the paint into the chip, then a "blob remover" solution to wipe down the excess paint. Touch-up paint is not included in the base kit which is around the same price as Dr. Colorchip's who does.
Both look good, I would prefer the LANGKA solution if I has a classic car, but for rapid touch-ups (and that I will be touching up frequently) I am going to try Dr. Colorchip 1st.