$1263.68 rock chip

while driving at about 35 mph on a two lane road, I passed a gravel truck travelling the opposite direction. The truck lost a marble sized rock that struck the center of my hood. It left a chip about 1/4 inch in diameter. My car has fresh paint job (about 3 years old) in Vesuvio Metallic. Prior to this, it had no rock chips or imperfections. I took it to a local high-end body shop and was shocked at an estimate of $1,263.68. The repair included repainting about a six inch diameter area of the hood and clear coating the entire hood. I have good insurance that will cover the repair with a deductable of $250. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any recommendations? I wish it had been my bumper...it would have been the excuse I needed to buy a GT-3 aero kit.

I'd worry more about your engine compartment. That looks like it needs some paint.

That's nuts. Get another couple of estimates. Even with insurance, you need to be fiducially responsible.

No such thing as a small ding - at least in CA any way! The price doesn't surprise me, but the proposed method does.. Not sure I'd be happy with a repainted patch - I'd expect a complete hood and the color blended over the wings, and the whole lot clear coated. Go get some other quotes for sure - see what the consensus is

I just brought my car into AVIO for a door re-spray-medalion silver (pearl silver). There were two door dings I wanted fixed better than dingmaster could do just under the driver side mirror. In order to do the door right I am having the whole door painted with color blended into the front fender and the rear quarter panel with clear coat on all three (front bumper, door, rear quarter). They are doing it right with removal of front bumper and rear bumper including glass. The total cost was about $1600.00. AVIO had 5 bently's 2 lambo's and a rolls in the parking lot waiting for paint and repair so they are good. I think your price is right but it should be for full hood paint and color blend into the fenders. I get mine back next week and plan to post pictures.

That's ridiculous! Maako will repaint your entire car for $300!

In the peoples republic of California it costs $300.00 just to dispose of the painters right glove after the spray!

that's outrageous!!!!! get another opinion on it.....

Mfletch: Before you go further on your paint....let me intro you to my body/fender and paint guy....I just got my 930 back from him and I think you'll like the professional job.....let me have him give you a quote. Chuck

Also, after you get it painted, you should invest in a clear bra. I know a really good installer here in the Bay Area...

Ha! Just get a fiberglass hood scoop, and put that right over the dent. Leave it in primer, it'll look just fine. Oh, wait, sorry, you don't live in the South. Never mind.

I recently attended a PCA Tech session where the local expert showed how to repair stone chips without having to spray the entire hood. You may want to ask around for the local PCA Concours expert - it may save you alot of hassle.

That does seem quite high, but hey I live in TX. I just paid $850 for the removal of my old front bumper, complete finish work on new front bumper, full painting and clear coating of new front bumer and installation of new front bumper and this is at the highest end shop in Dallas that does a lot of the dealer's work including 'P', Ferrrari and Maserati. Just food for thought. RB

Now's your chance to go to a carbon fiber hood - cool look, much less weight and a deal at about $700 on ebay.

You should have stopped the truck and told him what happened. Contrary to what the sign says on the back, they are responsible. I had this happen with a state truck in Ohio and I got payment very quickly and easily. If you calmly explain it, you probably will get restitution. However, it is too late now, so get many estimates and the best shop recommendations you can. Good luck.

Get yourself a cf hood and be done with it. Ditch the old crapper and you'll be lighter and cooler!

Hi guys, I really appreciate the advice. The estimate seemed ridiculous. I also had my doubts about respraying just a portion of the hood. I will definitely obtain additional estimates for the repair. If I was paying the entire amount without insurance, I would find a professional detailer to repair just the chip and live with the results. Since I'm submitting it to my insurance, I will be sure and have it done right. I expect the hood will need repainted. When I restored the car, I considered only having it partially repainted. I was told that my color would be almost impossible to match if I only had some of the panels resprayed. SeanR, it looks a little better now..I should probably change my avitar. Edgy01, that price seemed crazy; however, if I end up having the entire hood resprayed, the final cost might be higher. cdodkin, I agree with you. To do it right, the hood should probably be resprayed. itorque, it sounds like your car is being repaired so it will look like new. I would enjoy seeing your pictures after the repair. Good luck. grahamwatson, my dad would agree with you..Earl Schieb is even cheaper. porschesmile, I agree and I will. Chuck, I'll see you Saturday.. I'll take you up on your offer. 911fiend, good advice. Could you give me the name and number...any idea how much? MJBird993....what mud flaps should I used with that combo..Yosemite Sam? Last930, good advice, thanks. rbjbbb, that seems like a reasonable price for the work you had done. Marv, I would have needed a light and siren to catch him..unfortunately I was in the wrong car. porschedog & M3killa, I'm actually seriously considering the CF hood. How tacky would it look with vesuvio metallic. I would have to add CF mirrors and maybe a CF rear spoiler. Would it look like a rice rocket with a fart can? Thanks again guys for the advice.

I just had my hood repainted, vesuvio metallic, prior to the 4x4 running over the top of it. Very high end shop, charged me $614 for the hood. But, they already were repainting the bumper and fender and so I think they gave me a break since I was paying for it out of pocket (waste of money now). There were rock chips, but nothing bigger than an 1/8 inch, and no actual metal damage (don't know if yours had a little or not). If you turning it into insurance, go for the best. Your out the deductible either way.

Mfletch: After the G24 meetup Saturday we can take a ride over to the guy's shop...he has a first class operation with two large paint booths, drying bins, frame straighteners, wheel alignment etc etc. He works on high end BMW, Mercedes, Porsche....but his estimates will surprise you. He used to be the manager of Bertelucci's until he opened his own shop....right off Antelope so we're close to Niello's. See you Saturday....I'll have my garage make-over done by then....can't wait.

Troy, thanks for the information. How did your paint come out? Were they able to match the rest of the car? How would a carbon fiber hood look with vesuvio metallic?

Mfletch: I see we're both online at exactly the same time....must be Karma.