Paint Issues - Chipping, Scratches, Etc

Let's see, I had some door rash on the driver's door, but it was really just 'in the dirt' and lightly scratching the clear coat. It will buff out.

There is a mystery scratch, deep enough to catch my fingernail, about a centimeter long, on the lower part of the driver's door. I guess I'll have to get some touch up paint for that.

And finally, a turkey hen decided to take flight and try to cross the road in front of me on the highway today, and I have a series of scratches up the front of my hood. But, they all appear to be very superficial, and she didn't make any marks or dents when she smacked into the antenna and the passenger A-pillar.

Freaking wildlife.

 

Hmm, not sure what you mean by poor finish. My paint is flawless, but I do the work myself. As for OP's pics, that is the answer Toyota came up with when they switched to Tacoma. Pre-Taco the trucks were famous for rotting exactly where that bubbly paint is on the lower portion of the truck. I had on my 97 and I never had one drop of body rust.

As for our fender flares, I think they did a good job. Mine shine like a new dime. Again, I do the work myself. I agree they are not the same as say the door panel. I think they are made that way for some sort of durability. I have had mine a year with about 7600mi on it. I have noticed extremly minimal chips on those fenders or the nose for that matter.



I think they look good. IMO

 

yeah i had a small chips in the side above the door and on the hood within a couple months. then i had scratches on my tailgate and other places. it really got annoying because i hadnt even offroaded it yet. then a crazy Gremlin got in my head and said "why dont you just rhino line the ol' girl"

 

The fender flares and bumper covers have less shine then the other panels. I have seen it in like 5 different Tacoma's at my work. You can observe the difference in the texture of the paint; it is most noticeable at night under florescent lights, like at a gas station. This situation is the ideal condition to look for paint texture differences. I can spot most auto body repairs when I am getting gas, due to the paint texture differences from the painter, or from de-nibbed areas that have no orange-peel.

I think Toyota opted for the single stage paint, applied dry, for two reasons. One it costs less. The second is that with the reduced gloss, it doesn't show scuffs and scratches as much, which is desirable on a 4x4 vehicle.

rb your truck's finish looks sweet, and not a dent down the side of her. I really appreciate the tips on car care you provide us. I will try to get a decent picture of the paint texture differences I am talking about.

 

I agree with you. They do have a different look. And up close they have a different look as well. I was just saying that to the OP, it was normal and in line with what you pointed out about the flare quality. Nothing to worry about as far as bubbling. (If that is indeed what OP is talking about) This is site is one book Tacoma handbook. I am just glad I an contribute what little I know to the cause. We have gorgeous trucks, why not make 'em shine as best as we can! PC7424XP FTW!

 

so this is the area i'm talking about (red box):

 

Haha to each his own, but IMO its the DW849 FTW. Its what I learned on and what I feel most comfortable with. Here is a pic of my baby.

 

Yeah, that paint should have a differrent texture to it. If you look closely, you'll see the transtion from the rough stuff to the smooth. That section is pretty rugged. I had my 97 and never got a chip in that area. Pretty good if you ask me. But, if you feel that your paint is not up to specs, bring it by the dealer and have them look at it. Or just go yourself and check out the other ones on the lot and see if it is the same. I am thinking it will be.

 

Ah yes, the good old DW849. If I were to detail for a living, I would use a RO. I would be all day with the PC. For me, the RO would be used on paint that is seriously flawed or if time was a concern. Also, there is a learning curve on any RO and I never mention a RO to anyone who just wants to be a backyard detaierl with almost no experience. I would feel awful if I told somebody to go get a RO and they burnt through the paint on the new $30k Taco. No chance of that with the PC. The new XP is a good model for somebody who just like flawless paint. RO's are great and def have a place in a detailers arsenol, but a RO in untrained hands is a problem waiting to happen. If someone was looking for more *umph*, I would recommend the Flex polisher before a RO. People say that you just don't get a same gloss off a DA polisher versus a RO, but it is all in the technique. I can come pretty damn close if I do say so myself.

Nice ride BTW, what type of bar is that? Real low-key, makes the truck look sharp. Did you custom make your grill? (ie cutting to fit the logo in there)

Flawless paint on the Taco FTW!

 

Yes. Paint chips or small peeling all over the hood.
I decided to say f-it. First new car ever owned, and every little thing that happens, dings, chips, little scratches, will make you go nuts!
So Oh well, shit happens.

 

Yeah, the first 1 or 2 sting real bad. The feeling becomes less and less at every occurence. That really is the best way to look at it. I picked up some scratches on my driver's side glass. Stone lodged in the window track and scratched it putting the window down. It is like 2 inches long or so. Stared at that thing for months. Now, I hardly notice it. Although, I had a huge rock hit my windshield the other day. Crack is the size of a nickel lol. Like you said, shit always happens.

 

And will continue to do so. I thought about getting my problem areas fixed, but decided to wait, beacuse it will just keep happening.
i got a chip in my windshield when it was 2 weeks. old, which I fixed to avoid cracking, but you know, these things are unavoidable.

 

So, is the dealer the best place to go for touch-up paint, or are there third-party suppliers that make it as good or better?

I'm going to have to call the Clear Bra place...

 

Yep .Dealer sells it pretty cheap. Around $7.