chipped paint

[tom1l21]

On my left wheel well, there a a couple chips about the size of 1/4 a fingernail. I have a silver prius but not sure the exact name of the color. I also have some small scratches that I'd like to go over. Any suggestions for the scratches or the chips? I don't want it to start to rust. I'd look around the forums but I'm on my BlackBerry and it doesn't have a search function or at least I didn't find it. Thanks!

[richard schumacher]

Yes: ASAP get a touch-up pen of the matching color from a dealer and fill the chips, before they start to rust. This will be inconspicuous. The dealer can look up the color for the model and year.

[tom1l21]

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

Yes: ASAP get a touch-up pen of the matching color from a dealer and fill the chips, before they start to rust. This will be inconspicuous. The dealer can look up the color for the model and year.

Is this the pen that I would get?

[richard schumacher]

That looks right to me, assuming that your Prius is Silver Pine Mica (light green) and not Millennium Silver... no guarantees, though! Call a dealer to confirm the "6U0" color code. (And how do you know whether it will be fresh, buying it through eBay?)

[tom1l21]

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

That looks right to me, assuming that your Prius is Silver Pine Mica (light green) and not Millennium Silver... no guarantees, though! Call a dealer to confirm the "6U0" color code. (And how do you know whether it will be fresh, buying it through eBay?)

Actually it is millenium silver, not the green one. If I purchase it from the dealer instead what do you think they charge for it and is applying it as easy as it seems? The paint where it chipped is rather thick, this pen will clear up the entire spot? I did notice a very tiny orange tint where the chip was probably a sign of very early rust.

[richard schumacher]

They cost about $7 five years ago. The final result will not be perfect: there will be a chip-sized crater (possibly with a rim) or an uneven spot, of the correct color, but it will be less conspicuous than a chip and will prevent rust. Something that approaches the original appearance would require an experienced refinisher or paint shop [but see the reference in the next post!].

Try doing one yourself and see what you think. Just be certain to get all the rust out first. Shake well. If the chip is small put a little paint on a toothpick and use that.

[richard schumacher]

Kudos to chinna for the very useful touch-up experience detailed here:
http://priuschat.com/forums/care-mai...tml#post840098