Chips down to the bare metal!!!

[lovethe370z]

Is this "normal"???? What should I do? Fight Nissan? Or just live with it, buy dr. colorchip, and have it repainted in 5 years??

WHAT THE HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[stormcrow]

It sucks to see this. I feel your pain, though. I, too, have quite a few chips down to the metal and plastic on my front bumper and fenders. Some happened driving home from the dealership, no less. What is worse, it was the very same way with my GT-R. Nissan's paint is atrocious - and seemingly has been for a couple of years now.

I would say fight the good fight, but others with GT-Rs have been given the finger by Nissan over paint issues. Even those that are absolute factory defects. I doubt they will change their tune for us lowly Z guys. Your best bet is to paint peices on your own some day and be done with it. Sad, I know.

[vipor]

I've got 2 on the RH fender behind the headlight, 1 on the LH, a couple on some fender wells, and a few tiny ones on the hood. That doesn't even count all the "pits" in my bumper that are less noticeable (white on white). It sucks... but it seems to be the norm for these cars. Averaging ~50miles/day does that to a car, especially with our roads here in DFW.

I'll just get a repaint down the line and make sure to clear bra it immediately afterwards.

[kenchan]

i would just touch it up.

[kannibul]

Touch up now, repaint later. Set a "limit" for how many you think you can deal with, then double it.

There, I just saved you $1K

[Chris@FsP]

Part of the joy of being a Nissan owner is learning to deal with chips on the bumper cover and hood area. I really wish someone could explain what makes their paint so brittle.

[WShade]

Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com :: Nissan 370Z Touch-Up Paint

Get a touch up pen. Although, our color is sold out right now the touch up pen is great.

[kenchan]

if you're anal you can try the langka system too.

[vipor]

Originally Posted by kannibul

Touch up now, repaint later.

[fly yellow]

I haven't had many chips with my Z, but for the ones I have had I use Dr. colorchip. It works pretty well. This isn't just a Nissan problem. Thanks to our dear friends in the government and their excessive regulations car manufacturers just can't make a long lasting, strong paint that meets EPA guidelines. The consumer gets screwed again.

[HTP AutoWorks]

This isnt just a Nissan issue. It is across the board these days. All auto manufacturers have to follow the EPA rules and regulations. The EPA has enacted several new laws requiring auto manufacturers to stop using certian chemicals and hardeners during the painting process. They are also forcing everyone to go with water based paints that are VERY soft. I go through about 12 different forums, most of them different types of cars, and everyone from Ferrari to Honda complains about their paint being soft. The best option you have is to get a clear bra installed when you first get it and then it wont be an issue.

[vipor]

Originally Posted by fly yellow

I haven't had many chips with my Z, but for the ones I have had I use Dr. colorchip. It works pretty well. This isn't just a Nissan problem. Thanks to our dear friends in the government and their excessive regulations car manufacturers just can't make a long lasting, strong paint that meets EPA guidelines. The consumer gets screwed again.

This image makes me laugh. C'mon, show us how it ACTUALLY works.



You use it so I believe you when you say it works, but that picture is lies.

[stormcrow]

Originally Posted by fly yellow

I haven't had many chips with my Z, but for the ones I have had I use Dr. colorchip. It works pretty well. This isn't just a Nissan problem. Thanks to our dear friends in the government and their excessive regulations car manufacturers just can't make a long lasting, strong paint that meets EPA guidelines. The consumer gets screwed again.

Originally Posted by HTP AutoWorks

This isnt just a Nissan issue. It is across the board these days. All auto manufacturers have to follow the EPA rules and regulations. The EPA has enacted several new laws requiring auto manufacturers to stop using certian chemicals and hardeners during the painting process. They are also forcing everyone to go with water based paints that are VERY soft. I go through about 12 different forums, most of them different types of cars, and everyone from Ferrari to Honda complains about their paint being soft. The best option you have is to get a clear bra installed when you first get it and then it wont be an issue.

Spectacular information, guys. I almost figured as much as I have seen others complaining of Honda and Subaru paint issues. I think the issue with the GT-R was they tried a "self-healing" paint. It's possible that this is what they used on the Z, as well. Either way, I do know local body shops can put down stronger paint than OEM stuff and will have to take this route someday.

[vipor]

Look at the nice photoshopping evident in the headlight.



This is a lot more realistic.

[vipor]

Originally Posted by stormcrow

Spectacular information, guys. I almost figured as much as I have seen others complaining of Honda and Subaru paint issues. I think the issue with the GT-R was they tried a "self-healing" paint. It's possible that this is what they used on the Z, as well. Either way, I do know local body shops can put down stronger paint than OEM stuff and will have to take this route someday.

It's not on any Nissan, but it was used on some Infiniti's for a short time. I believe it was more the clear coat healing under direct sun and heat, not the paint.