Hello Scotty & Killer Team,
I have a 2010 Highlander (160,000mi) and am noticing the hood has a lot of paint chips and small rust spots developing. These are small, not like the size of a dime more like ball point pen or sharper marker tip size but several of them over the front hood.
What suggestions do you have for addressing this so the issues don't become bigger (other than replacing the hood itself)?
Any DIY options you think work well or should I take it to a pro to have it restored?
Thanks for your guidance and insights on this. Much appreciated.
Chris
the hood has a lot of paint chips and small rust spots developing. These are small, not like the size of a dime more like ball point pen or sharper marker tip size but several of them over the front hood.
Paint repair can be very expensive. Without a good picture and going on your description alone, this sounds like small chips allowing iron to 'surface rust' those areas. You can use a clay bar to remove to these stains as long as the they haven't penetrated the paint's surface. (This would also apply to your Corolla Cross but it's under warranty)
I normally will use a duplicolor paint pen, or reputable dealer online that can get you some matched paint.
I simply scrape the rust off a bit, and put a little paint on it. I go over it before winter, and after. It doesn't normally look perfect, especially with a paint with something like pearl in it. For my 2005 pontiac vibe with just a pure white color, the touch up looked very good for what it is, and not easily noticeable until you get close to it.
If it bothers you enough, you could get a half decent paint job on the hood for around $500 at a good local shop.
