Hood Thoughts

[racngrn]

Well, it finally happened. My original paint ( 84 vintage Guards Red) 911 took a nasty stone impact to the hood at highway speeds causing two small chips as it bounced off the mid hood area. I knew it would happen eventually and its not the first the car has seen, just first for me. I don't want to have a garage queen , not because I have objections to pristine, exceptional examples, but because I love to drive the car when I can. It never sees rain, only nice days, so even more incentive to go when the sun shines.

I've given thought to having the hood covered in clear shield ( Xpel, etc..) to protect it. Obviously, it would also encase the collection of small imperfections that exist from the past 31 years. Any thoughts as to whether that is a good , or really bad, idea? Thanks

[Len 911]

I have the clear bra on my black 911.I like the durability it has but it showed every imperfection in the hood. Also not sure how I am going to buff the hood when it is time to..there is a visible line across the front end. I think I would live with the chips. If I could take it off I would bu afraid of what it will do when removing it. I think it is called armor shield..
Good and bad points

[lsf911]

I wouldn't cover the chips with the armor shield. I think it will look bad. If you are going that route, have the hood repainted then cover it. To avoid the visible armor shield line, have the entire hood covered.

[fiminod]

Leave it and enjoy. Once you paint the bonnet, you'll then notice how bad the bumper and valence are, then the fenders...and cowl....and doors.....let her continue to age gracefully until you go for the full re-spray.

[Jesse16]

I'd have to agree with fininod. On my red 87 with 230k miles there were more stone nicks and time damage than could be cataloged but, no rust or dents (lucky) ever anywhere. Just part of being a road warrior. Bugs and dirt washed off fine. To my eye a PO's crappy hood paint repair was the worst thing esthetically. Also the flag mirrors take a real beating paint wise in the real world. If you start repainting and protecting against nicks/chips, you're going down a path that will drive you crazy if you drive it on real roads. Just an opinion.

[Len 911]

agreed , not worth it, I want to take mine off

[Matt Monson]

Put bullet hole stickers on the chips and keep driving it.

[kach22i]

The natural patina of road rash is in this year.

[racngrn]

Thanks all. I tend to agree and would rather enjoy it than preserve it. If she was a time capsule, I might feel different, but anything short ( even really nice stuff) is better on the road than not. Gotta keep a close eye on those damn tractor trailers. They are brutal. Appreciate the words of wisdom.