Chips with everything!

[Banus]

Hi all,
I have picked up a stone chip on my otherwise immaculate tank. So in time honored fashion its got to be sorted - but how !
I've been quoted £150 (plus VAT) by a professional bike sprayer to have the whole tank resprayed, which will be a first class job and will return the tank to its original condition. But I'm thinking is that a lot of unnecessary expense ? Has anyone used those Dentmaster type company ? or is there another cheaper route to get the desired effect ? The tank is not dented.
I've considered a Baglux tank protector but that's only hiding the problem and I know its still hiding under there. Might get one when I've got this sorted............Any advice gratefully received.
Actually time to come clean and I'll let you into a little secret - Its not a stone chip ! Slipped with a spanner on the headstock.....Dohh :oops:

[Dysparunia]

Get a tank-protector with those extra little blob bits & put one of them over it?

Alternatively a sticker,

Or maybe do the same on the other side & pretend it's a custom paint job.....



More useless ideas coming soon :wink:

[Biker Biggles]

A dab of touch up paint or just live with it.The bike is six years old(SK1?)and a bit of character is quite normal. :wink:

[instigator]

I've seen mint new tanks go for roughly that price on ebay. I've seen MINT, used but unmarked tanks go for half that on ebay.

Use your noggin, wait till one comes up, snipe and get one for cheap then sell your used one. £150, RIP OFF.

[John Burt]

Try any one of the mobile repair services - if its a small chip they will mix a metallic colour up, it won't be exactly the same as a pearl but close enough cost £30 -40. Try Chips Away or simillar

[Viney]

Just remember that the paint on most of the SV's is a 3 pack paint. Hence the cost.

[John Burt]

True - but a v small touch in done in matched metallic is normally almost invisible.

[New Leaf]

i had chips away repair a 3 foot long vandal scratch on my brand new Mazda RX-8. i wouldn't hesitate to use them again

check out their website here .....

http://www.chipsaway.co.uk/repair/chipsaway.asp

[Banus]

Hi All
Thanks for all your contributions - loads to consider there. I think the guy who quoted £170 has been binned - as good as he might be. After all the chip is only a little bigger than this - 'O'
Anyway I've done this sort of thing before and I've ordered a v small pot of Pearl Lively Yellow (Code 9YH)(only that Japs could think of a name like that !) from Suzuki in Cheltenham who are even prepared to post it to me - total bill £8 - Result - so far.
I have a really fine artists brush and will very gradually touch the area in a little at a time. After a few coats and a bit of T cut and Autoglym polish it should look something like.
I too have used dentmaster / Chips Away on my MX5 - they were absolutely brilliant.
Thanks again all - I've post an update in about a week as to whether I've made the right decision - Might have a new tank on order by then :lol:

[Steve226]

Do you have a web address or phone number for the Suzuki branch? I've been looking for a small pot of paint to cover some scrapes on the fairing (quick job until I can replace it) and can't find any at the right price (£8 sounds good to me).

Steve

[Banus]

I called Luke at Cheltenham Motorcycles (Suzuki dealership) 84 Fairview Road, Cheltenham Gl52 2EH.
Tel: 01242 - 262555
Luke is unbelievably helpful and restored my faith in the human race. :lol:
He actually returned my call after promising to !! - amazing in this day and age of Customer Service woes - Still I haven't received my paint yet - and he's got my CC number - watch this space :lol:

[hovis]

saved yourself £162 :shock: