Aussie Ford Focus Paint resource - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Zetec · 11-03-2003, 05:02

This thread is here to provide you with tips on keeping your car in pristine bodywork condition - keeping those paint chips and scratches managed and anyhting else that may help.

Your local auto-paint shop or spraypainter will mix a tin of touch up paint for you while you wait. According to Ford, because the car is imported it is illegal or at least highly dangerous to ship paint over from factories in Europe, therefore we are required to mix our own paint here. Ford does not offer a tube of touch up paint with Focus models sold, so it is up to owners to go to their oen lengths to find some.

Paint details are found in your original dealer issued handbook which contains details on rego, VIN, Sido number, chassis and model, paint and trim options and dealer address. Look inside the cover of you owner's manual.

Touch up all scratches however minor as soon as you can, however for professional long lasting repair, perhaps take it to a body shop every couple of years for peace of mind, and for only a small feee which in the long run is worth paying for peace of mind. Of course those of you who can already prep bodywork, then congratulations!!

Zetec · 11-03-2003, 05:04

Adding to this, I received a quote today on getting the Zetec's (and other models other than the ST170) door handles and mouldings painted body colour over the original black. Makes it appear much classier, expecially on the metallic paint models.

$440 was the quote (for metallic - Machine Silver)however I was told $400 cash which is always a great way to pay for things. Negotiate with your local panelbeater to see if he'll quote you the same or better and post back here to let everyone know as a rough guide.

TurboDOHC · 11-03-2003, 15:06

Did they guarantee no flaking etc in the future. I am just scared of it cracking or peeling etc in a year or so after it is done...

Timmeh · 11-04-2003, 03:48

I talked to my Ford dealer (who will be doing all my paintwork) and they said they do not recommend painting door handles, as they cop alot of abuse/use.

They also gave me a free bottle of touch up paint, and have given me kick arse quotes for all my paintwork.

I will probably spend a grand or so there getting everything I need done (rear bar repairs, front skirt sprayed, and color coding moulds), but I will not be going the door handles. There is enough black around that area (ie glasshouse) to leave them be, without worrying about damage to them or making them look out of place. In my opinion, anyway...

My local Ford dealer has given me the best prices anywhere and kick arse service. I was pleasantly suprised, even as most prices for optional parts are still cheaper than aftermarket places.

ST170 front lower grill is only 80 bucks, clear side indicators are only 30 for both lenses and bulbs, bonnet protector and headlight protector set are only 70 bucks each.

Try beating that aftermarket, seriously! Good to see Ford being reasonable priced and excellent in service.

Cheers..... Tim

remark70 · 01-09-2004, 18:09

Has anyone had a tin of touch-up paint mixed, or can they recommend a place (in Sydney) that is professional and knows what they're doing?? Also, how big a tin would you be expected to buy and the cost??
Many thanks
Mark

PS - the website is coming along nicely, guys!! Now, if I can get some pics of my car I may be able to join you ...

ST170X · 01-09-2004, 20:00

Pity about the local Ford Paint shop here in Adelaide at Regency park that refused to give me a small tin of paint when my car was repaired some weeks back. The colour would have been spot on. I even offered to pay for it, but its thier policy not to do this. It would be nice if they though of it as a bonus for when their customers picked their cars up from repair. Some other paint shops have given me a small amount in a small plastic container.

Regards Mark

Zetec · 01-09-2004, 21:34

any good automotive paint shop should do it. Near every major dealership is generally a stack of smash repairers, detailers and paint shops. I just found one and asked. Drive around until you find one that does, if not then ask your Ford dealer as some will help you out.

Cheers,
Matt