Get bodywork back to showroom

[Dommett]

I have a 2005 XKR which wasn't owned by an enthusiast before me (football club manager I understand from the lease company that owned it) so although mechanically was kept up, was left in train station car parks and under trees etc, so there is some stone chips, some starting to rust slightly, some slight lacquer peel on some, lots of minor scratches, nothing major, some small dents from doors knocking into it, and the usual swirls, as it's metallic black. The front bumper has been resprayed on one corner badly as well and looks dull.

So, I would like it to be shiny again, but usual story, don't want to spend a fortune, but where to go? I think the paintwork isn't good enough for a detailer to work with, and the dents need knocking out, so I thought of a vinyl wrap, as Id quite like to change the colour vibrant blue, which doesn't look dirty permanently!, but I'm told the paintwork needs to be perfect first.

So, last one, is taking it to a body shop and have them either, touch up all over, and then get it detailed, or just a full respray same colour.

Any suggestions as to the best approach, or wasted approach would be helpful, along with expected costs, I was hoping for £1k.

Cheers

[PJ S]

If you're going to get it wrapped, all you need do is clean the paintwork, and clay/de-tar it.
A solvent panel wipe as used by body shops to prep, will make sure the paint is as clean as it can be, which the wrappers should be doing anyway.
Time to buff the paint when the wrap is removed.

There's a list of guys in the thread at the top of page 1 of this section, so see who's near you, etc if you decide against wrapping.

[Ti22]

I'd get a prof3essional detailer in your area to have a look at the car. With a good PDR man, it should be very rescueable for £1K.

If you wish to wrap it, you'll still need the dents sorting out first as the wrap will not hide them. Also be aware that wrap is not as shiny as paint and will never look like a good respray. Having said that it can look very good when done well, but a good wrap on that car will be in excess of £1K - using media that is quality and won't take all your lacquer off when you remove it..

[Dommett]

Would the wrap be okay over stone chips? I was under the impression the paintwork needed to be immaculate already?

[PJ S]

Stonechips make no difference - they're just bits of missing paint.
If really anal, you could touch in with paint from dealers.