Hello. Before I start, I should mention that this is my first post here. I'm not a Mustang owner yet, but I'm planning to buy one in October. That's what my financial coordinator (wife) is telling me.

As such, I'm trying to do as much homework as I can to really make a good decision. Right now, I'm wanting a GT but if finances dictate, I may have to go with a V6.

However, my wife made a comment the other night that got me thinking - are the metallic finishes easily touched up with the touch-up paint pens available from the dealers? How about the non-metallics? I think my wife and I are leaning towards Torch Red, Vista Blue, and Redfire as our top choices, though Silver and Tungsten aren't bad either. But I was wondering if the touch-ups are easier on some colors than others, especially the metallics.

Thanks for your responses. And if you want to weigh in on the V6-vs-V8 question, I'm all ears.

 

Dude, do yourself a favor - just get the GT and buy less food or something to make up the extra $$. I went through MONTHS of self-flagellation trying to decide between V6 and GT. I'm talking spreadsheets, thousands of posts on forums, etc. I swear my wife was about to divorce me. I had actually decided on the V6, put in the order, and felt so disappointed, I called my dealer, changed it to the GT, and told him to consider my $1000 deposit non-refundable. It was the only way to defeat the rational side. Oh, I still felt some guilt for a bit, until I got the car. Now - absolutely no regrets.

Get what you REALLY want - life is too short.

 

I have found that metallics particularly Silver, are almost impossible to match. The non metallics are much easier.

 

Does anyone know how to "touch up" the small hairline cracks that seem to form in the curved regions of the back bumper? Has anone else noticed these on the 2005 Mustang GT? I only have 4000 miles on mine and have never bumped into anything with it but the bumper seems to form scrathch-like cracks where the bumper has the tightest bends in it (at the corners). The bumper is redfire but the cracks reveal a much lighter color below the surface.
Thanks for any help on this one.

 

Regarding the bumper.

I have the same issue on my 06 V6 Screaming Yellow.
Mine it seems that the paint is just thin there on the curves, no cracked.
It is right where on the corner where the bumper meets the rear fender.
It is only on the rear bumper also.
It is also not a small area, it is like three inches on each end of the bumper.

 

I have had to touch up a couple rock chips already and its not so much the color aspect but the bubble or uneven surface of the brush that catches my eye. I used the Ford touch-up vial with a brush. Redfire met.

 

Non-metallics are easier to match. I have torch red and use the factory touch up color and the Langka touch up kit. The Langka kit has a product called the "blob eliminator". It makes the touch ups virtually invisible. I also have the 3M clear bra. It saves on the number of touch ups I have to fix.

 

For information on "how to" check out the car care section.

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/forumdisplay.php?f=35

Lots of helpful information in there.

As for metallics versus non-metallics. Obviously non-metallics would be easier, however you can always get a batch of paint that does not match the colour of your car 100% so you would end up noticing it anyway. I have used a touchup pen from FORD on my car and it matched perfectly.

 

I have a metallic color and the touchup paint and Langka work very well together.

 

There was a number of discussions of V6 vs V8. I am personally very pleased with my V6. Ford build quality issues aside (it's no Camry) it is quick, responsive and FUN (it's no Camry). Your satisfaction with power will greatly depend on what you drive now. If you're switching from an older Civic you'll be thrilled with either V6 or GT. Coming from a late model V6 accord and you might be more happy with GT than V6. Good thing about either car is that both allow you to put in easy "bolt on" modifications to perfect handling and power output if you desire to do so. Many mods are very easy (DIY) and inexpensive and should not void warranty. Prior to doing work on my V6 I didn't do any mods (changing oil myself doesn't count). V6 is much better on gas and insurance rates. GT is probably better on the resale value side. In either case make sure to get IUP package - it's simply awesome, side airbags and ABS with traction control (does wonders during heavy rain and snow storms).

 

With the Metallic and Langka, do you use the "smear" method of dragging the paint over the chip ?
I have Vista Blue and the smallest chip in the rear bumber that I have to look for to find ...but I know it is there, and have Langka but have not used it yet....how apprehensive should I be, it sounds very simple to use, but I have not done so

 

Non-metallic is easier. Not a fan of touchups they all have problems. If its worth repairing, I do right. Coded paint from an automotive paint store gives the best match.

 

I've heard it before and I couldn't agree more. Sometimes you have to wait a little longer, but think about it, have you ever regreted getting what you really want?