![]() 09/17/2013 at 14:48 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
Disclaimer: Photos in this post are not of my actual car...
Full disclosure, I do not have the luxury of parking my car in devoted garage, single car port, and anything remotely close to safe. Instead I get to park my car with everyone else, including those poor souls who could care less about their $500 P.O.S rust bucket which has not been washed in the history of its ownership. To them, scratches are a badge of honor, a battle scar.
After living in an apartment complex like this my car sustained 5-6 scratches, 4 of them minimal and easy removed. However, one runs along the passenger front fender and door for approximately 3 feet and ranges from nearly invisible to a pretty harsh scratch. Fast forward to now, and I live in a much nicer place where I park next to my roommate who gives a damn about his car. As such, it has lead me to investigate removing these scratches for good.
Yesterday, I took the car to a highly recommended detailer in the area for an estimate. To complete the scratch removal, paint correction, buff/wax and re-opticoat process he quoted me $900. I must admit I knew it would cost a bit, but is this estimate too high, too low, or just right?
Opinions solicited. Keep in mind this is a daily driver, that I wash religiously a couple times a month.
![]() 09/17/2013 at 14:59 |
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Go buy a DA polisher (I got one from HF) , a set of pads, compound, 2500 grit wet sandpaper, and touchup paint. Spend a couple of hours and take your time. You can make all of that disappear and your car will thank you. I have been working on Mrs. Lemonhead's car getting all the rock and door dings out and bumps from the little Lemonheads that don't really pay attention. It takes patience but once you have fixex a few spots and can't find the ding, your confidence will go way up.
(btw, 2500 wet sandpaper is the best thing ever invented)
![]() 09/17/2013 at 15:03 |
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I just found a nasty 3 foot long scratch on my hood. I think it's the result of someone dukes of hazzard sliding on my hood with a metal button on their back pocket. I tried cheap scratch fixer stuff and it vastly improved it, it's still there and it still bugs me.
![]() 09/17/2013 at 15:54 |
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My entire trunk needs repainted for about $450 because of particularly deep 4" scratch.
![]() 09/17/2013 at 16:27 |
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Sometimes, well MOST times, once a ding/scratch/booger mark gets on my car I can never unsee it again.
![]() 09/17/2013 at 16:29 |
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Here's a good video (starting point).
![]() 09/17/2013 at 16:55 |
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That's my inspiration ...
![]() 09/18/2013 at 00:18 |
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Nothing can be done. On the bright side, you can now drift and hoon your car without the fear of scratching the paint. :)
![]() 09/19/2013 at 16:49 |
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Just Plasti Dip the whole car. That way if it gets a scratch you can spray right over it. ;)
On a side note, that photo looks exactly like my 911. I have a similar scratch in the same location. :(