Scratches in the Paint ... :(

[Icculus]

I had my shiny Classic Silver Pkg #6 for all of 2 hours, was showing my wife around the interior when I noticed an odd sound outside, but ignored it. Went around back a few mins later and found my beloved 4 yr old daughter drawing on the right side of the car behind the passenger door... with a rock.

OMG - I felt so sick to my stomache

Anyway, so I picked up some Nu Finish Scratch Remover, it didn't work which tells me the scratch is below the clearcoat and will require either touchup paint or a professional re-painting.

I lack any skill with painting and would likely only make it look worse, any ideas what it might cost to have that section repainted? Would taking it to the dealer be a bad idea as opposed to cost vs. local paint shop?



-Andy

[freshmtt]

OMG,, I am sick to my stomach reading the post and it is not even my car.... so I can only imagine how you are feeling right now..

how much restraint did it take not to strangle the 4yr old . I'd be really upset cause by 4 they should know better about taking rocks and drawing on cars.. but such is life..

I hope you can find a good paint shop to do the touch up, I think the dealer would soak you for more money than it would actually cost to repair.

Care to post any pics of the damage??

BTW,, congrats on the new Prius, once you get over this stomach wretching problem, you will be very happy with your new Prius!!!!!

[hyo silver]

Aren't kids wonderful?

A dealer is only going to add their markup, so you're probably better off looking for a paint shop. It's pretty difficult to estimate the cost without seeing the damages, but you should be able to get a few quotes without too much running around.

[Tdoff1]

before repainting, may want to try a good rubbing compound. The nufinish (sracth remover) is not really a compound. 3m makes a good one. You would be suprised as to what it can take out. Wetting 1500 grit sandpaper and "wet sanding" can remove more simple scratches, then buff the shine back with compound. Not hard to do, but scary if you have never done it before.

Any shop could try "wet sand and buff" for your prior to painting. May be worth a shot.

Best luck

[Barcelona Red Lass]

Originally Posted by Icculus

I had my shiny Classic Silver Pkg #6 for all of 2 hours, was showing my wife around the interior when I noticed an odd sound outside, but ignored it. Went around back a few mins later and found my beloved 4 yr old daughter drawing on the right side of the car behind the passenger door... with a rock.

OMG - I felt so sick to my stomache

Anyway, so I picked up some Nu Finish Scratch Remover, it didn't work which tells me the scratch is below the clearcoat and will require either touchup paint or a professional re-painting.

I lack any skill with painting and would likely only make it look worse, any ideas what it might cost to have that section repainted? Would taking it to the dealer be a bad idea as opposed to cost vs. local paint shop?



-Andy

Try Maaco. They can paint only that one panel, and they'll get the exact paint from Toyota to do it. It costs a bit more than just "guesstimating color" but at least it will be right.

And spank the 4 year old.

[Icculus]

I am attaching a picture I just took to give you an idea...

At least she managed to make the area nice and big as well as deep enough to rip through the clearcoat...

Not sure what got into her, most likely because mommy and I were not paying her attention.

-Andy

[Tdoff1]

when you run your fingernail accross, can you feel the scratch?

[Icculus]

Yep, in many of the places my fingernail catches on the edge...

[freshmtt]

Originally Posted by Icculus

I am attaching a picture I just took to give you an idea...

At least she managed to make the area nice and big as well as deep enough to rip through the clearcoat...

Not sure what got into her, most likely because mommy and I were not paying her attention.

-Andy

HOLY CRAP!!! That's some pretty serious drawing (gouging) there... So did the 4yr old get a spanking or at least a good verbal lashing...

[Icculus]

Oh yeah, a little of every form of discipline we practice... She should have no doubts now that drawing on cars (or anything other than paper in fact) will mean bad times for her...