DaveZeltser

So I just moved into a new complex in Walnut Creek about a month ago and my car just got keyed sometime last night or this morning. It happened somewhere in the garage which is open to the public.

Does anyone know any good ways to get a scratch out? This only got into the clear coat most of the way through and a little stretch got through to the paint. I could bear with it if I can rub most of it out.

I also just got laid off from my job so I am not exactly thrilled about going through insurance right now.

Thanks fellas.

BigSlick

sry to hear it

2005ArcticWhite

johnodrake

Low lifes. Sorry for your problems

If you are skilled and have a buffer you may be able to buff it out or color sand. I know I would only screw it up.

Rocketmanwpb

Try going to a dealer and find the guy that does the repairs to the used cars. I used a guy here for several scratches and he did great work.

Check with the sales manager in the used car department.

They can generally repair scratches to vertical surfaces, but not horizontal like the hood or trunk.

I generally paid him $50.00 per scratch.

dingrao

It will take a few hours, but it can be buffed out. Some people are such bastards. I'm really sorry brother, I hope all turns out well.

WAwatchnut

That sucks. You wouldn't think that would happen over in WC.

Hope it can get taken care of.

GaussianMist

That really sucks! Damn losers just hatin'. If I were you I'll move out. I would not be able to sleep if I have to park knowing that idiot is close by.

Good Luck!

paz

Wouldn't vandalism be covered under the comprehensive portion of your insurance? Your rates should go up unless it's a collision claim.

Thradar

Fricken' dirtbags.

DaveZeltser

Thanks for all the replies fellas. Does anyone know someone that could do the color sanding or buffing in the bay area?

Cheers,
Dave

GOLD72

I feel your pain. My very first car, 67 Camaro, was keyed on a winter night 36 years ago. Truly sickening feeling. Good luck with the repairs. Found out 6 months later that a jealous teenaged girl in the neighborhood did it. Her friend ratted her out.

rjwoerheide

Second keyed thread today. I guess this happens a lot. How sad.

Good luck repairing the finish.

peter pan

Wow two on this forum on one day and I wish they were caught and then make them organ donors, good luck with the repair

Sunnyvale Dave

I feel for you. You might want to post in the Northern California section. I have gotten recommendations for body shops in the South Bay. Good luck and sorry for what happened.

jabez

You might wanna contact GRZLDVT. He's a detailer in San Jose.

calmtgguy

Meguiar's makes more than one, "Cleaner", lite compound, and cleaner wax combos that does a great job taking off scuffs and surface scratches. When things are bad they can only get better, good luck.

tntdominic

Dave,
Sorry, Bro . . . good news is that if just in the clear-coat, you can DIY get the scratch out. I just had the nose of my car painted by a PRO and watched him do it. P.M.ed you a small tutorial on DIY paint chip removal and it will work on scratches too. If you rub your thumb nail over the scratch and it doesn't "catch" then you can buff out. If it catches, then you will need to add clear coat, then wet sand, then buff out.
Good Luck,
Pat

CQRT

I use DuPont white enamel polishing compound on a wet washcloth for light scratches . . . turn the cloth frequently and wash it out... generally available a Checker Auto Parts, Chucks, etc . . .

If you need to match paint, I've found these guys good for paint pens, rattle cans and small bottles: http://automotivetouchup.com/

I'd hate to be the little ba$tards if you catch them . . maybe your complex has garages?

Good luck-

TerryT

Sorry to hear about your bad luck, but if the scratch is deep, no buffing will take it out. Its not a scuff, but a deep scratch. Years ago , I detailed cars at a Porsche/Audi/Bmw dealer, so I do have a little knowledge about it. A buffer wont remove a scratch that is almost thru to the paint below. What I did once to a black Harley fender with a small scratch in it, was to take a hairline brush and touched up the black paint, then I filled the rest with a mixture of clear and hardner. When it dried, I took 1000 grit wet dry paper on a small sanding block and leveled it out with the surrounding clear, then polished it back to life. You couldn't find the repair when it was done. Without pics of yours, its hard to evaluate if this would work.