Manan Bakshi

Hello Everyone,
I scratched my 2011 Grand Sport against a concrete pillar. The scratches do not look too deep but they still look ugly. I would appreciate advice on how I can get these fixed. I live in Seattle, any local recommendations would be great.

Also, would you recommend claiming insurance or just paying out of pocket for the fixes? I already pay about 1500$ premium per year and have a 250$ deductible. No incidents on record so far.

Thanks in advance!

gliot1

My body man's rule is that if you can catch the scratches with a fingernail, the part has to be repainted; if no catch, it can be buffed out.

Frankie15

I personally would not go through insurance because your rates will likely go up.

gliot1

Usually costs about half as well if you pay out of pocket!

ruxvette

Try some polishing compound on a rag and see if it removes the scratches. If not, take it to Dan at Corvettes of Auburn for a look.

stingray71

From the pictures, that does not look like it can be polished out.
Around the reflector, the paint looks like you can see layers. You'll have to get some estimates to see if they can repaint/blend that area.

itomh

I would get out as much as I could with Meguiars ultimate compound with a microfiber towel or buff pad on a drill, so you can get a better look at the permanent damage, then find a good quality heavy leather work glove, soak it in water for about an hour, find the driver who caused the damage and smack him with it.

RoadkingC6

I would try getting a sheet of 1500 Grit Wet or Dry sandpaper and wet sand the scratches then try to compound the area, 1500 grit is very smooth and when compounded the shine will come right back, can't really do any damage because if the scratches don't come out, or should you sand through the clear which shouldn't happen if your careful, but even still you would just have to have it repainted anyway. And i would just pay for it out of pocket can't see that being more than 2-$300.00 to repaint.

biker1059

You know what they say, That'll buff out
I've buffed out worse

jdk541

I would just leave it and tell people you were in a heated race with a Hellcat and he tried to get the inside groove, but you held your line and ultimately won.

LowRyter

First use wax, that will get off the scuffs. Then you can concentrate on the scratches with polish/scratch remover/rubbing compound. Then go in reverse order to get the sheen back.

If you determine that it can't be be buffed out, then stop buffing. You'll know it needs to go to the shop.

Check for a good shop in your area.

Zero_6

Take it to a professional detailer and have them buff it. Should cost no more than $100 from my experience. Hopefully it's just the clear coat.

windyC6

The only way that has any chance of being buffed out is with a high speed buffer. And unfortunately most people don't know how to use them and wind up doing more damage than good.

Don-Vette

windyC6 is correct, take it to a Pro.

Mlcharlestonsc

Now you can send it to FLA and get the C7 headlight conversion done.

Wayne88

A careful Wet sanding should do it.
There are some good tutorials on YouTube.

RoadkingC6

And to add you don't have to have a high speed buffer to bring the shine back a good orbital polisher like a PC 7424 with a compounding pad would do it, or even by hand in a small area, again in my opinion this is a no lose situation to try, even if the scratches don't fully come out then go to the paint shop.