Scratch Question?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 567
Likes: 5
Scratch Question?
Unfortunately I got my first real scratches on my car and no idea where they came from. I wish I could post pictures but do not know how. It is basically above the driver side window on the hard top. They don't look horrible but you can barely feel it with your nail. Would it be worth color sanding or may a good detailer be able to buff out? Does anyone know a great detailer in the Los Angeles area they have used and are quite happy with? So bummed, think it might have been and the local hand car wash I go to and maybe someone was wearing a ring while drying it off. Also, are the" scratch out " products at local automotive stores a waste of time, I am thinking these are to deep. Thanks in advance!!!
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 176
Likes: 54
From: DFW Texas
Do you remove your targa and store it in the cargo area?
I have a few scratches on mine from doing this regularly. I've nicked the front edge of the targa from the hooks it latches into, and I believe I've scraped the sides of it from sliding it into the cargo area.
I don't blame chevy, as it is my own carelessness, but I do wish there was some form of protection back there. Be it leather sides, and better protection on the hooks.
I have a few scratches on mine from doing this regularly. I've nicked the front edge of the targa from the hooks it latches into, and I believe I've scraped the sides of it from sliding it into the cargo area.
I don't blame chevy, as it is my own carelessness, but I do wish there was some form of protection back there. Be it leather sides, and better protection on the hooks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 933
From: Just outside a swamp in Florida
Compounds are wonderful products.
Starting with a light compound, such as the scratch removal product you mentioned is a great place to start.
If that doesn’t work you may want to go on and consult a professional if you’re not comfortable with using a heavier compound yourself. They do require considerable care when using.
Starting with a light compound, such as the scratch removal product you mentioned is a great place to start.
If that doesn’t work you may want to go on and consult a professional if you’re not comfortable with using a heavier compound yourself. They do require considerable care when using.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 725
Likes: 235
Get this
and a soft all-cotton rag. It is not aggressive so you are unlikely to do damage. Clean the area with a detailing spray and rub the product in with a circular motion and not a ton of pressure, just a bit. After rubbing for about a minute, wipe off the residue with a clean part of the rag. You may have to do this for 20m or so, but it sounds like the scratch didn't go through the clear coat. It will turn out perfect. When you are done, apply your normal wax. I've become an expert in defect removal and have corrected some things I didn't think possible.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 725
Likes: 235
These are the rags I generally use for this type of thing, but you can use anything that is 100% soft microfiber or cotton, as long as it doesn't have a tag or nylon thread.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 24,101
Likes: 1,327
From: Spring Texas
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 176
Likes: 54
From: DFW Texas
Depends on the depth of the scratch, but for the most part the bicarbonate top can be treated just like paint. Wet sanded and buffed to a shine.
I probably wouldn't go that far, but you could try using some headlight buffing compound for removing haze. The biggest issue would be to not apply too much heat to the scratched area, or you risk crystallizing the area, and you'll never get it clear.
Check auto geek, they have some nice how-to's and good products.
I probably wouldn't go that far, but you could try using some headlight buffing compound for removing haze. The biggest issue would be to not apply too much heat to the scratched area, or you risk crystallizing the area, and you'll never get it clear.
Check auto geek, they have some nice how-to's and good products.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 818
Likes: 179
From: Los Angeles
Do you remove your targa and store it in the cargo area?
I have a few scratches on mine from doing this regularly. I've nicked the front edge of the targa from the hooks it latches into, and I believe I've scraped the sides of it from sliding it into the cargo area.
I don't blame chevy, as it is my own carelessness, but I do wish there was some form of protection back there. Be it leather sides, and better protection on the hooks.
I have a few scratches on mine from doing this regularly. I've nicked the front edge of the targa from the hooks it latches into, and I believe I've scraped the sides of it from sliding it into the cargo area.
I don't blame chevy, as it is my own carelessness, but I do wish there was some form of protection back there. Be it leather sides, and better protection on the hooks.
Last edited by Eff A Ford; Dec 2, 2017 at 03:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 149
From: Anaheim California
Get this https://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage...rrecting+cream and a soft all-cotton rag. It is not aggressive so you are unlikely to do damage. Clean the area with a detailing spray and rub the product in with a circular motion and not a ton of pressure, just a bit. After rubbing for about a minute, wipe off the residue with a clean part of the rag. You may have to do this for 20m or so, but it sounds like the scratch didn't go through the clear coat. It will turn out perfect. When you are done, apply your normal wax. I've become an expert in defect removal and have corrected some things I didn't think possible.
Tried some of this Correction cream on your advice. Absolutely amazing product. Had a two inch scratch on my carbon flash spoiler that I tried every wax and scratch remover I could find. Used this with a microfiber and elbow grease and it came out beautiful, and no scratching of the finish. Do you also use a certain wax or polymer product on the car made by Griot's as well? Thanks for the tip on this product!
Last edited by jtranger; Dec 16, 2017 at 05:18 PM.