Repairing scratches on body panels

[Westfield 11]

I have a scuff/scratch under the headlight of my yellow cabrio. Is this car painted? It looks and feels like the color is impregnated in some kind of plastic. Can it just be sanded and polished?

[centerxtreme]

Black, white and yellow are solid colored panels. So proper hand buffing should work.

[24-42]

Several companies make a 'Plastic Scratch Remover'. Rubbing compound is too harsh.
Donald LaFavor

[centerxtreme]

I agree w/24-42. A product made for plastics is best. I've used "Gel-Gloss" with success on my RV.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

I have a scuff/scratch under the headlight of my yellow cabrio. Is this car painted? It looks and feels like the color is impregnated in some kind of plastic. Can it just be sanded and polished?

Take care with the "sanding;" the plastic panels are strong, but quite soft and flexible (bumpable). And they are clear coated.

[SmartAzz]

I'd check around on the international forums to see what methods and products they had have success with.

Let us know how it goes

[Westfield 11]

OK, I was curious since the car was damaged on the delivery truck to the dealership. I was told that several cars arrived with damage, mine had the left headlight broken. Whatever hit it also left a black mark about 3/8" by 1/8" in the yellow plastic of the fender. A new lamp assembly is on order, but the dealer didn't say anything about a new fender.

Should they just get me a new fender? I understand that these parts are cheap and easy to replace, almost snap together, would you ask for that?

I feel like a repaired fender on a car I haven't taken posession of yet makes it a used car, or at least a car with repaired parts and not the new car I paid for.

We are also expecting a blue and silver cabrio for my wife to arrive in their next batch of deliveries to the same dealer, I hope there are no problems with hers!!

[jwight]

Just my .02 but if it was damaged during the delivery they owe you fixes for all the damage. Let us know how it turns out.

[centerxtreme]

That's right. Did you show someone at the dealership upon delivery? If so Its a slam dunk, nevertheless, even if you didn't it's likely related to the broken headlight. I wouldn't attempt to fix, let them replace the part.

[Westfield 11]

The car is still at the dealer for PDI, I haven't been allowed to do more than sit in it for a couple of minutes.