[spano]

So recently I was very unlucky to have my car scratched in a parking lot in downtown toronto. The police doesnt seem interested in reviewing the video in the underground parking lot so I am forced to get this fixed on my own.

There is a 12" long scratch on my front passenger door that is pretty deep, but not under the primer and another 4" one on the start of the rear passenger door. It looks like it was done by a key or maybe something that ran against the paint like a stroller.

The body shops Ive gone to all suggest leaving it or painting half of the rear passenger door, the front passenger door and half of the fender to get a good blend in with the new paint. This is going to be a pretty large cost and im repainting a large part of my car (which im hesitant to do).

Are there any alternatives to this approch? I have been looking for someone to fill the scratch and touchup and buff the car. I realize that wont be as good of a fix but im not looking for total perfection. Does anyone know where I can get someone in the city that can do this type of work and is pretty good at it?

Or does anyone have any better suggestions?

 

[spano]

Interesting, a bunch of people have viewed this thread but no one really has any input. Am I asking a stupid question?

 

[JHMCL9]

Sorry to hear about this buddy, that sucks. I remember when my Accord got keyed back in the day, was so pissed. Had both doors and the fender repainted to match. Perfect match, but paid a hefty price-tag for it.

Let's start off by this:

The color of your car is ASM (Silver) I am assuming -- as per your User info?

Unless the person touching up the scratch is a genie, theres no way the paint or the job will match up, even if applied, sanded, applied again and buffed ... at least I would assume so. I know your not looking for perfection, but I think the best approach to this is is to repaint OR have someone do their best at touching it up properly, a few layers/coats should be sufficient then carefully wetsand the area and have it buffed out to try and blend it in. For all I know, it could work out for you. The worst thing you can do though is leave it untouched, simply because now that you've had the clear-coat broken into, the paints prone to particles, moisture and you may notice surface rust etc.. forming -- especially with Canadian weather (winter's fast approaching).

I know, from personal experience, touching up PWP has always been the biggest POS (chips etc...) even after many layers and wet sanding, you can never get it right. Then again I am super anal for these things. BUT...you can live to ignore it and just have it protected.

Try checking out some of the shops people have recommended on the forums via a search. To name a few I recall LuxuryAutoLab (Toronto/Etobicoke border), 360 Auto (Markham), Velocity (Markham), Howden Collision (MY personal fav, expect to pay a premium though).

Your question is not stupid, its just a bit tough to answer...maybe the other viewers didn't have any input in terms of recommendations for you. Best of luck to you. Try posting up some images of the damage for us to get a better idea and possibly give you a better track to take.

 

[Lexx]

Velocity has ups and downs from the way people speak about them, but I dealt with them personally for my car to get some things installed and they did a good job with paint for me.

Ask for Barry. He deals with alot of TSXClub members and does great work!


I have another painter that I deal with sometimes too who is great with his work, but he's an absolute dick so I wouldnt recommend you going there.. Take it to Barry @ Velocity and see what he can do for ya!

 

[WesleySnipes]

I am in Burlington, I am a manager at a body shop... still having the issue with the scratch ?

 

[spano]

hey.

yes i am still having that problem. didnt have time to get it done before the winter kicked in. luckily its not past the primer so should be ok until spring. I think I am just going to fill it, touch it up, and buff it out.

 

[Lexx]

Cover the scratch up with paint sealant or you can even just put over a little humourous vinyl sticker in case youre a bit worried about salt eating through.