backed up my car into a pole :( Repair guesstimate needed!

[kotori]

I stupidly backed up my can into a pole. It was dark, and the pole was tiny, so I didn't see it. Anyways, this was the result. I usually do everything myself (oil changes, upgrading speakers, fixing small scratches ...) However, I don't think I can do this one. Could you guys use your best judgment and give me a guesstimate of how much it will cost me at the body shop? Thank you

[leakyseals]

$500. Is that rust at the 1/4 panel? You sure thats not just clear coat scrapes? Or is it down to the plastic shell?

[kotori]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

$500. Is that rust at the 1/4 panel? You sure thats not just clear coat scrapes? Or is it down to the plastic shell?

there's no rush. It's a dent at the 1/4 panel, and what you thought was rush is just the reflection. It's mostly clear coat scrapes, like 95% what you see there. Only a few spots got scratched a little deep.

Thanks bro

[leakyseals]

Looks like a DIY if its just the clear. Try buffing it out. Test on a small area. Wet sanding it out with 2000 sandpaper works also. Then buff with 3m, then polish with your fav wax. Worst case is mask at an area that is hidden, sand with 2000, over spray with clear. Thats likely what you will get charged for anyways. Last resort is paint, because of the match.

[carsrus]

Try this stuff called 3m wax and adhesive remover. If something scuffed onto the paint it'll wipe right off with this stuff. Its under 10$ and it works miracles. I always use this first before going to something more aggressive.

After that use soapy water and wet sand with 2000. Light pressure is key and lots of water. after that hit it up with some rubbing compound (follow the directions on it) and then wax. You don't need power tools on a spot that small, doing it by hand wont be that bad.

http://youtu.be/XeZ4Ur-mnuk good tutorial on how to wet sand

[kotori]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

Looks like a DIY if its just the clear. Try buffing it out. Test on a small area. Wet sanding it out with 2000 sandpaper works also. Then buff with 3m, then polish with your fav wax. Worst case is mask at an area that is hidden, sand with 2000, over spray with clear. Thats likely what you will get charged for anyways. Last resort is paint, because of the match.

the scratches aren't that bad. Only a few areas have deep scratches, so probably paint is needed. The dent is what worries me the most, I don't know how to bump it out yet. I'll probably have to remove the rear bumper.

Originally Posted by carsrus

Try this stuff called 3m wax and adhesive remover. If something scuffed onto the paint it'll wipe right off with this stuff. Its under 10$ and it works miracles. I always use this first before going to something more aggressive.

After that use soapy water and wet sand with 2000. Light pressure is key and lots of water. after that hit it up with some rubbing compound (follow the directions on it) and then wax. You don't need power tools on a spot that small, doing it by hand wont be that bad.

http://youtu.be/XeZ4Ur-mnuk good tutorial on how to wet sand

oh, I haven't tried this.

I'll probably take my car to a few body shops and see how much it costs to get fixed. Then I'll decide whether to do it myself or let them do it.

btw, thanks a lot for your inputs