Scratch on my new 08' Highlander - Need suggestions to repair it

[pch316]

I've been trying to post some pictures in here and still couldn't get it. Can someone give me the steps to add pictures in here. Thx.

[eddie926]

Originally Posted by pch316

I've been trying to post some pictures in here and still couldn't get it. Can someone give me the steps to add pictures in here. Thx.

Humanoid just explained how to do earlier in this thread. Have you followed his steps?

[srinim]

Thanks for the response. Now I have taken quotes from 4 guys till now.
350$ - says its enough to paint the damaged part...no need to blend
650$ - paint the damaged part and blend the front and back panels (local auto body shop)
1250$ - auto body suggested by my Toyota Dealer - paint the damaged part and blend the front and back panels
1750$ - anotehr auto body - paint the damaged part and blend the front and back panels

I am struggling to choose between 2nd, 3rd and 4th guys? What do you suggest? Also will the blend is enough to get back my original colors on the doors? Remember the car is metallioc grey.

[pch316]

I would go with Toyota. At least if there is a problem you can always bring it back to Toyota. Can you ask to see some of their bodyworks? The way they will proceed with your car is as follows: 1) sand down the scratch 2) prime 3) paint with base coat 4) Paint with metallic coat 5)Clear coat and it's done. Good luck.

[lucky777]

try this stuff just for kinks http://www.buyfixit.com/

[Leanback]

Go to www.groitsgarage.com

Get:

(1) Griot's Garage Random Orbital $129.99

(1) Orange Foam Polishing Pad $10.99

(1) Set of 3 Machine Polishes (1, 2, 3) $34.99 You will need all 3

Total $175.97

Try this first. You can always use the stuff later if it does not work.

[Yazon]

1) if it is a deep scratch that bent metal - you will need to sand, patch and repaint.
2) Clear coat and paint scratch can be fixed with "lipstick" paint and some buffing.

It is possible to repaint just that patch. It doesn't look too bad. We had a car that had fire damage on the front hood and it was painted in those two spots (silver metalic) and no one could tell there was work done.

Now, if the people who will be doing the job say they have to repaint the entire door - they may say it because they don't feel confident they can match color (just as others pointed out).


Oh, and forget about pressing Toyota dealer if they do the job and paint doesn't match 100%. No one will give you that guarantee (even if they can make it match). Repair shops don't like to give 100% guarantees....

[luck123]

I have been there...my brand new Subaru was 3 weeks old and one door was keyed. Luckily, I had it professionally buffed to get rid of the "white", but you could still see the fine indentation in the clear a certain angle if you looked close enough. But I rather that than paint any day.

In your case, its hard to tell from the pics, but looks like the door skin has been indented slightly, which means that body repair is probably the only way to go.

There is a guy locally that air brushes repairs....man he is an artist. He can match a paint, even some of the tough pearl colours, almost 100%. You may see if you can find someone like that at a specialty shop, then just get the door repaired with the patch blended into the rest of the door.

Otherwise, I would suggest painting the door and the adjacent panels or you will most likely see the difference in colour, especially at certain angles or in certain light. Seen to many vehicles where one panel was painted and the difference was noticeable. Generally, they only blend about halfway into the adjacent panels so colour diff is not as noticeable, buff to blend and re clear all the panels.

Another thing though...check what clear they use. Many of the after market clear coats have a much higher sheen and "clarity" (hard to explain) than certain factory clears, at least that was the case for my Subaru.

Dealers are not always the best option. Yes they may guarantee, but who wants the hassle of dealing with a lousy job? Point is, whether dealer or auto-body shop, check references or ask around...look at some of their work.

Oh, and make sure they protect the rest of your HL from overspray! (or at the very least, clean it off afterwards for you)

Cheers.

[jeffs3820]

This past weekend a person in a red Pontiac opened their car door and hit the right rear door of my blizzard pearl Highlander. Left a beautiful red mark in the paint. No dent, just a red rub mark. I picked up a bottle of Kit Scratch-Out, basically a mild liquid compound, and in just 30 seconds of rubbing the red paint came out with no damage to the blizzard pearl clear top coat. I put some fresh wax on the spot and it looks good as new.

[h20buzz]

A quick FYI regarding removing paint transfer from other careless/lazy motorists. If you happen to have a tube of toothpaste handy, good old regular variety, not the striped gel variety, a small dab will usually do the trick and keep you from having to purchase polishing compounds and the like if don't have any at hand. I've done it several times when out of town to rental cars before turning them in.
As for some of the other posts here, after a little over 24 years in the collision repair/refinish business i'm gritting my teeth at <some> of the non expert "expert" advice that's been offered on refinish tech. I hope that Srinim got the Highlander fixed by now by a reputable shop ( I-Car certified is always a safe bet if you are unsure)that took the time to thoroughly explain their real repair process/practices. An educated decision maker is usually a happy one. http://www.goldclass.com/index.shtml