Rear plastic panel scratch

[MikesToy]

So i accidently put a little (half-inch) scratch on my right rear plastic panel. Right below the compartment area. It's an eyesore. Damn i'm pissed at myself. After almost 7 years babying my rig, i put a scratch myself. Can this be sandpaper'd down? Right now, i put my name's sticker on top of it.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

So i accidently put a little (half-inch) scratch on my right rear plastic panel. Right below the compartment area. It's an eyesore. Damn i'm pissed at myself. After almost 7 years babying my rig, i put a scratch myself. Can this be sandpaper'd down? Right now, i put my name's sticker on top of it.

I'd have to see it but if its plastic it would be easier to replace than to fix. if its that center silver console than you can sand, bondo, prime and paint.

 

[MikesToy]

I'd have to see it but if its plastic it would be easier to replace than to fix. if its that center silver console than you can sand, bondo, prime and paint.

It's in the trunk area (right rear) where the sub is located at. That will be one big piece to replace.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Oh ok. I guess I would be upset too but its in the back in the business end and its not like you would see it everyday (brighter side). I guess you could sand it. I not to good with working on plastic. I know that Dupont makes plastic paint and primer. maybe nows a good chance to change the back if you wanted. diff color, sound system, etc.:happens:

 

[DarksideSurf]

Ive had good experiences with a heat gun to "smooth" away most minor scuffs on various plastic pieces such as the glove box and door panels.

 

[Uneek]

Ive had good experiences with a heat gun to "smooth" away most minor scuffs on various plastic pieces such as the glove box and door panels.

:iagree: This is a similar trick used by stereo installers.

 

[simple]

:iagree: This is a similar trick used by stereo installers.

Would there be a 'scar' with this type of repair?

 

[rook]

Contact Mikestang over at 120. He bought back his totaled truck and is parting it out. I bought some parts from him, so I'll vouch he's legit.

 

[MikesToy]

Thanks rook! :hatsoff:

 

[DRC]

I would not suggest sanding. Plastics don’t sand very nice and you will be left with a dull scratched area that may look worse then the scratch. As one poster said, when it comes to plastic you just got to replace it to get the best fix.

I can offer two suggestions I have used in the past to help hide scratches in plastic. One is to use a Laminate or Melamine seam filler. These are used to fix scratches and seams in laminate counter tops. They come in small tubs of different colors and usually stick to plastic. Look up the company Colorflex or do a search for seam fillers to get an idea of what I am talking about. You will need to pick up several colors to mix together to get the right color match to your trim panel.

As another option you can go old school and use some Japan colorant and mix it into 2 part clear epoxy to make up your own filler. Basically you mix up the Japan color to get a color match to your plastic and then mix in the epoxy to form a color matched filler. It can be a bit tricking some epoxy’s don’t mix well with the colorant so you may need to experiment. Also most plastics don’t glue well but this usually works okay as a filler. It really won’t bond plastic.

In either case I would strongly suggest you experiment on a piece of white cardboard to get the right color match. You want a neutral background when mixing colors. Let it dry and see what the sheen and color look like dry as it may change. Once you get a good color match put it on a piece of clear glass and let it dry. Using the clear glass you can see what it looks like with your trim panel behind it.

All in all it’s a bit of work. Maybe you can live with it. Give it a few months. You may just get used to it.

btw: can you post a pic? Would be easier to help if we saw how deep, etc.

 

[Uneek]

Would there be a 'scar' with this type of repair?

Luckily, I haven't had to repair any scratches like that, so I don't know. I read that a lot of stereo installers use that method/technique to "fix" scratches from install mishaps.

 

[MikesToy]

It's not noticeable b/c i keep my double-decker up. But when i put it down you can see it. I used my sister's foundation make-up to cover it up. It worked as long as you don't touch it or wipe it. HAHA... Then i put a sticker over it. hehehe..... I'll get pics as soon as the weather here warms up.

 

[Dbone]

So i accidently put a little (half-inch) scratch on my right rear plastic panel. Right below the compartment area. It's an eyesore. Damn i'm pissed at myself. After almost 7 years babying my rig, i put a scratch myself. Can this be sandpaper'd down? Right now, i put my name's sticker on top of it.

Take it to a reputable detailing shop and have them take it out for you. If it is not through the clear coat they will take it out and you wont if see it any more.

If you mess with it and don't know what you are doing it will only get worse.

Good luck

Cheers

 

[Sum_Devl]

It's not noticeable b/c i keep my double-decker up. But when i put it down you can see it. I used my sister's foundation make-up to cover it up. It worked as long as you don't touch it or wipe it. HAHA... Then i put a sticker over it. hehehe..... I'll get pics as soon as the weather here warms up.

When you get a chance post the pic's, it depends on were and what part of the interior you are talking about and how deep the scratch is, but you might be able to use what they call a magic stick (and no I am not referring to the same magic stick that 50 Cent sang about) in the auto industry (it's a hard plastic stick) to rub it out with. Post the pic's I will be able to tell you then.

 

[DarksideSurf]

Would there be a 'scar' with this type of repair?

If one does it right, no. Granted it won't completely fix it, but it's pretty darn close.