2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Paint - buffer out scratch???

[schu777]

Well, I pulled a brain fart and a half yesterday. Bought a new grill (assembled) put in back of truck and being stupid and excited to get some steak to grill... I didn't tie it down... you can guess the next result going around the corner... over the side, but I braked and it hit the side of the truck at the top, I'll be able to hide one of the scratches when I get the spray-in liner, but the other one could be tough to hide. Also got a dent that cracked the paint.



So the questions are:



1) What is the best thing to buff out the scratch/rub? It's about 1/4" wide and about 2-3 inches long... it doesn't look like a scratch in the paint, more a serious rub.



2) The crack in the paint from the dent... occurred right on the back corner of the cab... I want to get that sealed up, but what to use?



Believe it or not, but Lowes did a exchange for it even though it was my fault of not tying it down. . therefore Lowes has my business for quite a bit of stuff... I don't think many other businesses would do that!



Thanks. . Michael

 

[Rob Thomas]

Well, for the scratch/rub, I would use Meguires Swirl Remover, if that doesnt do it, try Meguires Fine cut cleaner, anything heavier than that will require a machine application, or will leave scratches. Both of those, I have used for years, and have had great results. Not sure about the paint chip tho, I haven't had to deal with one yet.



Later, Rob

 

[jerryrigg]

Your Dent

Go with what Rob said for the buffing the scratch. . As for the Dent



You didn't say how big the dent is, you want to seal it though? Do you only want to fix the paint chip or do you want to repair the dent also?



Body/Paint repair is a true art, it is expensive if done right either as a do-it-yourself or paying someone. If the dent is sigificant I would strongly suggest picking up a book at the store about body repair/painting and your going to repair it. Then ask your self if you want to tackle it, in terms of time and money it is often cheaping to let the pro's do it.



If you just want to fix the chip cheaply. Using small (cut them down to size) razor blades lightly. . LIGHTLY cut off the loose paint flakes. Get a bunch of pencils, super-glue 800, 1000, 1200, 2000 grit sandpaper to the erasers. Using LOTS of water GENTLY sand down the edges (by spinning the pencil) of the chipped area until smooth as glass. I stress again LOTS of water, GENTLY sand don't go through the primer!! Get some heavy weight paper cut holes the exact size or a tad smaller of the chip. Most auto stores sell spray cans now that match your paint. Before painting use a paint prep solution to remove wax and everything else in the area. When spraying the idea is to layer the chipped area back up to level with orginal paint meaning a shot of paint let it dry then another and so on. Once it is level use another sheet of paper hole about 1/4" larger spray a couple more times (For Build-UP). Let dry completely!!! Wet-Sand smooth with 2000 grit Very Very Gently. Then Buff it as Rob said. If your truck is clear coated you can also get it in spray cans. Use it AFTER the buffing looks good, again a slightly larger hole in paper. Don't sand the clear-coat, only buff it. And if you think this is bad, read a book to see how to professionally fix the dent. It would take too much time to type it up for you.



Remember you get what you pay for!! This could never be more true than in body repair/painting.



-Matt



Note:

Don't worry about masking off too much. . there is no such thing, overspray is a pain is the a##..... Follow the Paint Can Instructions!! Paints cure at different tempatures so paint accordingly and NOT on a hot truck or in the wind!!

 

[LarryG]

Go to "www.autobodystore.com" and ask Len