I am so upset with myself. I opened my car door in my garage and the edge of my door bumped into a metal hook, or arm, on the garage wall. It was there from the previous owner of the house, and it for years never caused a problem with my old car, an Acura MDX, because the Acura was so much higher off the ground than my G. Until today, there were folding chairs hanging on the arm which stuck out farther than the metal of the arm itself thereby protecting the door, but I removed the chairs in a misguided cleaning effort...

Anyway, the sharp edge of this hook dinged the edge of the driver's door a few inches from the roofline, damaging the black vinyl or rubber tape that runs three inches or so from the edge of the door to the window. I can sort of color in the damage with a Sharpie, but there has to be a better fix. Is there a do-it-yourself fix for this edge material? Or can I take it to the dealer (or some other specialist) to have the material replaced? Anyone have an idea of what such a procedure would/should cost?

I'm such an idiot. I can't believe I let this happen to a two-month old car.

Any advice appreciated.

Tom

 

pics would help

 

Agreed... Need pics.

 

The photo taken last night with a flash seems to show the damage more clearly. The one from this morning is less obvious, partially because I touched up the areas that appeared white-ish under the tape with a fine tip black marker. Probably compounded my error, but I thought it was worth a try.

Anyway, I would appreciate any advice. Maybe this is a job for a pro? If so, would a body shop be a more affordable alternative to the dealer, or is that asking for trouble?

Thanks,

Tom

 

Here's one more. A little more of a close up. Thanks again.

Tom

 

Wow even though it's too small it must be bugging you

 

if u got the time, take it to a reputable shop and ask for an estimate, it's free

 

Thanks for the input. Does anyone know whether this area is in fact just covered with a layer of tape, as it appears to be? If so, can a replacement part be installed?

In any event, I will go ahead and take it to a shop, as aznutz suggests.

Tom