Hey guys,

I just did my 1st mod and installed the LED Stage 2 package from Diode Dynamics. I think they look a lot better than stock.

My car also got scratched by Hurricane Sandy. I know my damage isn't as bad as that of some other people who had their cars flooded but the scratches hurt nonetheless. Any advice on fixing these blemishes? Any any estimates on cost or maybe this is something that I can fix myself?

Many thanks.

 

Glad you are ok and, as you said, the damage isn't that bad. As far as the scratches go, some look like they will go away with a good compound and buff job. I can't really tell by the pictures if the clear coat is still good on some areas like the bumper and grille.

 

wait how did you get those scratches? my friend parked his car outside also but no scratches like that.

 

Thanks guys. I actually just left this parked in my driveway. Had the car for less than 2 weeks and that bitch Sandy already scratched my baby. Chunks of my condo fell off from the winds and scraped against my car.

Do you think I can do this myself? Seems like I might have to invest in those rotary buffers..

 

What's you comp insurance deductible? Might be worth looking into...

 

If you can feel any of the scratches with your fingernail, buffing won't do much.

 

Yeah, I can definitely feel some scratches with my fingernails. I might have to run this through insurance. Wonder if Geico will view this claim as having any merit. My deductible is 550. This might actually seem like a good opportunity to fix up my whole car( I bough it as used so there are some minor dings).

 

i was just involved in an accident myself -- took the time to work into the new look an aero bumper, along with aero skirts (separate from accident). insurance declared the bumper a loss (damage isn't bad at all), and thus opted to replace it. total cost came to ~1000 with paint and oe bumper.

glad you're okay! having the entire front end painted shouldn't be too bad! get an estimate for the work! don't forget that obsidian black IS CHEAPER to repaint -- hence the reason why black aero bumpers are cheaper. google/ebay aero bumper! you'll be surprised.

 

Thanks all. I don't know about this paint being cheaper but when I used to have a Benz, that black paint was expensive as hell. I'll see how much it costs to fix. For some reason, I don't think the costs of fixing these damages will be that expensive - I could be wrong though.

 

Try running it through your homeowner's insurance.

 

My two babies rode out Sandy in the garage. I usually decorate the garage for Halloween (takes several days) but I didn't want them out in the wind getting crap blown on them. Just had to scramble and get all the decorations done in one day.

It is only cars after all though ..... puts it into perspective.

 

It's just a car yeah, but I had it for less than 2 weeks. Guess I shouldn't have been so impatient to bring the car home. I did contact Geico and they will come inspect the vehicle. I'm going to bring the car to a body shop that I have been to for my benz. The place didn't have me pay the deductible last time because they talked Geico into giving us a check that covers the deductible and because they are sort of a family friend.

If everything works out, I might even get them to replace the chrome spoiler and fix all the dings that came with when I first got the car.

 

Do it. Might work out to your advantage.

 

Wax.. Polish.. Then Compound..
Bring it to someone who details cars and he should be able to take care of those scratches.. YOU WILL BE SURPRISED AT WHAT THEY CAN DO! Should cost you $200 max to do the entire car..

The comopund will actually melt a layer of clear coat and spread it over the scratches. But it has to be done with the rotary machine and by someone who has experience so I would not suggest doing it yourself..

I'm telling you it's worth a shot.. I recently got hit on my door panel. Brought it to a friend of mine that details cars and he got it off 98%!! I was really surprised at how well it came off..

 

No no no, Compound, polish then wax...

You have the order reversed.

But you are right, OP will be surprised what a 2000 grit sandpaper and a little TLC can do.

Good Luck OP! Does not look all that bad and glad to hear you (and the majority of folks) are OK.