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Deep scratch repair

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Kingair84, Feb 23, 2021.

  1. Feb 23, 2021 at 12:29 AM
    #1
    Kingair84

    Kingair84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So putting on my RSI smart cap today I scratched my truck pretty good. I was wondering if anyone knew if it’s something that a body shop can fix very easily and what an average price would probably be. Also I don’t want to take the topper off again if at all possible. Here’s a pic of my bone headed mistake. I covered it in touch up paint right away to protect the metal from rusting. But that stuff doesn’t last.

    9F0FAFCD-4099-4A9F-9564-038C4B662580.jpg
     
  2. Feb 23, 2021 at 2:11 AM
    #2
    Northerntaco69

    Northerntaco69 Well-Known Member

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    They'll be able to fix that no prob. Did you get bed stiffeners? I guess you should put then on before a top. Our beds are made of plastic and they flex. I've seen that exact scratch many times in here. Stiffeners will stop this from happening going down the road
     
  3. Feb 23, 2021 at 2:27 AM
    #3
    Taco_Coma

    Taco_Coma That's a lovely accent you have. New Jersey?

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    A good body shop will paint the area and want to blend the surrounding areas, that’s expensive though. They’ll be able to fix it we can’t really quote them a price on here
    Though
     
    Junkhead and Chew like this.
  4. Feb 23, 2021 at 11:31 AM
    #4
    Kingair84

    Kingair84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Cool thanks for the responses. I’ll get some quotes to see the cost and just expect it to be around $500+. Lol
     
  5. Feb 23, 2021 at 11:50 AM
    #5
    Junkhead

    Junkhead TRDude

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    That first scratch always hurts but IMHO it’s best to just use touch up pen and call it a day. You will get more scratches down the road for sure. Like others have mentioned, a body shop would want to blend it in so it won’t be cheap, and hopefully everything will match. They will have to paint the whole side of the bed for sure.

    I had a really deep long scratch on my previous truck and it was my first scratch. It was driving me nuts and I went to the auto shop for a quote. The tech said it best to touch it up with a pen and you will forget about it. I touched it up with some paint that he gave me and after a week I forgot about the scratch. That touch up paint lasted for 7 years until I sold the truck That was excellent advice from the guy.
     
  6. Feb 23, 2021 at 4:46 PM
    #6
    Kingair84

    Kingair84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks man I’m thinking that. I covered it in touch up paint and it’s tough to tell unless your looking. If it holds up then I’ll just leave it. I’m mostly concerned with rust considering they spread salt up in the north like sodium in a McDonald’s meal.
     
    Junkhead[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Feb 23, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #7
    Junkhead

    Junkhead TRDude

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    You are welcome!

    I honestly never had to touch it up even once after I originally covered it. I always took care of my paint though, was/polish/wax etc... No issues with rust whatsoever.

    This little guy looked almost brand new when I sold it with 165k miles:D

    9485BD2C-C7B3-4C94-9D19-EC54C638E294.jpg
     
  8. Feb 26, 2021 at 12:46 PM
    #8
    Giusejuice

    Giusejuice Well-Known Member

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    I had a similar issue while putting on my Leer cap. I used a touch up paint and then polished until it was pretty smooth. Not perfect, but it definitely fixed the issue from a few steps back and didnt cost a significant amount
     
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  9. Feb 26, 2021 at 12:49 PM
    #9
    ICU1

    ICU1 Well-Known Member

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    Looks like a great spot for a MESO decal
     
    Junkhead likes this.
  10. Feb 26, 2021 at 5:01 PM
    #10
    tguil

    tguil Well-Known Member

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    Apply the "Five Foot Test"....If you can't see it from five feet away, it isn't there.
     
  11. Feb 26, 2021 at 5:03 PM
    #11
    Junkhead

    Junkhead TRDude

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    Haha!

    I like it!
     
  12. Feb 26, 2021 at 5:39 PM
    #12
    Kevin Jones

    Kevin Jones Well-Known Member

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    It all depends on your tolerance for damage/imperfection. You will never touch that scratch up so that it will not be easily noticed. If that's ok then you have your answer.
    If having a noticeable touch-up will bother you (it would me), than take it to a body/paint shop for a proper repair. Cost should be closer to $350 than $500.
     
    Kingair84[OP] likes this.
  13. Feb 26, 2021 at 5:43 PM
    #13
    RedWings44

    RedWings44 Well-Known Member

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    If you want to try and fix it yourself, ChrisFix just put out a great how-to video on deep scratches.
     
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  14. Mar 4, 2021 at 12:20 PM
    #14
    FancyMotorcycleHauler

    FancyMotorcycleHauler Member

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    Scratches and mud
    Any recommendations on which paint pens etc? Ive got a few bad scratches that I'd like to at least minimize
     
  15. Mar 4, 2021 at 12:52 PM
    #15
    DAS Taco

    DAS Taco Well-Known Member

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    Try a Maaco in your area if the reviews are good. Probably half price from what the other would want.
     

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