Look what they did to my boy! Scratched my own truck on accident

I guess I’ve never seen a generalization of an entire group of people who buy a specific generation of vehicle before. This is a first for me.

I have no intentions of selling this truck. I plan to drive it for the next 15 years. I drove my previous vehicle for 13, and the one before that for 7.

As such, I’d rather not develop rust here as (picture doesn’t make it clear) the scratch does go down to the metal in one spot.

 

Which is exactly why those plastic fender flares are there. Much cheaper and easier to repair/replace than a body colored fender on a TRD Sport.

 

One of several. Adds character.

 

Hey Op, I've had really good luck blending in scratches on plastic with a heat gun. I hate scratches too and hope this helps.

 

Is this the first time you have used touchup paint on a car? because thats what its for.

 

Mcguiars Ultimate Compound then a wax...then live with the results.

The ultimate compound will do wonders however.

 

No, but it was on my old Bronco, 20 or so years ago. It was my understanding the newer Gen Tacos had a coating that had to be considered when repairing a scratch.

 

never heard a generalization about BMW drivers, corvette owners, or Miata guys? Is this your first day on the internet?

 

Heat gun to the flair, scratches disappear

 

I don’t understand people sometimes. (I also don’t understand math and English, so)

These trucks aren’t free. 2001 or 2021, you spent money on them. Why would you not want to take care of them? Scuffs and dings happen, but eventually left unchecked your nice truck turns into a rolling POS.

If you are getting free, disposable trucks let me know. I will start beating the shit out of mine and parking anywhere I want not worrying about dings or scratches. Once bad enough I get a new one.

 

Of course I have, but never seen it curtailed to a specific generation of vehicle. Hence my specification of that portion. But, people love to categorize the other.

 

OP,

Everyone is different. One person's "battle scars" are another person's OCD. I totally understand that. If I were in your shoes, I would take it by an auto body shop and have them look at it. Maybe it is just me but I like to get the opinion of folks who know much more about things than I do. My biggest concern would be that if I were to start mucking around with the scratches on the paint, I would make it worse. Probably turn something minor into an eyesore! Never hurts to ask and get an option. Maybe for a few hundred they will buff it out for you and you will be good as new. I think it is worth at least asking.

As for the fenders, I am with you. Probably care less about them. I did have a friend who had some deep scratches in his and he got a gray-ish Sharpie and filled them in. Then rubbed the fender with some of that Mother's Black Restorer. Came out pretty well. You can still see there are scratches -- which to me is fine -- but the color is smooth and consistent so you don't really notice them.

Do post back what you decide to do. It will most likely end up helping me when I am eventually in your shoes.

 

Thanks for the measured response, and Wilco!

 

The truck is clearly totaled... I'll give you scrap value for it.