Brand new truck - slight scratches... :(

Hey all,

Figured this would be the right place to ask.. I just bought my new 2010 DC LB SR5 4x4 2 weeks ago, and was washing it yesterday and while washing it yesterday I noticed 4 very light scratches on the drivers side rear quarterpanel... ! Here is a not-super-clear pic, but you can see the faint line on the right side, it is maybe 3 inches long.. there are 3 other faint scratches in the same area, you can BARELY feel them when running your fingertip over them, but they are bugging me all the same. Anyway, my question is would the Meguiars scratchX be the right product for this? I haven't used clay yet (plan on doing it this weekend) so would I wash, clay, then use scratchx(or another recommended polish, i dont have a rotary btw), then use wax (meguars 2.0)? Would it be better to apply something like a klasse sealant, THEN the wax on top of that, for long lasting protection? Any help is appreciated.. pic included

 

just come to one of the meets in wharton state forest in south jersey and you will never notice them scratches again.....
but seriously i have no idea .....mabye check out the detail section

 

I'd get some real polish (Like Meguiar's #7), and go at it. But really, if you're going to have the truck for a while and want to keep it looking good, invest in a buffer. Porter Cable 7424 is all you need, and it's a random orbit, so you don't have to worry about it burning through your paint.

 

LOL.. i'm not an offroader, don't have the time/money to invest unfortunately Plus i got the SR5 and not the TRD OR (I wanted the LB) so would probably be hamstrung if i began ORing anyway

 

I have the exact same thing on my rear quarterpannel. I tried to use Simoniz scratch fix-it and that did not work. I'd try going with the Meguiars and seeing how that works out.

 

If the paint is not scraped then usually it's just a scuff in the clear coat. Don't use heavy rubbing compound. I used Scratch Doctor which is safe for clear coat. About $10.

 

ok i'll pick some up today.. i am SO pissed that this happened before i got a chance to wax/seal it.. would it make sense to put a sealant on it (like klasse) after polishing, THEN wax on top of the sealant?

 

x2 The Porter Cable is awesome. Very easy to use, even for me
I bought mine from coastal tools and a detail kit from Griots.
The combo has taken out some nasty scratch marks from running up the fire roads & at camp.
I also use a clay bar before doing anything to get any particles off the paint before applying any product. Has worked well for me.

 

update for anyone who may care - i used Meguiars ScratchX on those scratches, and it worked like a charm. I could BARELY find the scratches even when i knew where they were in bright daylight.

 

I have the same issue...minor scratches. Did you use a buffer with the ScratchX?

Thx

 

Sorry about the scratches dude! All I can say, is that after 5 years of owning my truck, I don't even notice the custom pinstriping anymore. I remember my first scratch almost broke my heart, now they are reminders of the fun times I have had. I hope you can get the scratches out, but if you use your truck like you should, they wont be the last!

 

7424 is a great buffer. I can't tell you how many vehicles I have done with mine. I have had mine for about 7 years now. I also have a rotary buffer but I seldom use it unless I need to do some serious cutting. The 7424 w/ a yellow lake country and 3m buffing compound pad cuts really well so the rotary just sits in the rollaway.

Buy one of those and invest in a nice set of buffing pads of various cutting levels. Once you buy one you will wonder why you ever waxed by hand before.

I buy mine from Classic Motoring Accessories www.properautocare.com

 

Thanks for the tips! I don't have a buffer (yet). I used the ScratchX by hand, and *I* can barely see the scratches, and I know exactly where they are. I washed, clayed, used ScratchX, then topped it off with NXT. Worked like a charm.