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2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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davidn
New User
Jan 16, 2014, 11:13 AM
Post #1 of 10
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2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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My 2013 Nissan Altima was recently scratched on the drivers side, at the intersection of the door and front panel. The scratches appear white, and look to be a combination of superficial and relatively deep. I first used 3Ms rubbing compound, which really improved the aesthetics, but some scratches remain.
link deleted ........... not allowed
I am hoping to prevent any future rusting and want to know if this is something I can do on my own or if it needs to be professionally done. If it can be done on my own, what products and processes are recommended?
Any suggestions would be incredibly appreciated!
- David
I'm having trouble posting pictures, but please try this link: http://autoforums.carjunky.com/photos/pic/79XPm36/599.jpg
<a href="http://autoforums.carjunky.com/photos/pic/79XPm36/596.jpg"><img src="http://autoforums.carjunky.com/photos/pic/79XPm36/596.jpg" border="0"></a>
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jan 16, 2014, 12:33 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 16, 2014, 11:24 AM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: 2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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Pics seem to work better using a host site like Photobucket and link it to that.
No matter your description seems adequate. Not my trade but deal with it.
1. Especially if scratched to metal you want to be fast to do something.
2. Touch up paint if called for will never match or hide the flaws completely so if you really want it to disappear have it professionally repaired or at least consult with the pros. Some things easier some are a lot more involved. Best pics are only close vs seeing it in person,
T
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davidn
New User
Jan 16, 2014, 11:31 AM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: 2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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Thanks for the reply!
Please try the following link for the close-up photo:
http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/davidn1231/media/Car1of3_zpse6502f0b.jpg.html
I'm not so concerned about the aesthetics, so if it's possible to prevent rusting via DIY, I'd like to try that.
What sorts of products do I need? Primer, paint, gloss? Any suggested brands?
Thank you!
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jan 16, 2014, 12:34 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 16, 2014, 12:15 PM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: 2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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Even I can't make all pics work here. Here's a sample of a bad scratch..............
That could be made to look pretty good DIYing it but perfect would take skilled body people IMO. I've restored cars and ever shocked what it can take for small flaws.
Find out if the area on yours is in fact steel - a magnet would do. That would be subject to rust if deep enough. Some marks are ON the paint and some are dug into your finish. IMO abrasive anything can make whole area worse is not done just some. Brand name Maguire's cleaner wax can remove transfer paint without hurting yours at all - no clue what they put in that but not abrasive.
Seriously for the products go to where body shops go for materials. They should mix up and have what you need and put in small container. Dealer touch up IMO stinks.
Almost all paint jobs are in stages originally so you'll have a tough time duplicating what was new but said you just want to protect it. Agreed and so would I with a pretty new car or a new paint job as you have. Doing it all wrong or wrong products could make it harder to fix later - watch out for that. The auto parts supermarkets sell all kinds of magic junk that I've yet to find work for crap which is why I suggest at least consult a body shop or place you bought it at their body shop as most new car dealers should have a body shop and probably a detail shop for the good used fleet to sell looking its best.
My suggestion really is just don't make it worse. If you get it to your liking keep an eye on it that it worked. Best I can say without looking right at it, touching it as needed and even taking a mirror to see if it creased metal (if metal) where it is. Good luck. I would care as said,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 16, 2014, 12:36 PM
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Re: 2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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Scratches???????
You've got serious body damage there. Get it to a body shop and they will give you an estimate.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 16, 2014, 4:01 PM
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OK - Pic really did help and agree with HT - That's not touch up but real damage beyond touch-up games IMO. Get an estimate as that's ugly for a pretty new car,
T
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davidn
New User
Jan 16, 2014, 4:15 PM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: 2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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Thanks everyone for weighing in - this is my first car, so your experience is greatly appreciated!
I took the car in to a shop right after it happened, and was quoted $1200, which seemed like overkill. If you guys had to ballpark a reasonable price to repair this kind of damage, what would you deem appropriate? I don't have a ton of money to spend on this, so trying to find the most cost-effective solution without jeopardizing the value of the car down the road.
As always, thanks for your input
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 16, 2014, 4:18 PM
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Re: 2013 Altima Scratch Repair
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$1200 sounds like a great deal. Owning a car is not cheap and hitting things gets a lot more expensive.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 16, 2014, 4:40 PM
Post #10 of 10
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Decent pic but still hard to know the cost to fix. Paint can take a wild amount of prep work and area that would be finished much larger to blend in than meets the eye.
What do you have for insurance and ask up front what it would do to your risk rating if this was your fault. Generally if not it's not held against your rating,
T
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