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Dakaty
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2/11/2002
20:11:58

Subject: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Some irresponsible jerk off did not properly secure his load and lost a sheet of plywood on the highway.

I was behind a large trash truck that ran over the shiit and caused it to become airborne. It came down and hit the front passenger side of my Dak.

&%#*&!^% it.

However, I guess I was "lucky", that it did not do more damage than it did. I hit the sheet going at least 50 MPH and it made a hellacious noise.

It made two very small dents - 1 in the hood and 1 in the fender right over the headlight. It made lots of scratches in the hood and fender. I took it to a trusted body shop where the guy told me that I could probably "compound" the scratches out and obtain pretty good results. He said that if it was his truck, he would try to do that rather than repainting.

I've used the Dupont compounds in the past. However, as I recall, they left a very noticeable "hazy" area.

The scratches are definately more severe than "swirl marks". You can feel them as well as see them. I've got black paint which makes it even more noticeable.

Could I get some recommendations on good products and methods to remove these scratches/scuffs?

Sadly,

Bill



handi2
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2/11/2002
20:22:09

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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I have used 3-M products, One was the liquid rubbing compound, I don't remember the name. The other was Finness-it, that is used after the other stronger compound. Whatever is used, the user must be very experienced with high speed polishing or you will have to paint it anyway.

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Jacob
Dodge Dakota
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2/11/2002
21:48:45

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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I think Turtle Wax has a product out with colored wax...I also have a nice stratch down my drivers side from a buggy :( I am going to give it a try I will let you know how it turns out.



Lesley
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2/11/2002
22:10:10

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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I've used the black turtle wax, it is a lot of work, and very messy, but you can get good results. It lasts for about a month, then you can start to see the scratches again. Sorry to hear about your truck, I have to get my windshield replaced for much the same thing, a big frigging gravel truck spewing rocks on a major highway.

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Doc
Dodge Dakota
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2/11/2002
23:59:29

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Hey Dakaty let me see if I can help you with this one. First go with a very light compound and work your way up to a more aggressive compound. I personally use Meguiars in my shop and swear by their products. I use the professional series (tan bottles) some of which are carried at most auto supply stores. They make a finecut cleaner which is the least aggressive. Try that first if that doesn't work try medium cut and work your way up to heavy cut. This will probably cause the paint to fade , but don't panic. Follow up with the Meguairs Dual Action Cleaner/Polish, which will bring the shine back and then apply a wax to seal in the results. If you can't find these in your local auto supply stores they can be ordered here. http://www.meguiars.com . The best wax for black cars is Liquid Ebony which is made by Clean Brite. It makes black cars look like they were just painted. Let me know if you need anymore help.



Dakaty
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2/12/2002
11:30:59

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Thanks for all the input.



Doc - Will hand rubbing produce good results or must an electric buffer be used?

I remember (a long time ago) taking my company car to a car wash place to have some faded paint buffed out. They ended up "burning" the finish and it looked like krap.





Joel
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2/12/2002
11:41:49

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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If the scratch didn't go through to the primer then you will be better off not repainting. When you go to sell it, they will ask if its been re-painted. If it has, that will set a red flag.

I had a similar scratch on my black vette and used 3M scratch remover, then 3M swirl remover for dark colored cars followed by a wax or polish.

What you'll be doing is taking off some of the clearcoat/paint to get down to the scratch. THe first layer will leave the haze as you mentioned. That is actually a bunch of scratches. Then follow with the swirl remover. That takes out the haze by making even smaller scratches that are un-noticable. Use a wax or polish to protect the paint after that is done.

Joel



Dakaty
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2/12/2002
15:06:07

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Joel - Did you use an electric buffer or did you give your truck a hand job??


Oops.

Bill



handi2
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2/12/2002
16:25:45

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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I just recently used the colored Turtle wax on my 2002 Patriot Blue pearl coat. Like mentioned before it is a little messy but it did a good job of hiding light scratches and swirl marks.

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Joel
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2/12/2002
16:29:14

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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I did it by hand for the scratch area.

Although I use the swirl remover w/orbital buffer and cotton bonnet to do the whole car. It looks great after doing that plus Zaino.

Joel



howdy
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2/12/2002
17:04:24

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Bill, sorry about your truck. I hit a buzzard with my wifes Geo Prizm, a couple of years ago. Man do they do a number on a car hood. I knocked the dents out the best I could, and then bought one of them "le bras". Couldn't even tell when it's hidden!!!

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Doc
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2002
22:50:17

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Hey Dakaty, I prefer using an variable speed polisher/sander with a foam pad. Foam virtually eliminates the burn thru because it does not generate as much heat as a wool pad. If not then you can try by hand , however results will be much better with a machine. If you use a machine make sure you keep moving back and forth don't sit still too long. Let me know if you need more help.
P.S. By the way how do you give your truck a handjob ??? LOL



handi2
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2/12/2002
22:56:48

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Doc is right...The foam pads are the best and I to use a variable speed sander/polisher at low speed with great results. Have brought back the finish on many boats and cars.

2002 Quad Cab SLT 4.7 Every Avaiable Option
Bed Rug/Access Tonneau Cover/2"by3" drop
Airaid Intake/Jet 2/Roadmaster Suspension/Bed Extender

Dakaty
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2/13/2002
11:25:30

RE: Sheet of plywood = ruined day
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Thanks again for all the replies!!!

I found the Meguiar products that Doc recommended at O'Reilly Auto parts for $18 total.

I got some Meguiars #9 Fine Cut Cleaner and hand rubbed the scratches in a circular motion. Afterwards, I used the Meguiars #2 Swirl Remover, also rubbing in a circular motion.

(I may have to get me an electric buffer. I am an old married guy, am out of practice and got tired from all that rubbing. HA HA)

It is amazing how this process removed the scratches!!! Except for one barely noticable deep scratch you can't tell the finish was ever damaged. (Except for the two small dents of course).

I could probably remove the one remaining deep scratch. However, I'm afraid it may go below the clear coat and don't want to open a new can of worms.

This is a great site with lots of great information.


THANKS

Bill





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