I picked up my Black TLS last week and after washing it for the first time i noticed that it appears the dealer tried to compound out a small scratch. They ended up hazing the paint near the scratch - i called the dealer and they told me to bring the car to them ASAP so they can buff it out. I think id rather fix this myself, what products do you guys rec to fix this?

Many Thanks,

AJ

 

A $3 tub of Turtle Wax Polishing compound (green tub) will do a wonderous job on hazed clearcoat.

However, if the dealer screwed it up, take it in. A buffing wheel will do even better, and if you screw it up or don't fix it right, they're off the hook.

 

I know I should take it back to them but I fear that they will make it worse - I trust myself to do it because I actually care about the car

 

Good luck. If the polishing compound doesn't work, step back to rubbing compound (red container, TurtleWax) and then follow again w/ polishing compound to buff out rubbing compound scratches.

After all is done, wax, no matter what you use.

 

but if they screw it up even more they'll be responsible...not you

when the dealership replaced the "A" emblem on the trunk they put in a huge scratch.....I complained (politely!) and they ended up replacing the whole trunk lid

 

I would really like to try for a new hood.

 

Rubbing compound is what created the hazing, so it won't be terribly effective in removing it. 3M makes a product called Finesse It. It's a micro-finishing compound that will remove minor paint imperfections, and it's safe for use on your clear coat. Apply Finesse It by hand with a terry cloth towel or waxing pad. A buffer will only make matters worse on a black car. Once you've removed the hazing, use Meguiars #7 show car glaze to polish. Then apply your favorite wax for protection (I prefer Meguiars Medallion).

 

If the haze is indeed from rubbing compound, you are right, it obviously won't help. But the polishing compound will remove it post haste.

The 3M product is a fine product, I've used it myself. It is a fancy polishing compound, same as Turtle Wax green tub.

A buffer, properly used, will do wonders for any clearcoat finish. We've used them at the factory as part of many paint repair processes (on black cars too).

 

Are you sure? Do your VIN tags still match?

 

The abrasive in the Turtle Wax polishing compound may be too harsh for what he needs to accomplish. I suggest doing this by hand for 2 reasons. First, he has a small area to repair. The power buffer is a great way to make a small problem into a big one. Second, if you don't have a lot of experience using a power buffer it is very easy to overheat the paint and damage it. 3M foam pads take some of the guess work out, but wool will surely damage the black finish.

I've been building concourse quality classic cars for 13 years, and this is just my opinion based on experience.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I stopped at the dealer today and they were eager to help me, they said they would send it out and give me a loaner car. I just have this real fear that they will make it worse. I think I will experiment with that 3m stuff this weekend and see if i can fix it myself. THanks!
-AJ