I just bought my TL a few months ago. Got a great deal on it, the only major thing that's awful on the car is the trunk. The trunk is horrid, covered with deep scratches. It's winter here in Boston so when the car is dirty you can't really see the scratches. When the car is cleaned, you can really see the scratches when the sun is shining. I'm really not sure what the previous owner did to the car but I would love to know. With spring coming, I'm trying to start getting the car the way I want it to be. What are my options? Is there anyway to make this better than it looks now? I really wouldn't want to get it painted.

 

Wow that is one messed up trunk. I'm guessing previous owner just placed whatever on top (grocery bags, backpack, etc.) and didn't care. Some wetsanding will probably take a good chunk of those scratches out, but wetsanding is not for the inexperienced.

Find a local detailer and see what they can do. Be much cheaper than painting it too.

 

wow! wouldn't ya love to just slap some ppl upside the head! and yes id just bring her into a body shop or detail shop and let them take a look.

 

I can tell you where the scratch came from, it came from the ice scraper during snow removal or ice and he/she using the blade to remove the ice layer on the trunk. I seen many people damage paint this way before especially the trunk and hood.

 

This^.

Just get it repainted for around $100

or get it detailed, depending on how deep the scratches are.

 

Luckily, I'd say up to 90% of those can likely be removed. OP, if you are not familiar with detailing and doing paint corrections, take it to a detail shop. They can have that fixed in under an hour.

Or, you can start learning about detailing, however, those marks are fairly bad and it should not be corrected by an amateur- you could easily burn through the clear coat and paint if you don't know what you're doing.

That's not to say its impossible. Just do a lot of research. There are forums dedicated strictly to derailing that can help you a lot. I'd also suggest you start out with a dual action orbital polisher, as it is more difficult to ruin your paint with it.

 

yes, the darn ice scraper thats right!

 

The beauty with learning how to detail is you can than do your entire car and make it look fantastic, as well as apply your skills to any other car you ever own. While getting the trunk painted is definitely an option, it's a one time thing. Detailing is worth it's weight in gold as it's a skill you can use forever.

 

Sadly, I think you're right. It makes me cringe to the thought of people doing that

 

Wtf where do people get the idea that you can use an ice scraper on body panels???

Not sure anyone in their right mind would do that, I'd agree with the other person saying they might have used the trunk to put down stuff. Still dumb but a little less.

 

Clay the whole trunk first then try Megguire scratch X with a DA, then follow up with polish compound and finally wax.