Just got back from the beach for a week (very needed and a good excuse to use the navi of my new 05 TL). When we arrived, we had to park in a parking garage that had very small spaces. So, I made sure to park as far away from every other car (even in far away sections) as to not get any door dings, bumps, etc.

So, I am loading the car this morning to head home, and low and behold, someone hit my driver side door and front quarter panel. Obviously, a white car (my TL is NBP). No note, no message, no nothing. I know accidents happen, but come on, step up to what you do!!!

Suprisingly, the only damage is a HUGE mark going down the side, possible scratches, but no dent (that I can see). So my question is this. Can anyone recommend a good scratch remover and/or cleaner that could possibly buff out this mark. I believe that most of the mark can be buffed out, and I would like to try this first, before having to get it painted. I only have 1500 miles on the car and really do not want to have to get it painted!!!

Any help/advice/suggestions/input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

I know the feeling, I've been there before!

If you don't hve the necessary detailing equipment yourself, I would find the most reputable detail shop you can find. Professional detailers can work wonders. If there are no deep scratches and more or less just scuffed clearcoat with fine to medium scratches, they will use a good fine abrasive polish applied by a rotary (not orbital) buffer, followed by a paint cleaning polish, and then a wax. Because this involves rotary buffing, seek a professional detailer. They are not for beginners.

If you can't find a shop and want to try it yourself (try an orbital buffer first - do not learn how to use a rootary buffer on your TL!), I recommend Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Remover for the abrasive polish applied with a fine cutting pad. I would then follow up with a paint cleansing polish (non-abrasive, pure polish), such as Pinnacle Cleansing Lotion, applied with a non-cutting polishing pad. Take a look at the results after this. If it looks good, then seal or wax with your favorite product. If your not happy with it, I'm afraid your going to have to get it painted.

 

What about this GS 27 scratch remover? Anyone used this? I know it is "as seen on tv", but any thoughts? Just saw an add on this site for it.

How about any product like that for scratch removal?

 

Never tried GS27, but I have used Meguiar's Scratch X. Good product for minor spot scratches, but, correct me if I'm wrong, it sounds like you have more than minor scratches. And I don't care what product you use, you will never completely get rid of any scratch by hand. You need a buffer. With more noticeable scratches, you need to go the detailer's route in multiple steps.

 

I guess it is just wishfull thinking!!! You are right, I am going to find a good detail shop and see what they think!!! My main goal is to hopefully get it fixed without having to paint. As we all know, it never matches correctly!!!