Hey guys, could use your help. A while back I used a clay bar on my car for the first time and must not have put enough lubrication on the paint as I know have some nasty stratches on my front bumper along with bug remains that never came off. I plan on buying a new hood and stripes in the future. Would you guys recommend getting my bumper panel sprayed with the new hood? How much extra do you think it would be? Do you think it would blend alright. Ive got the 30th white paint, isnt white easier to blend white? Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

You may have gotten some dirt into the clay, which casued the scratches, but you do need LOTS of lube. The bug guts sound like they have etched into the paint. If using an abrasive and touch-up paint can't make it come out looking right and you can afford it, get it painted before having the stripes put on. Then protect it by using Zaino. Building up extra coats on the nose will protect from the bugs and make them wipe right off.

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Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley filter and Mallory polished MAF ends.

Louisville, KY

 

Yeah, I agree with Kevin. It's a must to use plenty of lube with clay. If you feel the bar dragging or catching on the surface, you need more lube. I like the surface completely wet with soap and water, and rewetting it is often necessary before you finish the panel. Also, did you knead and fold the clay once it became dirty and soiled? Once the clay picks up contaminants, those same particulates can cause the scratches. Folding the clay into a cleaner portion will have you working with a clean side at all times. Just some tips to think about...

Anyway, about the scratches....you may be able to fix the area with the use of abrasives. There are several products you could try first before shelling out the cash for a complete repaint. You may try Meguiar's Scratch X, 3M SMR or even a light compound like 3M Fine Cut. I would imagine they aren't deep enough to catch a fingernail in, so it should be repairable with abrasives. Heck, you may even try multiple coats of Zaino Z5. I know Kevin has had good success with deeper scratches after multiple coats. Plus, this is the completely nonabrasive route...



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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited August 14, 2002).]

 

Thanks guys. I used Meguires clay bar so that was probably part of the problem. I think I'll try an abrasive as recommended. Anything from having to dish out more cash than I have to as new stripes, hood, and painting new hood is already gonna run pretty expensive.

 

Yikes! Yeah, that Meguiar's clay is awful! Certainly one of the worst I've had the displeasure to use. I didn't really notice it causing scratches in my case, but I could certainly understand that it could. That bar leaves more residue than anything I've seen and it tends to break apart too easily when wet. Really makes a complete mess! Not typical of Meguiar's, but this product is really crappy IMHO.

Repaints are usually not cheap if done with quality materials and professionals. If it were me, I'd try to restore it first.



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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

Kevin and Mike are right. Go for the repair. Most scratches look worse than they are. When clear is scratched it looks to some people like primer or bare metal is showing, and they think "RE-Paint!" when it's not needed.

If the scratches are into the base color or deeper, then head over to your GM dealer and get some touch up color and clear. Lay in the color in 1-2 layers (or until the color matches, "hide") with a fine brush. Then layer some clear the same way until it is just a bit higher than the surrounding paint. This process takes time, so don't plan on being done quickly. After the paint is thoroughly dry, you can gently wet sand it smooth with 1500 or 2000 grit wet sandpaper and buff it to gloss. This method can give nearly perfect results at best. At worst it will hide the scratch enough that most people won't see it, and you'll have to look for it.

When you get the hood painted you must blend into the fenders and nose. Just get the nose completely painted when you get the hood done. Every color should be blended, unless you're not that picky. It may look good at first, but as the paint ages you will very likely see more of a difference.

I'd estimate a quality paint job would run about $400-$550.

Jeff

 

Thanks fellas, you guys are the best.