Rooftop Installation Scratches

[pjjafco]

Hi Everyone,

Well I discovered that once I took off my hardtop I could see where there were small scratches from when it was previoiusly uninstalled/installed/etc..It looked like there weren't any protective strips applied even though included.
I took it back to the dealer and, since the scratches were so small, was told I had two options. Repaint or just live with it. I was advised not to buff it since it could damage the clearcoat.
I don't feel comfortable with a re-paint for fear of notacability and diminished car value. The scratches aren't that noticable until you're right on top of them. But it's a new car, and ANY blemish is a bummer, right? If re-painting isn't an option for me, do any of you have any suggestions. A black car is unforgiving, but this is unacceptable. Thanks for any response. -pj

 

[tbird]

Since you are a member, you can use the search function and find all the old threads on this subject. Search for scratch, tape, etc.
http://forums.thunderbirdforum.com/search.php?searchid=7479

 

[Quickdraw]

Hi Everyone,

Well I discovered that once I took off my hardtop I could see where there were small scratches from when it was previoiusly uninstalled/installed/etc..It looked like there weren't any protective strips applied even though included.
I took it back to the dealer and, since the scratches were so small, was told I had two options. Repaint or just live with it. I was advised not to buff it since it could damage the clearcoat.
I don't feel comfortable with a re-paint for fear of notacability and diminished car value. The scratches aren't that noticable until you're right on top of them. But it's a new car, and ANY blemish is a bummer, right? If re-painting isn't an option for me, do any of you have any suggestions. A black car is unforgiving, but this is unacceptable. Thanks for any response. -pj

pjjafco
Is it SCRATCHED or just a dulling of the clearcoat? If it's not deep most people are able to rub it out somehow but I don't know what they use... did you talk to the Ford dealers body shop (not service dept) to see if they could rub it out? If they can, go back to service, and say you want it rubbed out at their expense.

 

[George]

PJ:
I had the same issue back in '02 - Took it back and told the body shop to fix it. I don't know what they did but it was fixed and not re-painted. Paper work said "buffed out"
Maybe they rubbed it and then re-clearcoated it (if there is such a thing)