Annoying scratch

[Mr Cod]

So, I've managed to put a scratch in the back of my Titanium Silver V8V. I opened the boot when a motorcycle, apparently with razors for brake leavers, was parked slightly closer than would be advised.

You'll see from the pics that its in an annoyingly prominent position. What do you reckon my best bet is to get it sorted at reasonable expense? It doesn't look too deep (perhaps to the lacquer), but equally its so narrow that I'm wondering whether Chipex is going to do more harm than good.

Few pics to show what it looks like. Any thoughts gratefully received. I've only had it three months

[steveatesh]

If it's not too bad and can't be disguised with polish then personally I'd take it to a smart repairer to see what they say can be done and what you can expect.

Failing that it would need a proper spray. It's really what you can live in my opinion.

[kbooker]

A smart repair assessment would be my first port of call, failing that it's a panel repaint, good luck...

[Mr Cod]

Got a quote from Chips away for £220+VAT. But have no idea if the guy is any good. Anybody got any SMART repair recommendations in London (Islington/Hackney)?

Chips away are a franchise so no guarantee of quality unfortunately.

[paddy328]

Bloody hell, you could take it to a proper bodyshop and get the boot painted for that....

[kbooker]

paddy328 said:

Bloody hell, you could take it to a proper bodyshop and get the boot painted for that....

Yeah that's what I thought, lifting your leg at that price imo...

[Mr Cod]

Central London I suppose...groan.

Any alternatives greatly appreciated.

[woodsypedia]

As much as it pains me to say this, call David Bartlett at Aston Stratstones in Mayfair. He has a chap that does smart repairs. He repaired a ding on my Almond Green V12 and did an impeccable job. The biggest cost is the paint, but if he has some made up (and your car is a pretty standard colour so you might be lucky) it won't cost too much.

Cheers

Chris.

[mikey k]

For £40 worth a play with some Chipex IME

[Mr Cod]

Just got a quote of £1,176 from M&A coackworks.

[ds2000]

Mr Cod said:

Just got a quote of £1,176 from M&A cokeworks.

Wow, didn't realise the whole car had to be painted

Edited by ds2000 on Wednesday 18th November 14:46

[xjay1337]

You could easily repair that to not-visible at a few ft with a touch up stick and a machine polisher.

I wouldn't pay more than £300 to pay to have (just) the boot lid painted.

Absolutely ridiculous.

[Mr Cod]

Respray involves a new Vantage badge apparently so that's 120 inc vat right there. Had a quote for 180 + VAT for the panel from someone recommended, plus the badge. So think I might go with that. Still a lot for a one inch scratch!

Umming about playing with some chip ex first. But Im doubtful I'm going to get a good enough result. Almost tempted to stop obsessing and just leave it altogether!

[V8V Pete]

Why can't the badge be re-used?

[DocW]

You can definitely re-use the badge. I had both of mine replaced and still have the originals. They were removed and replaced without damage, they are held in place by adhesive.

[mrpseudonym]

mikey k said:

For £40 worth a play with some Chipex IME

+1 good results for me with Chipex on titanium silver. If you make a mess of it you can ''undo" it after a week or two. What's to lose?

[Mr Cod]

Yeah cheers guys. It arrived today so wil get the chipex out this evening.

Interesting difference of opinions on the badge point! Sounds like a case of it being easier for them. They've said I can supply so they're not going to be making anything of it.

Will post my results!

[xjay1337]

Use a cocktail stick thing.
Dab the paint/filler material in the crevice, you want to put less on than more and try and have it fill up evenly.

[cockneyplayboy]

Where are you located?? I'd like to try 'detailing that out' to be fair.... or at least to see how minimal we could get it looking, perhaps to the point its hardly noticable....

A few passes with the machine with a harsh pad and cutting compound would level things out and move a bit of paint around..... certainly look a whole heap better until you can afford to get it sorted or indeed you may not even see a need to if it turns out ok...

worth giving it a go before you splash out like that..... I am in Essex though so depends where you are.