Opinion on estimate to repair scratches.

[Starless]

Garage door was going down while hatch was still up. Our fault. Went to get an estimate to repair. Is it just me or is this ridiculous? I haven't had any body work done on any car in years.

[A930Rocket]

I’m going to say it’s OK.

After building houses for over 30 years, I can’t believe how much it cost to build a house nowadays. Everything has gone up.

[afterburn 549]

NOOoooooo

If the scratch did not go through the base coat, either buff it or spray or dab a of clear coat on the area, let it kick, and razor it dwn near contour flat and polish or buff.
done.
If the scratch through the base coat, use a toothpick to dab in some base, and then the same deal with clear coat as stated.

piece oof cake

[Starless]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

NOOoooooo

If the scratch did not go through the base coat, either buff it or spray or dab a of clear coat on the area, let it kick, and razor it dwn near contour flat and polish or buff.
done.
If the scratch through the base coat, use a toothpick to dab in some base, and then the same deal with clear coat as stated.

piece oof cake

That's more what I was thinking. No dent on the hatch, just scratches. We're talking a 7 year old Subaru here. It's in great shape with low miles, but we just want to address it before it starts to rust and make it look better than it does. My nephew has a friend with a detailing business, I'll go talk to him.

Thanks

[afterburn 549]

It is a poc to anyone that is in the business, or even we hobbiest.

[Cairo94507]

To do it "right" that seems about right. Remove trim, sand, paint, polish and reassemble.

[911 Rod]

20 hours to fix that?
Maybe they think you are going through insurance?

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

NOOoooooo

If the scratch did not go through the base coat, either buff it or spray or dab a of clear coat on the area, let it kick, and razor it dwn near contour flat and polish or buff.
done.
If the scratch through the base coat, use a toothpick to dab in some base, and then the same deal with clear coat as stated.

piece oof cake

IMO, this is the right track. If you can more than barely feel a scratch dragging your fingernail over it, it's not going to buff out 100%. It might be a lot better and smoother, but in this situation I would fill the canyon in the paint. Put in base color if needed, and for sure build up the canyon to the level of the surface with clear.

Then wet sand it. Buffing doesn't cut down the high spots the same way. I would ask a body shop to do it. It couldn't be too much, cost-wise. That estimate looks exactly right for the damage I see there, but it's overkill.

[fxeditor]

Have you ever tried Dr. Colorchip? I've had really good luck using their products, although never on a scratch that big.

[Starless]

Originally Posted by fxeditor

Have you ever tried Dr. Colorchip? I've had really good luck using their products, although never on a scratch that big.

I'll look into it, thanks

[Steve Carlton]

I forgot about that product. How is their color match? I think touch up paint from the dealer sucks.

[sduser]

Not sure why you have to repair the left rear door and R&I the right door handle, but on to the lift gate. 3.0 hours seems high, but it is a dark color and there are no side angle shots so maybe. We would not touch the repair for $65.00 per hour, I refuse to work for free. The labor rate and materials charges that are on this estimate have not changed since the late 90's or early 2000's. To fix it correctly is going to be 1500-2000. That is not overkill, it is the cost of repairs. Can you make it look better for less, absolutely, it is just a matter of standards.

The estimate also omits the removal and reinstallation of the badging that is on the tailgate and as they are separate letters, most likely replacement at additional cost.
Customers bring their cars to my shop to be repaired and whether it is $1 or $10,000 they want the repair to be perfect. For over 30 years, any time that I cut a customer a break and give them a "deal" or get creative in how we just make it 80% it has come back to bite me. Now, no one gets any discount, everything is done only to factory standards at full retail and life is good.

[Steve Carlton]

Maybe having the insurance pay for a good shop is the way to go IF a claim won't raise the premium. In CA, if that was a comprehensive claim, the premiums don't go up. If you have a low deductible and it won't affect your rates, then I would go to a good body shop.

[Starless]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Maybe having the insurance pay for a good shop is the way to go IF a claim won't raise the premium. In CA, if that was a comprehensive claim, the premiums don't go up. If you have a low deductible and it won't affect your rates, then I would go to a good body shop.

$500 deductible with accident forgiveness, so no, our rates won't go up.
I'll get a couple more estimates and take it form there.

Thanks all.

[Steve Carlton]

Do you need accident forgiveness on a claim like this? Does it go against your collision or comprehensive coverage? I have no idea what they do in CT.

[Starless]

Not sure, I'll check with our ins. agent.