Road rash on door panels

[sgregory124]

Afternoon all. Whilst cleaning my C63 a couple of weeks back, I noticed to my absolute horror, that my car seems to have a serious case of road rash, basically on the bottom of the front doors, below the crease line (i.e the bit that meets the sill). I don't have any kind of PPF or ceramic protection on the car, so perhaps a bit naive of me to think it wouldn't get this kind of damage at some point. My previous two cars (Audi's) have had a protective plastic film all along the lower door panels, so I thought there might be something on the Merc - but apparently not!

My questions are, what are my options for a fix here and do they all involve a visit to a body shop?

I've see a couple of YT videos of a guy sorting out identical damage on a Ferrari California, but frankly I'm just not brave enough to try that myself (after prepping the car, he basically slaps a load of premixed paint on a rag and smears it across the affected area, followed by a rotary polish with cutting compound etc etc).

Any advice much appreciated!

Thanks,

Simon

 

[alexanderfoti]

Is it possible to take a picture? If its lots of small chips in the clear coat, then it will need a repaint, or bodyshop intervention most likely.

 

[sgregory124]

Is it possible to take a picture? If its lots of small chips in the clear coat, then it will need a repaint, or bodyshop intervention most likely.

Yes, lots of chips in the paint - impossible to get a photo that doesn't show the reflection of my driveway instead of the damage. I'm not averse to a partial repaint - if that's what you're suggesting might be required? I'm assuming (again perhaps naively) that with the panels being low down, a blow over and blend might not be particular obvious (especially as the angle of the panels means your eyes aren't drawn to it).

 

[alexanderfoti]

Yes quite possibly, what colour is the car? Darker colours are easier to match, lighter colours will likely need more paint and blending, but ultimately it boils down to how "perfect" you want the job to be.

If the chips are superficial and only touch the surface of the clear coat, and don't make it down to the colour, then a flat and polish may significantly improve the look without paint.

 

[sgregory124]

Yes quite possibly, what colour is the car? Darker colours are easier to match, lighter colours will likely need more paint and blending, but ultimately it boils down to how "perfect" you want the job to be.

If the chips are superficial and only touch the surface of the clear coat, and don't make it down to the colour, then a flat and polish may significantly improve the look without paint.

It's the car in my profile pic - 'Brilliant Blue'. I have to admit, I had a quick go with some Meguiars Ultimate Compound yesterday (by hand) after a wash and clay over the affected area - certainly looks less 'angry' now - although not perfect of course.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Definitely worth a look at the latter then, a good bodyshop should be able to flat and polish as a first stage repair.

 

[sgregory124]

Nice one, thanks for the advice.