Scratches

[Impala08LT]

I recently bought a used 08 Impala. Before I owned it it was a rental car and was treated horribly.There are long scratches all over the car and it looks horrible is they anyway I can at least make the scratches more obvious?

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratches

less?

But yes, I am sure we can help you make it a lot better.

Any chance of pics? This will be first time doing a lot of detailing? Just wondering, since swirl/scratch removal on a whole car by hand will be an experience....

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Scratches

make the scratches more obvious

I assume you meant less obvious.

Can you feel the scratches your finger nail? Hopefully it's a white vehicle.
Perhaps you can post some pictures.

Best case scenario: Ultimate Compound and foam applicator.
In between: G110v2 Dual Action Polisher and M105
Worst case scenario: repaint

[Impala08LT]

Re: Scratches

This is my 1st car and I havent really done real detailing except using a spray wax and clay baring. Ill be sure to post pictures up as soon as I get them.You cant feel the scratches there just visible sratches.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratches

Well, already clayed is a good start.

You can probably think about getting Ultimate Compound and SwirlX on your shelf, and some applicators.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Scratches

Are you working by hand or machine?

I once did a complete vehicle by hand using scratch-x. I did a panel per day. But it was worth it.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratches

Yes, I think a panel or two a day will be your plan when we see what it looks like.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Scratches

Long, straight line scratches on a former rental car you say? Rental agencies nationwide must all use be using the exact same wash process because we see this from LA to Miami, El Paso to Fargo. They tend to look like this:





If you're going to be working by hand then do as others here have said and work a panel or two at a time only and spread the work out over several days or weekends. It's better to have a bit of a patchwork look for a short period of time instead of a uniform, horrible mess.

If you've never done anything like this before, you might want to read through this review of our Rubbing Compound and Polishing Compound and think about going that route. If the author of that review, Wolf-Strong, can make a 17 year old black BMW look that much better with these products, we're pretty confident you can do the same with your new-to-you Impala.