Backed up into a tree!!!

4511 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by rodcosta, Jul 15, 2004

rodcosta

Discussion Starter · Jul 11, 2004

Hello folks, this is my first question post. Thanks for any help in advance!

I was backing up at my in-laws yesterday in the dark and didn't see a tree. The car is so quiet inside that I didn't hear anything until it got to the door handle on the passenger side (started on the rear wheel well). There are no visible dents on the car (thank God!) but the are some dull scratches on the paint (please see pics). I was wondering if there is anything out there that might help removing those scratches or do I have to have the side repainted?

Thanks for any help!!

Sorry for my big fat bald head on the reflections!!!

Rod (04.5 1.8t)

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WGN99

· #2 · Jul 11, 2004

Wow, that stinks man :sad: I would try any reputable scratch removal (meguire's, mother's, etc.) it looks from the pictures those are pretty deep scratches though, so It might not work, but it will get some/most of it out with some elbow grease. Other than that, a good body shop/dent removal is the only other option I can think of.

-chris

Curry

· #3 · Jul 11, 2004

I had a tree jump out in front of me once too! :roll:
sorry, There is a product called TR-3 (silver, and blue bottle) at pep-boys or a local car shop, it takes off everything! But if its down to the frame you'll need to get it repainted. :thumbup:
Good Luck!

rodcosta

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 11, 2004

Thanks guys, Its not down to the frame, they acctually look very superficial...

r3awak3n

· #5 · Jul 11, 2004

That sux man! Curry had a tree jumping in front of him and I had a huge post jumping behind me like a week after i bought the car (not used to such a big car)! Unfortunatly the paint is damaged so i have to have it repainted! I would try those scratch removal products, some work real good! Good luck!

pvdavi

· #6 · Jul 11, 2004

rodcosta said:
Hello folks, this is my first question post. Thanks for any help in advance!

I was backing up at my in-laws yesterday in the dark and didn't see a tree. The car is so quiet inside that I didn't hear anything until it got to the door handle on the passenger side (started on the rear wheel well). There are no visible dents on the car (thank God!) but the are some dull scratches on the paint (please see pics). I was wondering if there is anything out there that might help removing those scratches or do I have to have the side repainted?

Thanks for any help!!

Rod (04.5 1.8t)

Yikes. This could get expensive

. I have some experience with stuff like this because of the wife with her Acura

(Thank God not my B5.5).

Here's your best hope:
1) In my area there is a dent removal company called Dent Busters. They do paintless dent removal. They are excellent, but they aren't majicians. See if they operate in your area or for a similar service. Yellow pages or your dealer should point you in the right direction. Take it to them first to see if they can help.

2) Go to your auto parts store and get No. 7 Polishing Compound. DuPont is one of the companies that makes this stuff. Apply with a damp towel and follow the directions from there. I do not reccommend using a buffer since you can easily overheat the paint and "burn" :sad: the surface.

Good luck.

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iconnx

· #7 · Jul 12, 2004

Someone ought to leash these bloody trees!

aj7360

· #8 · Jul 12, 2004

What kind of tree leaves red marks like that?

nojevive

· #9 · Jul 12, 2004

I had a similar experiance with my garage doorframe. I had some dents in the passenger side front door, the handle was scratched and scratches all overe the panel. Costs to fix around 700 dollars.

RAH

· #10 · Jul 12, 2004

Try 3M rubbing compound Fine Cut (it's clear coat safe), do a couple of applications by hand, with a terry towel or cloth (follow the instructions) then wax the area. If that does not work, then you might have to take it to a body shop . By the look of it, 3M should take that right off with a little elbow grease, i have done it a few times for a few people :thumbup:

rodcosta

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 14, 2004

aj7360 said:
What kind of tree leaves red marks like that?

I believe it was a pine tree but again, it was dark... I haven't been back there to look at...

ny1911

· #12 · Jul 14, 2004

i second rah's recommendation. that will come out with rubbing compound or at least clean it up enough to see if there is any real damage.

Curry

· #13 · Jul 14, 2004

rodcosta said:
aj7360 said:

What kind of tree leaves red marks like that?

Click to expand...

I believe it was a pine tree but again, it was dark... I haven't been back there to look at...

Check to see if there is a kid missing on your block... maybe the red is from a bike! Never seen a tree give off red either... :suspicio: :lol:

rodcosta

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 15, 2004

ok guys... tried the 3M thingie and got some of it out but still pretty noticible... do you guys think my insurance rate would go up if I got them to fix it? Just wondering because it's driving me crazy!!!!

Curry

· #15 · Jul 15, 2004

Did you try TR-3?! Ive never had a scratch that wouldn't come out with that stuff!

RAH

· #16 · Jul 15, 2004

Well, it might go up , depends on what you claim and what insurance group you have. Is there dents in the grooves, it just does not look bad on the pics, but i am wrong i guess. Yuo best bet would be to go to a body shop that does free estimates (most do) and see what would be the average cost vs your deductible etc.... . You could always tell your insurance that you came out of a store and it was like this, you tried to take it off but could not

. Good luck :thumbup:

chucchinchilla

· #17 · Jul 15, 2004

I'd try getting a bottle of ScratchX, works great.

rodcosta

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 15, 2004

I think those products are all the same, a fine grit rubbing compound that will take minor scratches out, but I think the darn tree sap sort of bonded with the paint... I guess I am going to call the insurance company and see... cross your fingers people!!!

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