So being the master porter cable detailer I am, I decided it was time to step up to the big leagues. Rotary buffer. I spent time in the garage practicing wet sanding with 3000/2500/2000 and buffing that out on our less than perfect minivan all winter. But the porter cable was taking way too long to get the results I wanted.
So FF to the weekend before my bday. I found a nice starter rotary at Harbor Freight with a 10amp motor and 1500-4000rpm range for $49. Look solid, and the reviews are awesome on it compared to the $300 makitas and Dewalts. So I pulled the trigger. I have been itching to sand/buff out this little scratch I picked up from the dealer when I took it in for service last fall. Tried to get it out with the PC, but just not enough cutting power with M105 and even a yellow pad.
So I used my 2000 grit meguires paper and water, got it out no problem. Decided to get the shine back with the rotary. Set it to 1500 with an orange pad and M205. Worked perfectly. Scratch is gone. As I was examining the area, I realized that I forgot to tape the body lines/edges........fuck. What I thought was compound built up on the panel, was indeed a burn. Right through the clear and paint layer that I can tell. Below is a pic of the damage. About an inch and a half long right along the fender line. I about passed out. I was just too excited and impatient to stop and take the time to tape off the work area like the many youtube videos I studied over winter on how to do this. Shit, the practice I did on the van went perfectly. Granted I was working on the hood with no body lines or edges close. So now what??
I have an airbrush paint guy that virtually works miracles on cars. I have seen his work, and had him work on my stuff a few times with great(not factory perfect) results.....to be expected. But this needs to be as perfect as possible. So do I pay him the $100 to try? Or should I just suck it up and take it to a body shop? Odds are they will want to respray the whole rear quarter and reclear it. Thats no big deal. Another question, can I submit this as a comprehensive claim through my car insurance? I have no deductible for it and this seems like what comp is for no? I dont want to call them and get that started if they are going to notate all this on my insurance. Or send it to carfax.... What to do. I wont straight pay a body shop for this. Will end up being $1500 probably. Here is the pic. Please my pain and guilt has been enough, I dont need anymore flaming unless you are [MENTION=112]ktraver97ss[/MENTION]. Then you have my permission to say I told you so.
So FF to the weekend before my bday. I found a nice starter rotary at Harbor Freight with a 10amp motor and 1500-4000rpm range for $49. Look solid, and the reviews are awesome on it compared to the $300 makitas and Dewalts. So I pulled the trigger. I have been itching to sand/buff out this little scratch I picked up from the dealer when I took it in for service last fall. Tried to get it out with the PC, but just not enough cutting power with M105 and even a yellow pad.
So I used my 2000 grit meguires paper and water, got it out no problem. Decided to get the shine back with the rotary. Set it to 1500 with an orange pad and M205. Worked perfectly. Scratch is gone. As I was examining the area, I realized that I forgot to tape the body lines/edges........fuck. What I thought was compound built up on the panel, was indeed a burn. Right through the clear and paint layer that I can tell. Below is a pic of the damage. About an inch and a half long right along the fender line. I about passed out. I was just too excited and impatient to stop and take the time to tape off the work area like the many youtube videos I studied over winter on how to do this. Shit, the practice I did on the van went perfectly. Granted I was working on the hood with no body lines or edges close. So now what??
I have an airbrush paint guy that virtually works miracles on cars. I have seen his work, and had him work on my stuff a few times with great(not factory perfect) results.....to be expected. But this needs to be as perfect as possible. So do I pay him the $100 to try? Or should I just suck it up and take it to a body shop? Odds are they will want to respray the whole rear quarter and reclear it. Thats no big deal. Another question, can I submit this as a comprehensive claim through my car insurance? I have no deductible for it and this seems like what comp is for no? I dont want to call them and get that started if they are going to notate all this on my insurance. Or send it to carfax.... What to do. I wont straight pay a body shop for this. Will end up being $1500 probably. Here is the pic. Please my pain and guilt has been enough, I dont need anymore flaming unless you are [MENTION=112]ktraver97ss[/MENTION]. Then you have my permission to say I told you so.
