Hey all,

My wife was out in San Diego, and accidentally scratched her brothers car.

Since it’s our fault, we want to pay for the repair. Attaching a couple of pics to get opinions of what to do.

The part that is heavily scratched is the wheel arch molding, with light scratches on the door beside (left).

Will we need to replace the whole part (for the wheel arch molding)? Or will body shops be able to repair/fix this?

One place estimates between $1.5-2k, but that seems excessive, but happy to hear your opinions!

Any ideas how much it might cost?

I'd say it depends on the expectation - do you want to restore it to perfection? Because it will get expensive. Or it could be a touch up and smoothed out, but still noticeable and cost in the hundreds.

$1,500-2000 is not that much when you're talking bodywork/respray. Unfortunately, a small thing like this can require as much repair as a huge issue because you have to "blow big" when you paint so that things blend better (or respray the whole panel).

You're paying for all that labor (and sometimes part replacement) to prepare the surface, paint, colorsand/buff.

A very small chip is easy to touch up, but this is large enough where I would say touch up will not be good enough.

$2,7841.

Both parts could be rubbed back, filled, shaped and painted. From the photos there should be no need to replace anything 👍🏼

IMO looks like some sanding, filler, shaping, primer, and paint blend.

Are you repairing it in San Diego or where you are at? I have a shop recommendation: 2M Autowerks

peterfromsd wrote

IMO looks like some sanding, filler, shaping, primer, and paint blend.

Are you repairing it in San Diego or where you are at? I have a shop recommendation: 2M Autowerks

Yes, definitely considering 2M, will try to take it there for a quote

Just make sure this doesn't show up on the Carfax once it goes into the body shop. I know folks will say it won't since you aren't going through insurance, but I've seen it happen.