oemk
10-21-1998, 07:31 AM
I have a 98.5 satin silver Passat sedan with a couple of remaining ladder-induced scratches on the hood and fender and a few faint clear coat scratches that won't rub out. The deep scratches are from 1-2.5 mm in diameter, 1.5 to 2" in length and either into the paint or into the primer (not down to metal). The one into the paint only is more like a scrub mark They are quite visible depending on the light. <p>Two reputable local shops said that spot repair would not be good and would eventually leave a "halo effect" and that the only way to do it would be to repaint the hood and fender. One of the two body men suggested that I just leave it alone because I am better off with the factory paint. I liked his honesty. The other guy (VW dealer suggested him), who I also respected and liked, suggested that I could either leave it alone since its not into the metal or wait to have it painted until after the winter (i.e. after additional rock salt and pebble scratches). He gave me rough quotes of $300 for the hood and $200 for the fender. I asked him if the paint job would be as good (i.e. durable) as the factory job, and he stated that it should be pretty good. Another honest answer - I like that.<p>My housemate made the scratches by accident and said she is willing to pay cash or get home owner's insurance to cover it, although she hasn't heard the price yet. I am in a bit of a quandry.<p>1) What are people's experience with factory paint versus body shop repainting and their matching and durability for either the B5 (VWs supposedley new paint process)or A4s or other VWs?<p>2) I might still try to do the local touch-up myself using the painstainkingly long (and dangerous) process and the touch-up paint as descibed on the various forums. Then I would decide what to do. Anyone else try to repair scratches on the satin silver (or something comparable in the A4 line)yet? How did it work out?<p>3) Any other suggestions?<p>Thanks,<br>Orest<br>