Scratched tail light - sand or replace?

[bgn]

Yeah, I waffle between "It's just a scratch" and "It's a brand new truck, let's keep it looking nice for a while".

I'd probably consider the other driver's ability to pay. Driving an FJ, it sounds like he can afford it (though you never know). If it was a poor kid driving a 2005 Hyundai who was truly sorry & apologetic, I'd probably just let it go. That's what I'd want if I hit someone.

Good points, too. It would bother me just looking at it on a new vehicle, plus his wife's $7000 Specialized carbon ebike on the hitch makes me feel he can afford a small ding to the wallet.

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[Sirk]

I've used this stuff before with good results on many types of plastic and acrylic:

https://www.amazon.com/Novus-Cleaning-Scratch-Remover-Cloth/dp/B077PZHTRR/

It's inexpensive enough to give it a try...

 

[BoskoPColtrane]

Hi folks,

Yesterday, a guy in a parking lot ended up backing into my truck with his FJ Cruiser. Luckily, the only thing that hit was his bike on his rack. It ended up somewhat deeply scratching my tail light.

So...my question is: does this look like it can be buffed out easily? Should I find a professional to do it or should I buy a new tail light for about $340 at his expense?

My opinion: this should buff out, but I'm not sure if it'll look great after a few years....thoughts?

I would buy a new truck. This one is no good anymore.

 

[MM Mav]

@bgn what about trying a magic eraser on the marks?

 

[bgn]

@bgn what about trying a magic eraser on the marks?

It's not a bad idea, but I know for sure it's scratched and it's not just rubber to scrub off.

 

[ClemsonU88]

...plus his wife's $7000 Specialized carbon ebike on the hitch makes me feel he can afford a small ding to the wallet.

I thought the fact that he was driving an FJ indicated he could afford it. The $7k bike puts it over the edge...get a new tail light.

 

[zach57x]

I would buy a new truck. This one is no good anymore.

I knew the maverick was easy to total out but this is a whole other level !

 

[Bill K]

I hear terrible stories of parking lot hit and runs around the country. With callous outcomes. I just had my Maverick backed into at the supermarket. The guy was waiting for me and offered to write a check on the spot. We agreed to get an estimate.
. Life is good in the State of Maine!
Seriously.

 

[bgn]

I hear terrible stories of parking lot hit and runs around the country. With callous outcomes. I just had my Maverick backed into at the supermarket. The guy was waiting for me and offered to write a check on the spot. We agreed to get an estimate.
. Life is good in the State of Maine!
Seriously.

There's a fuzzy feeling we get when folks are honest and willing to fix their mistakes. It's becoming less and less common, seemingly.

 

[Old Fart]

My right rear taillight had an inch and a half of water in it that I noticed when picking it up after first service, service manager at Coggins DeLand Ford ordered new light that was replaced yesterday under warranty. Yours looks like it could be compounded out and waxed to preserve the finish.

Your choice

 

[MavPru]

My right rear taillight had an inch and a half of water in it that I noticed when picking it up after first service, service manager at Coggins DeLand Ford ordered new light that was replaced yesterday under warranty. Yours looks like it could be compounded out and waxed to preserve the finish.

Your choice

Hi folks,

Yesterday, a guy in a parking lot ended up backing into my truck with his FJ Cruiser. Luckily, the only thing that hit was his bike on his rack. It ended up somewhat deeply scratching my tail light.

So...my question is: does this look like it can be buffed out easily? Should I find a professional to do it or should I buy a new tail light for about $340 at his expense?

My opinion: this should buff out, but I'm not sure if it'll look great after a few years....thoughts?

I think a product called PlastX would make it like new again.

 

[dcs12345]

Make him replace it but keep the damaged one to replace it should you break the new one on a later date.

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