Body work repairs

ROY47

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81925749#Comment_81925749

I won't give you advise on how to remove many of the scratches etc. In case you don't like my reply

I know how to remove lots of them scratches easily , and make the worst ones look better

But I suppose now you will say what you said above plus you basically said you can't be bothered to do them yourself so I hope you got deep pockets to pay to have them fixed

Banana1983782

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81925812#Comment_81925812

I welcome useful advice that will help.

ROY47

Buy a cheap polisher for the scratches similar to this there are plenty of videos on line how to use one

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rechargeable-Batteries-2800-5500RPM-Polishing-Detailing/dp/B0DMF3HRBJ/ref%3Dsr_1_4?adgrpid=194865159588&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KrJsTy8MPMrz-G7fPZFOEbSrKI1sPeDu1mOZ6gi8UUkwfnpDvckmTiRQa7VToOS7Gz1-V_DHSHSH2Z3SRY60gMBG7c9Pi7whvFIHnYzErHG6hMPRp1nSZ4BUdVvwOjPDSMk7qYM2nKeuhlSVt4PXvcG4nhf9-AxWO8D9Z9sk6luUa2WpFjgWY859WiKViLRhAtpM87vWE4xCJb2S0TnDFgpRjowYSVtU4Vo8Ai15PktDASvsSHLhabu_3Lf6kvhEbDtoQu33zE6-RwYjUav5mplfLMNFALF7FSdTjJh6n84.VrXsXC_RdG7eL-CEW1yR0KYug4J-3lJna26YzaTGgP4&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=779292741544&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9189283&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8053138988283403241--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8053138988283403241&hvtargid=kwd-319019548497&hydadcr=12270_2457200_424612&keywords=cheap+car+polisher&mcid=eab3ce79a279352196cd25c51b6748ca&qid=1773781151&sr=8-4

Buy some t cut for metallic paint ,( NOT the usual red bottle , it can be too harsh ) use the machine slowly at first until you get used to it

https://www.gsfcarparts.com/products/tettcm500?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22801356375&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxumN6uqnkwMVkqNQBh0ujREdEAQYASABEgIpxPD_BwE

Buy a touch up paint for the deep scratches , put it on with a small kiddies paint brush

I use this place just put in your car details etc , I have had a perfect match in colour for my Qashqai

https://autocarpaint.co.uk/blogs/news/unveiling-the-perfect-match-introducing-scooby-paints-new-range-of-touch-up-paints-for-lotus-cars?srsltid=AfmBOoqNbgvAfJ3Wv9MLdZ59CMSRSBJ4gq8PT0pUN5HJbeYecVBMNQkO

the rusty scratches , use a rust remover such as hammerite rust remover after gently scraping off the worst of the rust , then paint with touch up paint

But note if you polish the scratches as shown on what looks like the rear door or wing , the rest of the panel will look awful compared to newly cleaned / polished part

Front bumper ? showing paint scratched off now showing black will look better with touch up on it applied carefully

Rear bumper , wash the dirt off the lip dry it properly and put similar to this on it

I guessed it's a Ford Fiesta If not look for similar for what car it is … Ah just spotted Suzuki ? in one of the pictures

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284968720411?chn=ps&_ul=GB&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item

At a rough guess £100 the lot ? plus your time

Goudy

Getting a professional repair from a body shop is going to cost you far more that you would imagine.

I can see multiple panels need attention, both front and rear bumpers, wing, tailgate and rear quarter panel/s and a professional body repair shop will prep and paint each damaged panel as a whole, so around a 1/3rd of the car would need attention.

You might be better to find a SMART repairer (Small & Medium Area Repair Technology). They will, where they can just repair the damaged section of each panel, so tends to be far cheaper.

It's been a few years since I had a SMART repair but I think it was around £65 for a similar front bumper scuff as yours.

As already mentioned, for the rear bumper edge you might be better just to cover that up with trim that sticks on and covers up the damage, Rear Guard Protectors I think they get called and are moulded to fit your model. There are other generic kits that stick over, like large vinyl stickers that you cut to size.

Arunmor

If it was mine I would only worry about the rusty bits. The car has been lacking exterior TLC for quite awhile (bit like mine). careless use of fuel pumps, stuff being dragged in and out of the boot etc. Would cost a small fortune to sort all the bits in the photos.

eschaton

It would be good to see pictures of the car as a whole.

But on the surface, it’s a 14 year old car which is clearly not looked after if it took you giving it a wash to see what state it was in.

You’re never going to get the money back that professional repairs would cost.

The most cost effective route would be a packet of sandpaper from Poundland and a few rattle cans if you’ve suddenly become concerned about the condition of the car.

Banana1983782

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81928427#Comment_81928427

On the whole the car is in generally good condition. Inside is immaculate. I’ll share some pics.

Banana1983782

Thanks for the advice so far. I decided to take the plunge and tackle it myself, in chunks.

I’ve been able to remove most of scratches and rust using various wet and dry grits, along with body filler, a colour-matched spray paint, and some clear lacquer.

It’s not showroom standard, but it’s looking much much better. I’ll share some pictures when I’m finished later this month (weather dependent on finishing it).

Banana1983782

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81927482#Comment_81927482

For anyone interested (😀), I finally got the two main areas repaired myself. It is not showroom standard, but looks much better - even close up and to the naked eye.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

I won’t be giving up my day job, but it will do for a 14-year-old car and £40 in materials.

For any eagle-eyed readers, the bumper is plastic and has faded over the years, so the plastic and metal are not a perfect match, but it’s matched to the rest of the bumper and as close as I could get without professional work.

Thanks for everyone’s advice.

Ibrahim5

It looks like the sidewalls on your tyres could do with cleaning.