Scratch on roof rail... what to do?

[zachf88]

Hey guys,

I've noticed a scratch on the driver's rail and was wondering what could be done to fix this. Dealer wants 5 hours to remove headliner and all associated pillars and parts. I don't want this done.... It can't be polished because there is a coating that makes the semi-polished look. Need tips/ideas!

[spijun]

Yes, try with polishing because it is made ​​of aluminum

[VroomVroom]

I assume the dealer is quoting on replacing the part, or do they have some magic repair formula?

I've heard rumors of really high quality repair work, but I've never actually seen it. My best efforts have minimized such damage, but to the best of my knowledge and ability there's no way to repair.

I have had luck with abrasive polishing. Definitely a coating there, but it's quite thick, and leveling the area around the scratch can minimize it. (I wish I knew more about the coating - I'm guessing it's either a galvanized or some sort of polarized, but I've never even been able to learn what it is, let alone how it's applied.)

If you're up for experimentation, I have had reasonable luck with polishing, taping, scuffing (0000 steel wool is fine), and then painting with a couple of thick coats of Wurth wheel paint. Surprisingly, the bright silver and clear end up being a pretty decent match, and they do a nice job of filling. Your call whether to follow up a few days later with a fine abrasive polish....probably not necessary if you were very thorough in taping.

I've heard semi-good things about these guys:

http://www.yourautotrim.com/semdye.html

As you'd guess, the downside is whether the durability is there, but if applied carefully, and with a good clear on top, I'd suspect adhesion would be fine. The only other option I've found is wrapping in a vinyl film. Of course, to be done well, you've got the same amount of labor involved to pull the piece.

Good luck. Looks like the scratch is on top? Hopefully that makes it harder to peek at?

[zachf88]

Thanks for the help. I bought the car last Monday and by the time they prepped the car, it was dark. The dealer is will to pull the headliner and replace the rail for free. However, I don't want the headliner to be pulled on a brand new car. It's on top, but I'm tall (6ft) and it's at eye level for me. My wife doesn't mind it, but it's a new car and I want it new. I'll never have a rack on it though

[Yoshimura]

Plasti dip them black?

[zachf88]

Plasti dip them black?

negative. Like the bling

[laakness]

I'm not understanding why you would rather have a repaired rail over a new one. I think you would notice that repair unless the whole rail was redone or covered in vinyl/plasti dip

[zachf88]

I would notice a stretched and ill fitting headliner that rattles if they were to replace the the rail with a new one. The whole headliner and various pillars and other parts have to come off. I'm sure the tech doing it isn't going to make sure every little clip is properly placed and seated. Also, it's a tan headliner and I'm sure it's going to get hand prints all over it. That is why I'm looking for ways/ ideas on how to repair it.

[zachf88]

The scratch has been fixed! The body shop used some special polish ($300 an oz) and the scratch came out without discoloring the surroundings. They wouldn't tell me who made the polish or what it was called. Anyway, thanks for the ideas guys

[spijun]

That's what I said at the beginning

[laakness]

I would notice a stretched and ill fitting headliner that rattles if they were to replace the the rail with a new one. The whole headliner and various pillars and other parts have to come off. I'm sure the tech doing it isn't going to make sure every little clip is properly placed and seated. Also, it's a tan headliner and I'm sure it's going to get hand prints all over it. That is why I'm looking for ways/ ideas on how to repair it.

Understandable. Everyone's dealers are different so my perspective comes from one that is very meticulous which makes me not worry about replacements.

Glad you got it fixed.

[spijun]

Understandable. Everyone's dealers are different so my perspective comes from one that is very meticulous which makes me not worry about replacements.

Glad you got it fixed.

I would never did
It's a job that requires at least two days and this is just one part
– Fold down backrests (rear).
– Move front seat backrests to 45° position.
– Remove A-pillar trim (top) → Chapter.
– Remove B-pillar trim (top) → Chapter.
– Remove C-pillar trim → Chapter.
– Remove roof end trim → Chapter.
– Remove D-pillar trim → Chapter.
– Remove retainers for load guard → Chapter.
– Remove sun visors → Chapter.
– Remove interior light/reading light (front) →Electrical system; Rep. gr.96.
– Remove centre bracket for sun visor → Chapter.
– Remove roof grab handles → Chapter
– Removing and installing roof rail

Of course always there are great chances that something was not done properly, that you have strange noises and rattling