How far is too far?
 

Hey guys, my Z is failry new and I have an appointment set up next week to install the clear bra. In the meantime, I bought the "leather" Nissan nose mask. Here is my problem, the mask connects to the underside of the plastic grill part of the bumper with several plastic hooks. One of the hooks must have snapped and it put two nice, semi-deep scratches into the grill. The good news is the scratches are on the underside of the grill and you can't see them unless you are basically on your back looking up at the car. The bad news is, they still really bother me and I'd like to fix them.

I know there is no way to replace just the grill, so do you guys think it would be overkill to get a whole new bumper? If so, then please bring me back to my senses, lol.

Who's going to get on their back and look under your car and point that out??? I'm anal too with my Z but you have to chalk that one up as a christening scratch. If that's the last scratch you get then you're golden. Replacing the bumper is insane.

:iagree:

I hear you, I'm just extremely OCD when it comes to my car. It wouldn't be so bad if the scratches weren't as deep as they are. I guess you are right though, I must be losing my mind, lol.

a scratch you can't see from normal angle is nothing to worry about. :)

Its like worring about dangling dead worms under the car after a rain storm.

Dangling dead worms? Ohhh My Gawd! I didn't know that could happen! I usually try to drive around them anyway, but I'm sure I his some! It rained yesterday! I have to check my car right now...later...:eek:

:D

Yes. Seek counseling...Probably cheaper in the long run

Don't get a new bumper, and no you can't just order the grill.

No way I would replace the bumper, and generally trying to fix the scratch just makes it worse, Just go with if that is the worst thing that happens to the car then your car is going to have a great life.

Did the scratch go through the clear coat into the paint?

Most good detail shops can cut/polish those scratches out ,then have it clearbra'd

I hate to say this, but you're going to have to get used to it with this car. The paint is rather thin. It chips easily. ClearBra is definitely the right thing to do. But even with a ClearBra you're going to get minor chips and scratches every now and then. But on the positive side, I've never had a car that generates so little brake dust. (See, it's not all doom and gloom.)

yeah do it!..im on my third new bumper...jp haha

I'm like that too, I generally get over it in a few days so try not to think about it and it'll go away :ughdance:

No, the scratches are aren't in the paint, they are on the bottom of the black plastic grill/mustache. That's what makes a fix so difficult.

:worthless:

:bowrofl:

Wow, you're worse than me when it comes to OCD, lol. My advice - clean up the scratch with some aerospace 303 and try to forget about it. Like others have said, be thankful your car hasn't been in an accident or been keyed, etc. like some others on the board.

Here is a pic guys, the scratches are circled.

http://www.the370z.com/members/zygot...7-untitled.jpg

:confused: I don't see a pic.

:facepalm:

Pic should be viewable now guys, sorry

Yep, pic is viewable now. Suggestion. Get a black Sharpie marker -- the kind with the thin needle point. Color in the scratch. It'll still be there, but won't be nearly as noticeable.

If that is worth $700 + to you (cost of bumper and paint) then you need serious counseling..
Good luck...

I looks like its only clear coat dmg , an not into the paint.... get it buffed out an clearbra it.

The scratch is in the black plastic grill. There's no clearcoat. There's no paint. And that area doesn't get ClearBra'd.

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

:iagree:

He's going to retire broke because he can't accept the orinary events of life and living in an imperfect world.

There's a fine line between taking good care of your car and being downright crazy. You my friend, have crossed that line, lol.

If it really bothers you that much, you could prob get someone who specializes in trim repair to fix it.

Thanks for the input so far guys. Yea, I don't expect to get much sympathy from people who have replaced their bumpers/fenders from accidents. I guess I just have to figure out a way to tone down my OCD over this car. I almost can't enjoy it because I'm always thinking of these little imperfections.

Don't sweat it man, I understand the whole wanting to keep your car perfect thing, but stuff happens when you drive your car. Like you said, be happy that you haven't had any major damage done like some on the forum.

Just find the missing end of the broken hook and then kick the crap out of it...you should return to normal after that!

What kind of places do trim repair? Better yet, does Nissan make a touchup paint for the black trim?

Oh, God, don't do that. And as your first reply-poster said, who is going to lay on the ground and look up under your grill? I can be pretty obsessive, too, and it only causes pain. Do yourself a favor and try to relax. Hope this helps. :hello:

I live by the 10 foot rule. If it cant be seen from 10 feet away, then who cares. And for those who get within that 10 feet and point out the scratches and chips on my car, f you

Send someone $500 plus your bumper. Then they send you a like-bumper. Then everyone is happy. :)

If it you got the money and it bothers you that much, you can't put a price on happiness. Just make sure your priorities are straight =). Remember its only a car.