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Scratched rear light panel?

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Khang H., Jul 2, 2018.

  1. Khang H.

    Khang H. New Member

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    Hi Prime family,

    I scratched my rear brake light panel (the tail end) when it "touched" the parking garage ceiling. I should have known better :( I wonder if there's any recommendation for a DIY fix? I understand that it won't look perfect but any help is appreciated.

    36563781_954402988063137_3465816639667175424_n.jpg

    Thank you in advance.
     
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    Not sure how you touch a garage ceiling but I’d try rubbing it out with some fine grit rubbing compound.
    J
     
    Khang H. likes this.
  3. Khang H.

    Khang H. New Member

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    It was my work garage parking and the hatch opened just to touch one of the lower bars of the ceiling - at least it was slow. Thank you for the tip, I'll give it a try!
     
  4. Weasle543

    Weasle543 Member

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    A headlight restoration kit should be able to work that out.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  5. Khang H.

    Khang H. New Member

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    Thank you! I got a rubbing compound and it looks fine now :) 20180703_225030.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    schja01 likes this.
  6. prius4-me

    prius4-me Member

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    Glad the rubbing compound worked. FYI - I always start with toothpaste first.
     
  7. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    Do you use toothpaste w/ flouride? To prevent cavities? :p
     
  8. prius4-me

    prius4-me Member

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    Ha! You must think I was joking?? Actually toothpaste works surprisingly well when you need a very mild abrasive, especially the whitening toothpastes. The non-fluoride ones may not work as well since they are more likely to be 'natural' and therefore may not have the abrasive quality. Even cigarette ashes work on some applications such as removing permanent marker from white boards that are inteneded only for temporary markers! On a vehicle I would skip the cigarette ashes and start with toothpaste, then polishing compound if needed and as a last resort, rubbing compound.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I find Dupi-Color touch up paint flows good. has an abrasive pen too, that's handy for prep.
     
  10. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Not on a tail light!! :eek::whistle:
     
    #10 Prodigyplace, Mar 15, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2019
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Yeah, I guess I didn't look too close.

    I had to do our spoiler a time or two, after garage door encounters. But it's just piano-black.
     
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