GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Last night after returning from the store with my wife, I parked in my garage next to my Vibe. I thought I was a little close but I would be alright. I had to get my todler son out of the car seat in the back and noticed I was close to bumping my car with the door. I was thinking I should move the car over, but then I thought I could make it. Well, I couldn't. The door bounced against my car. Needless to say after some choice words I had for myself for being too stupid not move the car over I took a look at my car. Sure enough I put a mark in the plastic around the passenger side rear wheel, just behind the door. The good thing is that I didn't ding up the sheet metal. And there really isn't a dent in the plastic. Just a small mark that I believe is only in the paint. Not a chip either. It looks as though I could use either a polishing compound or other light rubbing compound to get the mark out. But I want to get some recommendations before I do anything. The mark really isn't even noticeable unless you get right up close to it and it is pointed out. But I know it's there and it really bothers me.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

WD40 If that doesn't work, try stuff called Goo-Gone or Goof-Off. Both can be found in local home centers. Otherwise, a little cleaner wax or rubbing compound.

WD-40 huh? I never would have thought of that. I might have to give that a try before using the rubbing compound. Thanks Nova.

quote:Also, you might want to try a Bugar from your nose. I know this sounds funny, but it is a trick I learned at the dealer.LOL, c'mon...

quote:Also, they taught me that if you wax a window, let it dry and buff it off, really cleans the glass well too, same with chrome.This I have done and will agree with.. the other.. hmm maybe not. When removing marks from my monotone cladding, I will use a soft cloth and rub some cleaner wax on the mark gently until it works itself out. Then leave the wax there for a few minutes, then buff clean.

LOL!!! I don't think I am going to try the booger, but it is an interesting concept.I did try a product called Color Back from Turtle Wax. It is a really light rubbing compound that is designed to restore a paints finish. It did help to lighten the mark, but not completely remove it. The mark isn't really noticeable, but I know it's there and that bugs me! I think I am going to take it over to the dealership today and talk to my salesman. When I took delivery of the car, it had a few minor marks on the front bumper. He used some blue stuff that was made for GM that took it right out. I am thinking of buying some anyways. I will let everyone know what happens with it.

Well, I just got back from a visit to my dealer. He took me back to the detailing shop and they used a couple of products that they use when cleaning up cars just before they sell them. The mark is practically gone. The only way you can see it is if you get less than a foot away from it and you are really looking hard for it in the right light. They did a really good job. I know over time that this car is going to get a lot more marks than this light one I have now.Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions. It looks like the best thing you can do is make sure you are in with your dealer. He can pretty much hook you up with anything that is in reason. Just before I left, we were discussing the spoiler for the top of the car. He said he could probably have it painted by the body shop and installed for around $20 to $30. Now I can't wait for those to come out!

Well, I have always had a good relationship with him. He is the top salesman at the dealership and my Vibe is the third car I have bought from him in the past 4 years. And he is really good after the sale about making sure you are happy with your purchase. Not too many salesman are like that anymore.

So did they pick their nose, or did they just use the third-world Kleenex (the nose partially pinched between fingers) and blow all over the spot?

Sorry to disappoint you, but no snot was involved.

i know i'm late, but i can't stop laughing (sorry, silver)! is there finally a use for boogers?! like as a "Second Time Around" car cleaning product? i'm not trying to give you a hard time, but what would the perfect booger (for paint removal) be made of? (this isn't the most palatable subject, but i have a feeling there is more to your story...) texture (sticky/soft/other)? minimum size requirements? when this trick was passed onto you, did they walk you through it by demonstrating with their own "supplies," or did they ask you to supply your own (while smothering laughter)? does that also suggest that there is some abrasive/solvent-like component in boogers that could pose a health threat if not removed from noses expeditiously?these are earnest questions-i am honestly curious.

Gotta question, What do you do when your buger biodegrades, pick you nose again?

All right, I know I'm too late on this one but we'll clear this up pretty quick. None of this booger stuff, magic blue detailing liquid, etc. For minor scratches and cases where paint from one surface has rubbed of onto the surface of your car, use polishing compound. NOT RUBBING COMPOUND!!!!!!! I have made this mistake before, so please trust me. Using rubbing compound will make a dull spot in the clearcoat and you will have to buff it out with an electric buffer. Polishing compound will remove the mark and not scuff the clearcoat. Just be sure to wax over the spot that you used the polishing compound on after you rub the polishing compound off. The polishing compound will remove any wax that was protecting the car's surface before, so be sure to re-wax the area to protect it again. Carry a Kleenex for your boogers. Good God, I will always wash my car as soon as I bring it home from the dealer from now on in case they had to remove any minor marks from the paint in creative ways.

That's good, I don't care much for Chrysler products anyway. But I am concerned that some other guys might have been trained in the same manner as you were. I'd be supremely disturbed if I saw dealer employees wiping their snot on my car. I can guarantee that the next boogers they would be picking would be bright red after their nose met my fist. Remember, I frequently advocate the "severe beating" penalty for people who exibit antisocial behavior.