Scratch on Splitter

[SunnySideUpII]

I have a scratch on my front splitter which I believe happened when I dropped my car to the dealer to be serviced. It looks like the technician must have dropped a tool on it or something. Its apprx 3 inches long, not too deep.

If it was the body, I would have some idea about how to go about repairing it. However since it is the plastic part, not sure what can be done.

Sent pics to the dealer and they accepted it was a fault their end. Waiting for them to come back to me with a solution.

I guess the best case scenario is (unlikely) to have the entire piece replaced. Alternatively they will probably offer to fix it for me.

I just wanted to know at this point if any of you has experience in repairing of scratches on a plastic part like this?

What methods can be used?

Thanks!

[sgt2410]

Mine had a scratch on it when I bought it. Dealer said they would never be able to match the matte finish. They replaced the entire splitter. You have to take the front bumper cap off to replace it.

[2014CamaroZL1]

I do not think that there is a reasonable way to remove those scratches from that textured plastic.
At least the scratches are very minor, though.
I have already replaced the entire piece once, because it gets regularly dragged across pavement, usually going into driveways.
If you drive your car a lot, worse things are going to happen to it.

[Emvici]

I had a fairly good size nick in mine, and I tried a little jb-weld (as a filler because I didn't have any bondo around ), then some light 150 sand paper, and flat black or satin (cant remember) and you cannot tell that it was repaired. worst thing that can happen is you aren't satisfied and you replace it , like you would have done anyways.

seriously worked very nice.

[cybercoaster]

the part is only around $100 so better to have it replaced

[Garrett Custom]

I just replaced mine a little bit ago and took a whole of pictures. The pictures and how I did it are on the ZL-1 Exclusive Facebook page. It's very easy, hardest part is jacking up the car.

[ZMEnow]

Try heat gun just be patient and dont overheat and start a sag. You are far enough from the paint to not worry. Clean it well before you start.

[2013ZL1FUN]

Unfortunately this part is a routine replacement item. I have bumped mine on parking blocks at stores, my friends driveway and the road when exiting businesses. People have demanded lower cars and this is the end result of that. I realize that you didn't bump your car splitter while driving for this particular damage, but you will. It will just be a matter of time. It bothered me too, with only 600 mi on mine when my first splitter damage occurred, but this is ZL1 life!

[SunnySideUpII]

Thanks all...

Yeah the scratches are not too bad, but they are big enough to make me notice them every time I'm in close proximity to the car. lol.

Also, as it's caused by the service center and was not my fault, it is harder to accept living with them... And I will not.

So most likely the dealer will offer me to replace it once they realize there is no proper way of bringing it to its original state.

I just have this weird thought that a replaced item as big as this, will not be as precisely flush, stable and strong as the original factory built item. Even if the dealer installs it...

I feel like sticking bandaid on it. lol

[Stephen12ZL1]

put some of the "back to black" type treatment from Mothers and leave it alone. It is guaranteed to get scratched again.

[SunnySideUpII]

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

put some of the "back to black" type treatment from Mothers and leave it alone. It is guaranteed to get scratched again.

Yeah I tried trim detailer from meguiars and it kinda helps a little.

When it comes to the scratches though, bottom and side scratches are I guess inevitable in long term, however scratch on "top" of the splitter is unusual and should be easy to avoid with some good old obsessive care.

[Murder 1]

My guys at PowerTech sell car products. They had a product called "Bumper Restore" that they make for Maher Chevrolet and Dimmitt Cadillac. I had hit something that was apparently concrete in a roadway at night that was pretty bad. It went under the car and lifted up the r/r tire. There was a FAR more serious mar on the r/f corner. Between them and my detail guys I managed to go to a car show 3 days later and win a trophy so obviously the product awesome.

However it is so volatile it can't be kept in sunlight or stored in the trunk of the car like tire shine, fix a flat, spray on waxes etc. I was amazed. Surely other GM dealerships have industrial level chemicals made for them.

[nighttowl]

That's a real bummer.
new ones are less than 200 dollars. Not sure what shipping would be though.

[SunnySideUpII]

Since the damage was caused by the dealer, I'm pushing them to replace the entire piece for me. I'm not gonna pay dollars for someone else's mistake.

I'll look up this product called Bumper Restore.

Thanks.