Someone please let me know or move this if I'm not in the right place...

Today I was graced with walking out of the store and finding that my tailgate had been scratched, presumably with a key and on purpose (although without reason). I quickly stopped by a couple of body shops, which quoted $450-515 to fix, including re-painting the entire tailgate and charging for a bunch of stuff I could do myself (remove and install tailgate). Also, apparently they are all booking at least 2 weeks out due to Hurricane Matthew damage - I'm in NE Florida.

Anyways, some Google-searching has me feeling that it is possible to fix this thing on my own. I know the Ruby Red is a tri-coat, but what I don't know is how this affects DIY-repair (even if only back to 95%).

Has anyone ever fixed such a scratch successfully? If so, could you point me to some step-by-steps? It would be great if I could not have to spend all that money (that I was saving for other truck projects) and wait so long.

Much thanks!!!

Oh, and that vertical mark is just the light from between my legs...

 

Sorry about your tailgate.....that's sux that people have no respect for other people's property. Anyways, does your fingernail catch on it? You are more than likely going to have to have it repainted. A Good body shop should be able to "burn it in" meaning painting the damaged area and reclear coating the whole tailgate. Because ruby red being a tri coat and the clear coat being tinted you will probably have swirl makes after the repair. However I could deal with swirl marks instead of a scratch. Hopefully some paint and body guys will chime in for a more expert opinion. Good luck and hope you can get it fixed soon.

 

Yeah, unfortunately it is definitely a 'nail-catcher' and I've prepared myself for the worst (i.e., forgoing that level kit or leather seat conversion).

Good reminder why I don't shop at that particular store normally.

 

Yeah I've got a scratch as well that requires painting but it's on the corner of the bedside. Bad news for me, they have to blend and clear coat the entire right side of the bed to paint it correctly.

I would take a look at the touch up paint before you try and touch it up. The lithium gray paint I bought from ford has an obvious difference in shade.

 

I just dont get it?!? What is it with people these days? Because someone has something nice or perceived to be more nice than theirs, they have to resort to this! I pray that I never catch anyone doing this to one of my vehicles, because if I do, it will end badly for everyone involved.
Good luck getting it fixed properly for minimal $$!

 

Never Mess With A Mans Wife, his Dog Or His Truck. Punishable By Death!

 

Thanks for the support, it is a shame I couldn't catch them in the act. One of the body shops I went too said that they get all kinds of business from that parking lot and that even though there are cameras, the quality is too low to make anything out.

Looks like I'll be living with that scratch for several weeks until one of the shops can fit me in. Nothing like waiting around to give someone a bunch of money.

 

I found one on the passenger side rear door.. Have no idea where it came from. I do have a kit I bought with the tricoat and applicators that I'm going to try.. only good thing is I don't normally see that side of the truck..

 

What a shame, people that do this, need theyre heads beat in!

 

I've used the Ford touch up on a Ruby Red Focus, and it takes multiple coats in order to build up enough colour that the scratch isn't as obvious. You can't get a perfect match, but it's better than what you have now.
TIP: pick up some fine tip paintbrushes and build up many, many coats rather than using the integral brush tip that comes inside the bottle - that's blob city.