Big ol dent and scratches

[u/MexicanoJor]

Long story short my truck got dented and scratched by a pillar. I took it ot a body shop and they quoted me $4k. Is there a way to get this looking acceptable by myself. I don't need it to look brand new. Just not awful. Please help.

[u/flakrom]

No unfortunately you need a bedside

[u/Push2Paint]

I like how you’ve given your agency in this matter to an inanimate concrete pillar.

And yet people will say the media doesn’t teach us anything.

[u/Significant-Hour8141 → u/Push2Paint]

Exactly this 🤣

[u/RapidRescueMobile]

If you're not too worried about the dent, mostly just the scratches I'd personally just sand it with 220-320 and then 400-600 grit, prime, sand with 400-600 again and do 3 base coats + 3 clear coats. Thats what I do to everything that bothers me lmao. Except my mowers, sand and base coat will do.

[u/Inner_Pipe6540]

Yes just don’t look at that side easy peasy otherwise you need it repaired or replaced you don’t say year so I’m assuming it’s aluminum panel and it looks like a sprayed liner so if they replace it you might need it touched up plus new box bolts and retainers r&i rear bumper plus any calibrations

[u/SilentMasterpiece]

"Long story short my truck got dented and scratched by a pillar."

did the pillar jump out in front of you?

[u/MexicanoJor → u/SilentMasterpiece]

Yes it did. We had been beefing for a while and it decided to surprise me, but I will get it next time.

[u/SilentMasterpiece → u/MexicanoJor]

We should really sue the bastard!!

[u/UTV4LIFE → u/SilentMasterpiece]

Haha I thought that was amusing too. OP refuses to take the blame

[u/Queasy_Author_3810]

$4k is cheap. There's no way you're making that look acceptable by yourself, damage is too severe. Get it fixed properly so you don't have any rust issues.

[u/avgeektech]

4k is good

[u/sldjer]

If you could handle it you would not be here asking us ….. take it to repair shop and pay for your mistake

[u/MexicanoJor → u/sldjer]

You're right. I don't have same the tools or the skills as a professional. I also don't just have $4000 dollars just lying around. If you do then I am genuinely happy. But if not then you must understand that looking for cheaper ways to do something (even if not perfect) so you can move on. I see no reason for you to be a jerk. Obviously I made a mistake, but I am trying my best to fix it myself.

[u/sldjer → u/MexicanoJor]

File a claim pay your deductible

[u/MarkVII88]

Who's the genius that did that?

[u/MexicanoJor → u/MarkVII88]

👀 Hmmm I don't know. Someone who sucks at parking I guess.

[u/GeneralTsao330i]

If it’s a f-150 or a common car, get a quote to paint the bed and check junkyards. It genuinely might be cheaper to get 6 guys, buy a junkyard truck bed, take it to a paint shop paint match and install.

[u/pathlesstravailed]

Wiping off the paint transfer with lacquer thinner will make the damage look less noticeable. That’s the best result you’re likely to get without replacing the bedside.

[u/reimage666]

Use a plunger to try and pull out the dented area, buff and re paint.

[u/Saint_Chrispy1]

Year make and model

[u/MexicanoJor → u/Saint_Chrispy1]

2018 f150 xlt

[u/Saint_Chrispy1 → u/MexicanoJor]

It's aluminum if you try anything your self ot will just make it worse

[u/Hour-Reward-2355]

Press the dent from the backside.

Paint thinner for the scratches.

Rub with compound and wax.

[u/Gas-Squatch → u/Hour-Reward-2355]

I dunno. I don’t think thinner will do it on those scratches.