Yesterday I removed the OEM cupholder bracket from the right downtube and cleaned up the residue, working from the passenger seat. I was really pleased with the results, until I got into the driver seat this morning and realized that there is scratch on the central side of the downtube right where the edge of the bracket used to be. I don't see now removing the bracket could have caused that but it doesn't really matter at this point. I found one post about scratches on anthracite from several years back, but there were no suggestions other than kenchan who put his bracket back on to hide it! Is there really nothing I can do to at least make the scratch less visible? it's such a long one and my eyes go straight to it every time I look in that direction. thanks.

 

Options I see are:

Take some rubbing alcohol and see if the scratch goes away.

Otherwise

1.) Find a used one in the marketplace
2.) Buy a new one from the dealership
3.) Take it off and attempt to respray it yourself or at a bodyshop
4.) Take it off and see if you can fix the scratch, but as I recall, these downtubes are not clearcoated or have very little at all, and sanding and buffing them will likely not improve it.

 

You can for sure paint them, just use many very light coats as I did mine about 2 weeks ago. I did 8 or 9 coats of paint. Still when putting them back on I got a few nicks here and there, nothing real noticeable.

 

OG - I tried the rubbing alcohol, but unfortunately it didn't help. I think I will try to paint it.

nightfly - Where did you find the paint? Did you get an exact match for anthracite? I've only been able to find the exterior colors online. thanks.

 

Did anyone find a match for this interior paint? I've got the same issue after removing the cupholder. Also considering wrapping them in leather or a vinyl.
Anyone tried that?