So I got my first ding today I. My parking garage It didn't dent so much as gouge through the clear coat and some paint. So my question is can I fix this myself or will it take special skill and or tools? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

If it has removed paint and clear you will need to add paint and clear to really repair it.

 

Unfortunately silver is a very hard color to just "touch up", if you can live with a little spot then by all means touch it up, if you are uncomfortable doing that yourself go to one of your larger car dealers in your area and have their SA put you in touch with whomever they use to touch up and repair their lot cars, most of these guys usually do a very good job at hiding defects such as yours, I should know I am one of them,

If those options dont work for you then its the body shop. Good Luck.

 

Depending on how bad the dent is, many paintless dent repair (PDR) people can fix is nearly completely. I recently got a dent that was really jagged and was down to metal on my boot that could have only come from someone throwing something at it .

I've used a guy for years to fix a few dents. I am always amazed at what he can do, and he says he amazes himself sometimes. I'm extremely picky about my paint, and it was completely repaired, while maintaining the factory finish. No body shop needed.

If you try to fix it yourself, chances are it won't be done as well as it could be, and it will bother you every time you look at it because you will know it's there.

 

Yeah it looks like I'll have to enlist a pro. Any guess on cost for a gouge that about half an inch in diameter? Most people have told me to live with it but theyre not Mini owners

 

Ouch! That's. Worse than mine But it's good to know you were able to get that righted. If you don't mind, what did it cost you?

 

It was almost $500, but it was covered under my comprehensive insurance. It took a few hours and I didn't watch him very much so I'm not sure what was all involved. I think he removed the interior panel to get at it from the back, and he had my boot handle and license plate holder off. He blended the paint within the license plate area recess. He is very meticulous and always does an incredible job.

 

Where are you located?

 

I'm in the greater DC area.

 

I don't think I'll claim this, but it's good to know a perfect job is not too expensive. Honestly you cant really notice it unless you're looking, but any imperfection is damned frustrating considering the amount of time on the weekends I spend detailing the old girl.