DerekS

So this sucks. I discovered a fairly nasty scratch on the top of the Targa bar on my 991.

I have some theories how it got there, but I really want options for correcting it.

I found the center Targa bar piece can be purchased for around 2k. . Is there any way to fix this without resorting to such a drastic measure?

chuck911

Is it into the metal? Or material that scratched off onto the metal? In other words can some or all be removed with careful cleaning?

DerekS

It's the metal. Rubbing with my finger did nothing.

drcollie

Next time you take a photo, put a Quarter or a Dime next to that area, or hold up a ballpoint pen to it. That not only gives your camera a focal point, but shows the size of the flaw.

That scratch can be worked out, but the problem is by either sanding or polishing it out it is going to create a sheen high spot, and that would mean the entire panel has to be buffed up to the same level to match the repair area. That's a big job to do all that and it takes a steady hand. Typically is going to be buffed out with an abrasive, and its going to be very shiny. Then the whole Targa bar has to be buffed to the same level. Then coming in with steel wool afterwards (various grades) can knock the sheen back down to a satin finish.

If that is very slight - VERY - you can take some metal polish wadding (Never-Dull) and see if you can lightly work it out yourself. Don't scrub too hard or put too much pressure on the wadding of you will create a shiny spot.

DerekS

It's very slight but very disheartening. That metal was perfect until today and I'm agonizing.

I don't know if I have the stomach for the full process you describe, I might be better served sucking it up and buying the replacement.

That said its worth trying the wadding I guess.

Thanks for the info!

dogshyne

if you are ok buying a new piece... whats the worst thing that can happen if you try to fix it? it either gets better or you get a new piece.

drcollie

well, if the new piece is $ 2K, and I assume there is a labor charge on top of that, then put it through your insurance - pay your deductible, and you're done.

P.S. If you can 'catch' your fingernail in the scratch, then its more than surface deep and not easily repairable.

LexVan

For $2k plus labor, I'd try:

1) talk to a high quality detailer in your area

2) maybe wrap it a contrasting / complimentary color

Good luck.

DerekS

The shortest scratch is deepest and does catch the fingernail. The others I can't catch so maybe I can do something with those.

I will likely end up replacing it but there's no harm in trying.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. This happened on my PCA Escape road trip and has been quite a downer for me.

I still don't know how it happened. Maybe parking lot vandalism, maybe someone put their keys or purse on there.

drcollie

What color is your car - let's see photos. Maybe - have it painted black? Targa bars can look really good in black.....

MKW

perfect opportunity to wrap it matte black...the color a modern 991 Targa's hoop should come, imo, not retro " aluminum " when all the old school exterior chrome has been decades removed


if you spends thousands to replace it.." universal karma " says it will happen again within the first few weeks , right?!

drcollie

if you spends thousands to replace it.." universal karma " says it will happen again within the first few weeks , right?!

lol ... TRUTH!