Scratched roof rails on touring sport - any fix?

[SeventhLevel]

Hi guys,

Had a roof box and bars fitted by Halfords today. It was £100 off and even though I'm not their biggest fan I went for it. They're rubber feet and can't scratch, right?

Well, something did scratch the roof rail on my touring sport (I'm guessing the tool the guy had when installing the bars and box). He tried to remove it with scratch remover but no luck.

Any idea if anything will get scratches out or is it something I just need to get over and accept?

A friend of mine builds cars and told me once anodised aluminium is scratched it's very difficult to cover up or remove, but I'd love him to be proven wrong!

[TomdeGuerre]

I don't think there's anything you can do to blend out those scratches, the anodised finish is typically clear-seal where they sulphuric acid anodise the parts then dip them in hot water to close up the pores and it's a finish that doesn't respond well to abrasive polishes and the like. You can get nylon "pencils" to blend out any corrosion in an anodised surface but they don't leave an acceptable finish cosmetically. Put some clear varnish over the scratches (I usually raid the wife's nail varnish for something suitable) and mark it down to experience.  

[SeventhLevel]

Cheers. Yeah, need to learn and move on. Halfords manager said he was going to speak to a body shop to see what they could do but I imagine I'll end up with some money off or vouchers. Annoying, but never mind. 

[SeventhLevel]

Meant to ask, is there a product someone could recommend for polishing the roof rail - will any do? 

 

The guy at Halfords put a load of scratch remover on the rails last night and they look dull and a bit blotchy .

[TomdeGuerre]

Uh-Oh - they've just upped the ante haven't they. Seriously, they'll need to look at replacing your metal trim.

If you want something to practice on to see if you can get any kind of acceptable polished finish go to one of these places that sell bathroom tiles and fittings etc. You can buy clear anodised strips for the wall corners (I used them on our bathroom and they look great) but you can't clean / polish them up. You might find some combination of vinegar and swarfega with a touch of baking soda or something, if you do be sure and post it up here.