Respray versus replacement?

[aphid]

I have three small and relatively minor scrapes on three panels of my ‘red’ PCX 125. Not noticeable but I know they are there. Will it be cheaper and/or easier to just replace the panels, or respray them?

Although I am willing to learn, I have no experience of rubbing down, filling and then respraying scratched panels nor am I sure how easy it would be to acquire the correct paint colour. Maybe the time and trouble carrying out the repairs isn’t justified with the possibility of the end result not looking pristine? The cost of the three new panels would be about £50 before associated shipping and import taxes.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, please.

[Jge64]

Having sprayed many panels and been auto painting for many years, my opinion is you should replace the panels. I am amazed how cheap each of these panels come completely ready to go , paint clearcoat, it it's just not worth the effort and the money on materials that you put into a scratch.

[gn2]

New panels, but don't fit them, they'll only get scratched.
Fit them just before you sell it.

[fish]

Yes, replace with new -- the marks are barely noticeable -- yet you're still bothered by them.
Your amateur paint job will certainly prove even more disappointing!
Fish

[maddiedog]

I 4th the recommendation to replace the panels. I did a full respray on a Buddy scooter once, it still wasn't as nice looking as the factory fairings. You'll be able to tell, and if the scratches bother you, the touchup paint will even more.

[aphid]

Haha....I am touched by your faith in my ability to learn and to do a professional looking respray job!
Seriously though, the unanimous advise, to simply replace the panels, is as I thought but having informed opinions from those who have experienced this dilemma is helpful and much appreciated. Thank you.

[Mel46]

Maddiedog, you're alive! Glad to see that you have the time to check in on us.

I concur with Maddiedog and all the rest of the group. Replace the panel. HOWEVER... keep in mind that where the scratches are and how they got there may play a big part in the replacement process.

If the scratches are on one of the front covers, it will take quite a bit of effort and time to replace it. Like one member suggested, save the replacement panel until you are getting ready to sell the bike.

Next: how they got there.
If the scratches just occurred due to normal driving, such as gravel being kicked up against the panel somewhere along your normal travel route, then you have a high chance that the new panel will have the same fate.

I had some areas on my red PCX that received minor scratches, and this is what I did.

First, I ordered a new panel.

Second, while waiting for the replacement panel to arrive I purchased a small bottle of paint used for plastic models, at a hobby shop. Since I rode the bike to the store, they let me go out to the bike with the various shades until I found one that was close.

Last, I went home and touched up the scratches before parking the bike for the night. It took a couple of coats, but in the end it worked out nicely.

[Jge64]

if you must do a touchup,google DR COLORCHIP if you want and easy way to color the scratch...it works extremely well.

[aphid]

If the scratches are on one of the front covers, it will take quite a bit of effort and time to replace it. Like one member suggested, save the replacement panel until you are getting ready to sell the bike.

Left and right side covers have scratches, and the left sticky out panel (!) by the headlight.

Right side cover got scratched because I once got too close to the curb, squeezing past an annoying car driver at a roundabout and heard the scrape as I squeezed through...he was taking sooo long to pull out.

The other scratches were one of those ‘WTF’ moments. I got my bike out of the garage, as I have done most mornings for over four years. Side stand out, as I always do at this point, while I closed the garage door. As I walked to the garage something caught my eye followed by a thump. Because there is a slight downward gradient at the end of my drive, the side stand collapsed back and up and the bike slid over. I was amazed there was so little damage, to be honest. But these things irritate and fester.

I have no plans to sell in the near future, so a fix is for peace of mind.

[you you]

Ignore the scratches and keep the money for petrol or for your next bike?

[Mel46]

The other scratches were one of those ‘WTF’ moments. I got my bike out of the garage, as I have done most mornings for over four years. Side stand out, as I always do at this point, while I closed the garage door. As I walked to the garage something caught my eye followed by a thump. Because there is a slight downward gradient at the end of my drive, the side stand collapsed back and up and the bike slid over. I was amazed there was so little damage, to be honest. But these things irritate and fester.

Oh yes! I did the same thing with my Burgman 400. It sucks when that happens. Now I know why you want to replace the panel.