Author Topic: Side Grill Scuff  (Read 725 times)

Offline jcrollie

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Side Grill Scuff
« on: 09 June 2025, 14:53 »
Came back to my car to see some cnut has brushed past the front passenger side of my car… Some Fast Cut has got most of it out the paint and a machine polisher will no doubt get rid of what’s left, however the side grill has been scuffed also. This is cheap black plastic so if it needs to be replaced should be cheap and it is a generic part across Mk7 GTI/GTD but was just wondering if it could be sorted without having to go through the hassle of changing it. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Photo below.

SOLD 2017/17 6C Polo Match Edition 3dr in Blue Silk
2019/69 MK7.5 Golf GTI TCR 5dr in Pure Grey

Online Adam T7

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #1 on: 09 June 2025, 15:22 »
I did exactly the same, though in my case, my fault. ISTR part was £29, easier to replace than repair on mine - local Chipsaway fitted it as I also scuffed same paint off🙄
« Last Edit: 09 June 2025, 15:26 by Adam T7 »
MY2019 GTI Mk 7.5 Performance. DSG, 5 Door, Rear Camera, Climate Windscreen and Rear Window Factory Tints, Indium Grey.

Offline jcrollie

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #2 on: 09 June 2025, 16:27 »
Where did you get the replacement part? I found this:

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/blic/23126413

But don’t want to have mismatching grilles  :grin:

SOLD 2017/17 6C Polo Match Edition 3dr in Blue Silk
2019/69 MK7.5 Golf GTI TCR 5dr in Pure Grey

Online Adam T7

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #3 on: 09 June 2025, 16:37 »
Where did you get the replacement part? I found this:

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/blic/23126413

But don’t want to have mismatching grilles  :grin:

Not 100% sure where it was sourced from as guy from Chipsaway sorted it, I was told it was a genuine VW part, probably from TPS - either way, perfect match.
MY2019 GTI Mk 7.5 Performance. DSG, 5 Door, Rear Camera, Climate Windscreen and Rear Window Factory Tints, Indium Grey.

Offline Nino

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #4 on: 09 June 2025, 17:51 »
Ouch man! nothing worse :(

Looking at your image, The black plastic trim shows light to moderate scuffs, not gouges the scuffs appear superficial it looks like the top layer of the plastic is abraded but not deeply damaged.

If it was me, this is what I would try first.

Clean the Area

- Wash it with soap and water.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Try Heat (often very effective on textured trim!) Use a heat gun (best) or hair dryer (slower but safer).
Keep it moving don’t stay in one spot, or the plastic may melt. Lightly heat the area until the plastic "relaxes" and the scuffs visually reduce.
(You’ll literally see the white scuffs fade as the oils and texture of the plastic come back up.)
- Apply Plastic Restorer like Meguiar’s Ultimate Black, CarPro DLUX, Gtechniq C4 Apply with a microfiber cloth, Let it cure, buff off any excess.

Optional:
If the heat + restorer combo doesn't fully hide the scuff, Lightly use a magic eraser with caution (test on a small area first).
Then repeat the plastic restorer.

VW Car history - Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door, Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door, Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door, Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door, Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door, MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door, MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door.
Current - MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door

Offline jcrollie

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #5 on: 09 June 2025, 19:50 »
Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately the heat gun didn't do anything. But some olive oil, a tiny bit of tar remover and some more Fast Cut later it's pretty much invisible. Can notice it if you go up close and know where it is, but that's being pedantic.

Here is the transformation  - I now sympathise with the double parking club  :grin:


SOLD 2017/17 6C Polo Match Edition 3dr in Blue Silk
2019/69 MK7.5 Golf GTI TCR 5dr in Pure Grey

Online Adam T7

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #6 on: 09 June 2025, 20:21 »
Nice job👍
MY2019 GTI Mk 7.5 Performance. DSG, 5 Door, Rear Camera, Climate Windscreen and Rear Window Factory Tints, Indium Grey.

Offline Nino

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #7 on: 09 June 2025, 20:42 »
That's a great job there! TCR by anychance?

VW Car history - Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door, Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door, Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door, Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door, Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door, MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door, MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door.
Current - MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door

Offline jcrollie

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #8 on: 09 June 2025, 20:58 »
Keen eye! Yes it is.
SOLD 2017/17 6C Polo Match Edition 3dr in Blue Silk
2019/69 MK7.5 Golf GTI TCR 5dr in Pure Grey

Offline Nino

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Re: Side Grill Scuff
« Reply #9 on: 10 June 2025, 07:31 »
Keen eye! Yes it is.

its only because I have done nothing but study Clubsports and TCR's the past few weeks :D

VW Car history - Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door, Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door, Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door, Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door, Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door, MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door, MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door.
Current - MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door