mark1952

My 07 ES 350 has a scratch on the trunk lid next to the license plate. Looks like a grocery cart hit it. The scratch is deep enough to cut through the clear coat. What is the best way to repair it?
Also - there are some rust spots developing in around the license plate area. VERY disturbing. Some advice about fixing that is welcome as well. Thanks.

LexBob2

You might want to try the Special Interest forums on this site. They have one for Maintenance and Auto Care and Detailing that might have some members with input and advice. Good luck.

Might not hurt to look at your warranty information to see if the rust around the license plate might be covered.

jkayca

Pics would be nice too.

RobF350

it is very unlikely there is rust, it might be some surface stains from the license plate bolts or the license plate frame.

if the car itself is truly rusting it is covered under the car's corrosion and rust warranty so dont pay out of pocket to repair it.

If the rust is coming from damaged paint that is your fault you will not be covered

mark1952

Thanks for the helpful informaton.

ArmyofOne

Mark, If you can post some pix, I would be glad to assist you further.

however, I believe your "rust spots" are one of 2 things:

- like someone else said, rusty water from your liscense plate screws.

- OR...(little orange dots) they are from road grit and grime, like tar. whatever was stuck to your paint wears off, and an orange spot is left. As a detailer I see this all the time. A Semi-aggresive Claybar (meguiars smooth surface clay kit, or mothers california gold) will remove this with ease.