I recently bought a low mileage 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix and I have searched the forum for a quick answer to my questions. Also, I may have to sell my Fiero with 3800SC/4T65e HD combo and I have a paint-related question about it as well.

The Grrand Prix has a minor scrape in the front bumper cover and am I correct in assuming that it is SMC material? Any tips and concerns about repairing it? The scrape isn't deep but it took off the clear coat/base coat combo. There are other scrapes on the car but nothing that goes beyond the clear coat--is it possible to buff it out if the scrapes aren't too deep? Would I use polish or fine grit medium?

My Fiero badly needs a paint job and if I decide to keep it, I want a quality paint job. I know this question has been batted around a few hundred times but what is the current feeling? Take panels off? Leave them on? At the beginner's level, am I being too ambitious to attempt a two color scheme?

I'd appreciate any replies including a butt chewing for not finding the answers by searching.

If I sell the car, I'll miss it but physical limitations almost force me into selling it.

quote Originally posted by starlightcoupe: There are other scrapes on the car but nothing that goes beyond the clear coat--is it possible to buff it out if the scrapes aren't too deep? Would I use polish or fine grit medium? .

You should be able to buff some off. I have used Meguiars paint cleaner, then their polish. Otherwise maybe a cutting glaze/polish like this:
http://www.lupus-autopflege...ar-Glaze-7-473ml.png

But if you are painting the car just do that instead.

If its in only the clearcoat, it should mostly buff out with rubbing compound. If there a little deeper, but still only in the clear, you can wetsand a little with 1200 and rub it out. If its into the color or thru the color, it needs paint. In lots of cases, you can use a small modeling paint brush and fill it in with color, followed by some clear, sand it slighlty after its dried, and buff it out. Most bumpers are urathane although most now are a rigid molded type thermoplastic. They can be slightly filled and sanded to be repainted. If its just a scrape/ gouge, you can fix it just fine with 2 part catalyzed filler called 'icing'. Its basicly the same as regular filler only more flexible and easier to work. It adheres just fine to even just scuffed paint. I use it all the time to fill hail dents where I dont want to unnecessarily grind down all the spots to bare metal. It lasts as long as the panel. Prime and paint as usual.