Okay...two weeks in and some complete idiot has scuffed the door on my brand new vRS :'(

Can't believe it! Anyway...the damage to the paint on the actual door will polish out and looks worse than it actually is but the info I could do with is how to remove the scuff strips to enable me to get it repaired. Skoda want £130 for new plastics and another £50 in labour but the damage isn't bad enough to warrant the cost. If I can remove it and get it painted for a few quid, this would be the favourable option.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

Most mobile chip repair firms will be able to repair it whilst on the vehicle. Though as it s a new car I wouldnt skimp on the cost and get it fixed professionally.

Most mobile chip repair firms will be able to repair it whilst on the vehicle. Though as it s a new car I wouldnt skimp on the cost and get it fixed professionally.

I know what you are saying but, it really wouldn't justify the cost. After the paint work has been cleaned up and cut back there is just an approx 4" scratch that I need to worry about. I might end up going down this route but, bearing in mind that I'd have to buy complete new plastics and have them sprayed, I might as well give this a crack first surely?

If you are referring to the strips half way uop the door which are the same colour as the body then they are stuck on.

I know - I had all 4 of mine fall off due over time due to inadequate glue strips. This was a manufacturing defect which was fixed under warranty.

If the bond is sound (which I assume yours are) you stand a good chance of them breaking trying to get them off. They are pretty flimsy once they are off the car.

Replacement strips are supplied without any paint, so I guess the £130 includes the dealer spraying it.

I would try one of the smart repair firms first before trying to remove them from the car.

With a little touch of heat and a plastic spreader these will be off in no time. Just gently warm the strip and then slide the spreader along the fixing tape and they'll come off without too much hassle. The hardest part will be removing the old tape what's left on the door, if any. There is a thing called a toffee wheel that will make light work of this if you can find one. If you're not too far from me (Watford) I can lend you mine. Spend the time and do it right and you'll be a lot happier than going down the Smart route.

With a little touch of heat and a plastic spreader these will be off in no time. Just gently warm the strip and then slide the spreader along the fixing tape and they'll come off without too much hassle. The hardest part will be removing the old tape what's left on the door, if any. There is a thing called a toffee wheel that will make light work of this if you can find one. If you're not too far from me (Watford) I can lend you mine. Spend the time and do it right and you'll be a lot happier than going down the Smart route.

Thanks for that. If I'm feeling brave, i'll give it a whirl. I must admit, I didn't fancy the smart route really and if this doesn't pan out, I can always order the painted finished article from Skoda. How would you reattach the plastics after repair? Any idea?

Got any pics of the damage? Would be easier to advise then.

Removing the strips (hairdryer is useful, if nothing else more 'industrial' is available!) and then getting a 'shop to re-paint them does sound like the best option from what you've described.

Thanks for that. If I'm feeling brave, i'll give it a whirl. I must admit, I didn't fancy the smart route really and if this doesn't pan out, I can always order the painted finished article from Skoda. How would you reattach the plastics after repair? Any idea?

They'll be stuck on with a foam based double sided tape, usually 3m. A good motor factors should be able to help you out there. Smart paint repair is ok if you're selling the vehicle but that's where if end IMO. Anything you can paint off of the car you really are best doing so.

Got any pics of the damage? Would be easier to advise then.

Removing the strips (hairdryer is useful, if nothing else more 'industrial' is available!) and then getting a 'shop to re-paint them does sound like the best option from what you've described.

Yep...Here's a couple. The 'before' pic was before cleaning the damage. The 'after' pic was taken after cleaning the area although I have yet to cut the paintwork so, you can see that it's not altogether that bad!