Chip on the Illuminated Keyless Entry Molding

[SapphireCat]

So I've spent a week or so Googling and searching the forums (for various Ford products) but haven't really seen anything relevant. So I'm posting here to gather some ideas/get feedback.

About two weeks ago, my car suffered the typical rock shot from driving on the Interstates in Colorado. It came at the side and at the time, I thought it hit my door and figured I'd touch it up with paint. It did hit my door - but it chipped the molding with the illuminated keyless entry. It isn't cracked and isn't impacting the entry panel - but the chip is pretty obvious (at least to me) as the glossy piano black coating is gone and I'm left with the dull gray plastic.

It bothers me enough I am considering replacing the whole panel.

However, I was thinking about getting some gloss black touch up paint and seeing if that might be enough to build up the gouge, cover it and make the chip less obvious as a first attempt to fix this.

Any suggestions on how to repair this piece, especially from anyone who's actually replaced the panel?

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[Me3]

Sounds like a plan. Good luck.

You might need to smooth the repair to make a level surface. Seems like you would need something like #5000 grit sandpaper or smaller to polish it smooth and level and you may still dull the surrounding panel. Those black trim panels really show scratches.

A auto paint guy could advise you better if there’s one here.

 

[wireman]

A photo would help.

 

[SapphireCat]

A photo would help.

 

[wireman]

That's a big chip. Hard call, try the black paint and if you're not happy with it, replacement is always an option. Replacement might get expensive.

 

[Quashish]

I just added the feature. Theres a bit involved to do it yourself. Took me about 45 minutes, and a new panel is about $180. How comfortable are you with removing the driver door glass?

 

[SapphireCat]

I just added the feature. Theres a bit involved to do it yourself. Took me about 45 minutes, and a new panel is about $180. How comfortable are you with removing the driver door glass?

The glass part is what gives me pause and will make me go the touch up paint route first - but there are several good YouTube videos out there that show the process, so I am sure I could figure it out, but it would be the most complicated thing I've done on my BS thus far.

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