C3 Spare tire tub

[Michael G.]

Hey Guys,
I was wondering if anyone has had any success removing scuffs from the bottom tub. I have a few nice ones that go beyond "scratches" but want to keep the original tub. I fear that trying to work them out will only make for a more noticable issue. I noticed that when moistened with the cleaner, they almost disappear. Then it dries and they are back. Anyone have a trick that works? Are there any NOS units still being sold? Thanks, Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Spare tire tub

Hi Mike,
I had the scuffs that you describe on my tub. I dusted on some semi-gloss clear and it really helped the appearance of the scuffs and the entire tub.
Regards,
Alan

[Pat M.]

Re: C3 Spare tire tub

I was able to sand out light scratches with 2000 grit sandpaper, and then compound out the paper scratches. It was a pain overall, and obviously, the deeper the scratch, the more effort it takes to level the bottom of the scratch with the surrounding surface.
For deeper scratches I mixed up an appropriately gray paint, painted the scratch, and then quickly wiped the area, leaving paint only in the pit of the scratch.
Not a perfect solution, but this improved the appearance of mine greatly. I resorted to this after looking for months and failing to find a nice, original, dark replacement for my 70. I found that what other people considered a "nice tub" were laughably poor to me.

[Michael G.]

Re: C3 Spare tire tub

Thanks Alan and Pat. It's great to be able to take advantage of your experience and not have to experiment with trial and ERROR. I'm sure my lightly repaired original will look much better than the reproductions I have seen. Thanks again. Mike

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 Spare tire tub

Thanks Alan and Pat. It's great to be able to take advantage of your experience and not have to experiment with trial and ERROR. I'm sure my lightly repaired original will look much better than the reproductions I have seen. Thanks again. Mike

Michael, you might try applying a skim coat of clear fiberglass resin resin over the scratched area using a plastic disposible body filler applicator.

Apply enough pressure to wipe the resin almost completely off the surrounding area. Before the resin cures, clean as much of the resin residue as possible off the surrounding area with lacquer thinner. After the resin cures, block the area of the scratches with fine paper and polish with liquid compound until the gloss matches the rest of the tub.

[Michael G.]

Re: C3 Spare tire tub

Thanks Chuck,
I will be using some clear this week to repair an enlongated body hole for the rear bumper. Will definitely sample an area. Thanks for your input, all of you guys. Mike