In the 3 years that I have had my box, I have moved myself and friends countless times, hauled lumber, and other large items. The downside with using it as a truck, I have managed to put scratches on a few of the plastics panels. I was wondering if there was something, besides paint, that I could use to get rid of the scratches or just soften them up a bit

 

This wont work on the doors because of the honeycomb-like pattern, but on the smooth surfaces, it will work quite well.

Get a heat gun and SLOWLY (I do mean SLOWLY) heat up the damaged area. This will soften the plastic. Then pat down the area with a piece of leather. The leather has a pattern that replicates the plastic quite well.

Take your time with this. It is easier to add more heat than to overcook the plastic.

Cheers.

 

How hard is it to sand the honeycomb panels and paint them?

 

not hard to sand them down, just a PITA... take your time with it and dont rush it... they will come out very nice.. then hit them with a few coats of adhesion promoter and paint away

 

just find a replacement parts dealer online and order the new panels. It should cost you less than a bill! It wont work for the door panels but for the back pieces in the trunk it shouldnt be a problem

 

3M Leather and Vinyl protectant (avail at Napa) seems to have minimized the Toyota/Scion interior trim scuffs.

 

i just got a light scratch that i actually happened with my nail. It happend on the smooth part of were the A/C controls are. i used a bit of rubbing compound and it took it off almost completely. You can't use alot of pressure or it will discolor it abit.
I don't think it would work on the textured surfaces though.