pgribbin

Took my new Edge in for its first bath yesterday (my mistake for not washing it myself, have learned my lesson). After getting home, I noticed that the front, hood, windshield, and roof had been terribly scratched, in some cases down to the primer. I am certain that I would have noticed this before the wash, and since I have been the only one driving it, I am sure that it did not happen while driving. It is obvious to me that it happened at the wash, but I cannot prove it. I don't even know how it could happen. I am guessing that perhaps the sponges picked up some ice, rock, etc. and beat on the car. Obviously, the car wash owner is not convinced of this. I took pictures of ice sticking to the sponges, and of the damage in case I have to bring them to small claims court. Just a few questions for anyone who might be kind enough to help: 1. Has anyone had any experience with this or any ideas what might have caused it? 2. Has anyone fought a car wash for damages? Any advice? 3. Any advice on repainting the hood. I have heard that repainting is never as good as factory, and will fade or not match. I have also heard, however, that this is no longer an issue with new technology. If new painting is not as good, perhaps I should learn to live with the scratches. 4. Should I go to a Ford dealer with a body shop, or an independent body shop? Thanks for any help, I'm pretty upset about this and hope to get it fixed soon.

Took my new Edge in for its first bath yesterday (my mistake for not washing it myself, have learned my lesson). After getting home, I noticed that the front, hood, windshield, and roof had been terribly scratched, in some cases down to the primer. I am certain that I would have noticed this before the wash, and since I have been the only one driving it, I am sure that it did not happen while driving. It is obvious to me that it happened at the wash, but I cannot prove it. I don't even know how it could happen. I am guessing that perhaps the sponges picked up some ice, rock, etc. and beat on the car. Obviously, the car wash owner is not convinced of this. I took pictures of ice sticking to the sponges, and of the damage in case I have to bring them to small claims court. Just a few questions for anyone who might be kind enough to help: 1. Has anyone had any experience with this or any ideas what might have caused it? 2. Has anyone fought a car wash for damages? Any advice? 3. Any advice on repainting the hood. I have heard that repainting is never as good as factory, and will fade or not match. I have also heard, however, that this is no longer an issue with new technology. If new painting is not as good, perhaps I should learn to live with the scratches. 4. Should I go to a Ford dealer with a body shop, or an independent body shop. Thanks for any help you can provide. I love my new car and am pretty upset about this.