Somerset V6-181 3.0L (1986)
Paint: All Technical Service Bulletins
Paint - Diagnosis & Repair For Chipping
Bulletin
89-10-22
Date
July, '89
Ref. No.
89-179-10
Corp. Ref. No.
971701
SUBJECT:
CHIPPED PAINT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR
MODELS AFFECTED:
ALL 1985-1989 MODELS
Causes for chipped paint are often difficult to diagnose. The following information is intended as a guide in determining whether the condition is due to a
product condition or owner responsibility.
The paint used on all GM cars is designed to withstand certain impact forces without chipping. However, the color coat may chip off some body panels
depending upon a number of factors and circumstances, including a vehicle's design features (hood, slope angle, size of front end panel, rocker panel turn
under), age, the severity of impact, and severe owner usage.
Chipping paint is caused by (among other things) the inability of the top coat to flex enough when struck by salt, stones or hard objects. Conditions of
chipping paint should be carefully evaluated to determine if the cause is related to a paint condition or severe usage by owner. When determining the
cause, the following guidelines should be used as reference.
INSPECTION GUIDELINES
1.
Prior to inspection the body exterior should be clean and free of dirt.
2.
Carefully inspect all horizontal and vertical body panels for chips.
3.
Carefully inspect windshield glass, side glass, side view mirrors, grille and exterior moldings for chips and dents.
4.
Tape test chipped area:
Apply a piece of waterproof or masking tape approximately ten (10) inches long, over the chipped area. Remove the tape with one quick, even
pulling motion, 90 degrees to body panel.
IMPORTANT:
Do not use "duct" type tape with aggressive adhesive.
INDICATIONS OF A PAINT CONDITION
^
Body panels are chipped while windshield glass, moldings and other parts are free of chips and dents.
^
Tape test removes anything more than trace of paint from around edges of the chip or undamaged areas of panel.
INDICATIONS OF SEVERE USAGE BY OWNER
^
Windshield glass, side glass, exterior moldings and other parts in addition to the painted panels show signs of chips and other damage.
REPAIRS
Repairs to a vehicle, where the chipping has been determined to be the result of a paint condition require the removal of the topcoat and primer-surfacer
for best results. The following, based on severity of the condition, are suggested as options for minimizing time and labor.
Heavily chipped areas require the removal of the topcoat and primer-surfacer.
^
Moderately chipped areas require the removal of only the topcoat.
^
Spot repair would probably be sufficient to repair panels with occasional chips.
^
Currently available procedures and materials are adequate to complete the repair.
On a typical complaint car, this would involve removing only the topcoat on hood, fender and door panels while the leading edges, where the chip
