Caprice Wagon V8-350 5.7L (1994)
SUBJECT:
CLEARCOAT DEGRADATION - CHALKING AND WHITENING
MODELS:
PASSENGER CARS WITH BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT
CONDITION:
The vehicle exterior surface may show large chalky or white patches in the clearcoat, usually but not limited to the horizontal surfaces.
Blacks, Dark Blues, Reds, may have potential for this condition. On rare occasions, other colors may be involved.
CAUSE:
The clearcoat (with sunlight and heat) may degrade and turn white or chalky.
IDENTIFICATION:
On a clean surface, at or above room temperature, firmly apply a 2" wide piece of masking tape to the chalky or white area of the clearcoat and pull
upward quickly. The adhesive side of the tape WILL NOT HAVE THE PAINT COLOR ON IT. A light shine or reduced tackiness may be noticed on
the tape adhesive surface, indicating clearcoat transfer to the tape.
CORRECTION:
Refinish all horizontal surfaces using the following procedure.
-
Remove the clearcoat layer from all horizontal surfaces and the top surfaces of fenders and quarter panels.
NOTE:
In some cases, it will be necessary to remove the clearcoat from the upper vertical surfaces of fenders, doors and quarters (approximately 3"), and the
top areas directly above the front and rear wheelhouse openings.
-
Lightly sand any previously exposed base color to remove any chalky residue from the surface.
-
The vertical surfaces should be sanded and colorcoated to the next lower breakline (typically the body side moldings) for color uniformity of the
repair.
IMPORTANT:
The following procedure covers clearcoat degradation only. It does not address any other paint condition.
PROCEDURE:
1.
Some vehicle components will be removed, while others will require masking. The list located at the end of this bulletin will establish the removal
items. Items not found on the list and non repair areas are to be masked.
2.
Prior to removing the paint finish, clean the area to be refinished with soap and water, followed by an appropriate wax and grease remover.
3.
Mask the remaining moldings and hardware for protection during sanding.
4.
Remove the clearcoat material from all horizontal surfaces (and tops of fenders and quarters) using a DA (dual action orbital sander) and # 120
grit sanding discs. Lightly sand any previously exposed base color to remove any chalky residue from the surface.
NOTE:
Chemical stripping is not recommended because of negative Impact to moldings, non-metal components, ELPO and environmental concerns.
5.
Lightly sand the unaffected vertical panels to the next lower breakline, smooth and "featheredge" the surface to be refinished with # 240 or # 320
grit sandpaper for maximum adhesion.
6.
Blow off the sanding dust and residue.
7.
Remove masking tape and remask all necessary areas for priming.
8.
Wipe and clean repair area with an appropriate wax and grease remover.
9.
Wipe repair area with a tack rag.
10.
Apply a coat of self etching or epoxy primer to the bare metal areas exposed during the sanding process. Follow manufacturer's instructions and
recommended dry times.
