Lumina L4-151 2.5L (1991)
and non-ferrous metal panels. This instrument has an accuracy range of +/- 1% and has thickness standards included for recalibration. Approximate cost
= $1750.
An alternative (for use on steel panels only) would be the digital Elcometer 246 model, or equivalent. This gage has a +/- 3% accuracy range and include
thickness standards for recalibration. Approximate cost - $575.
REPAIRING RAIL DUST DAMAGE
Rail dust damage comes from the tiny iron particles produced from the friction between the train wheels and the track. It can also be deposited on
vehicles if stored near any operation producing iron dust (steel ore yards, etc.). This dust can either lay on top of, or embed into the paint surface. It is
usually diagnosed as;
-
bumps in the paint surface OR
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rust colored spots in the paint.
PROCEDURE:
1. Wash the vehicle with soap and water, dry it and clean the affected area with wax and grease remover.
2. Keeping the vehicle in a cool or shaded area, rinse the surface with cold water.
CAUTION: RAIL DUST REMOVER (OXALIC ACID) IS AN ACIDIC SUBSTANCE CONTAINING CHEMICALS THAT WILL BREAK DOWN
THE IRON PARTICLES EMBEDDED IN THE FINISH. WHEN WORKING WITH IT, USE THE NECESSARY SAFETY
EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING GLOVES AND GOGGLES. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S DIRECTIONS CLOSELY BECAUSE
IT MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL HANDLING AND DISPOSAL.
3. Soak several terry cloth towels in a container of rail dust remover solution and, after the damaged areas have been rinsed with cold water, lay the wet
towels on the damaged areas.
4. Allow the towels to remain in place for 20 minutes, keeping them moist by spraying with water and not allowing to dry on the surface of the vehicle.
5. After 20 minutes of applying the towels, remove them and rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Inspect the affected area to ensure the dust has
been removed. Use both touch (feeling for bumpy surface) and sight (magnifying glass for close inspection).
6. If upon inspection some particles are still present, the process of applying the towels can be repeated 3 times.
7. Select a test area and hand wet sand with American ultra fine 1,500 grit to 2,000 grit sandpaper to repair damage (surface pitting from dust).
a. Use ample amounts of water.
b. Go slow to prevent removing too much clearcoat.
NOTICE:
USE A PAINT GAGE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF CLEARCOAT REMOVED. IF TOO MUCH HAS BEEN REMOVED,
ADDITIONAL CLEARCOAT WILL HAVE TO BE APPLIED.
IF RAIL DUST HAS PENETRATED INTO THE BASECOAT, THE PANEL REQUIRES REFINISHING. MAKE SURE ALL RAIL
DUST HAS BEEN REMOVED PRIOR TO REFINISHING OR THE RUST SPOTS WILL RETURN, CAUSING CUSTOMER
COMEBACKS.
8. If the damage has been repaired, complete the repair to the entire panel.
9. Once the damage has been repaired, the final step in the repair process involves polishing the vehicle.
PREVENTING INDUSTRIAL FALLOUT DAMAGE
Customers should be urged to wash and dry their vehicles frequently and garage them, or at least cover them with a quality car cover when not in use.
Vehicles in dealer inventories should be kept clean and dry. A vehicle that sits unattended, especially after the sun has dried any water on the body
surface, is a target for acid rain damage.
MATERIALS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN*
WAX AND GREASE REMOVER - USE BELOW OR EQUIVALENT
-
Dupont # 3919S, PPG # DX440, BASF # 900, SIKKENS # 6041
FINESSE POLISHES - USE BELOW OR EQUIVALENT
-
Dupont # 1500S, 3000S; BASF # 563-808, 560-1502; PPG # DRX10; 3M PERFECT-IT
*
USE V.O.C. EQUIVALENTS IN STATES WITH V.O.C. RESTRICTIONS
RAIL DUST REMOVER - USE BELOW OR EQUIVALENT
Industrial Fallout Remover # 5029
Zep Corporation
Atlanta, GA. Telephone # 404-352-1680
