Bronco L6-300 4.9L VIN Y 1-bbl (1983)
Metallic colors are more intolerant to chemicals because aluminum flake is fairly reactive with either an acid or alkali. The following chart contains the
most common acid materials found on automotive finishes. The chart shows a color, the corresponding damage appearance and also the chemical causal
agent. It is not applicable for Basecoat/Clearcoat finishes.
*
"Caustic" refers to any alkaline substance that may be "harsh" or "corrosive" depending on strength or concentration.
The following "pH" chart show the relationship between acidic and alkaline chemicals and their corresponding pH values. This chart is provided for
informational reference only.
ORGANIC AIRBORN MATERIALS
Organic damage is generally easier to identify. Organic damage is mostly due to tree sap, bird and insect droppings, dead insects (Figure 8) and pollen.
Tree sap is easily identified by clear raised drops that may be hard or sticky. Bee or bug dropping spots may appear brownish or yellow in color, about
an eighth to a quarter inch in diameter. Dead and decomposing insect bodies are readily visible to the eye. Pollen deposits are small yellow clusters. Each
of these items is potentially damaging to any currently available paint system. Other noticeable traits of organic damage are spots that are raised
(swelling) micro-crazing (cracked) and pitting, due to pollen eating into the paint film. The active ingredients in most organic contaminants are tannic
and formic acids . These acids are found in berries and bodily fluids of insects and birds.
Investigations completed at dealerships show that the bright lot lights tend to attract insects. The use of "soft lights" for display and storage lot
illumination will help reduce damage resulting from decomposing bugs and droppings by decreasing the number of bugs attracted to these lights.
Organic damage is accelerated by heat. During very hot weather conditions, it is important to wash vehicles more often.
ORGANIC AND INORGANIC REPAIR PROCEDURES FOR MILD DAMAGE
Iron dust particles may imbed themselves into the paint film. On some light colored vehicles after some weathering, tiny dots of rust start to appear. They
