Clinched panels

Clinched panels

1. Abrade primer on new and existing panel joint faces, and clean using a solvent wipe.
2. Apply metal-to-metal adhesive where applicable.
3. Where joints are to be spot welded, apply suitable weld-through, zinc rich primer to weld areas.
4. Where joints are to be MIG, arc or gas welded, apply zinc rich primer in adjacent areas but leave the welded area untreated.
5. To retain the panel while clinching the flanges, tack spot weld or plug weld as appropriate.
6. Clean the panel with a solvent wipe.
7. Treat bare metal areas with a suitable etch phosphate process.
8. Re-prime affected areas as necessary as for rectifying transit damage.

Paint refinishing

1. Seal required exterior and interior seams with an approved seam sealer. See Sealing and corrosion protection.
2. Apply a two-pack paint refinishing system.
3. Repair any damage to underbody sealers either at this stage or before paint operations. See Sealing and corrosion protection.
4. Apply cavity wax to all interior surfaces which have not received refinish paint.

Paint repairs

Before carrying out paintwork repairs, clean the vehicle thoroughly using either a steam cleaner or high-pressure washer.

Wash locally repaired areas using a mild water-mixable detergent and wipe them clean with solvent, immediately before paint application.

Ensure that damaged paintwork which has led to exposed metal is abraded until the metal is clean, extending beyond the area of the original damage. Treat the bare metal with an etch phosphate to remove all traces of rust and to provide a key for new paint coats. Re-treat the affected area using either a separate acid-etch primer and two-pack surfacer or an integrated etch primer/filler, and follow with a two-pack paint system. Treat those surfaces not receiving paint using an approved cavity wax, following paint operations. See Sealing and corrosion protection.

A. Two-pack top coat

B. Two-pack primer filler and etch primer

C. Etch phosphate