Paint

PAINT

Replacement Panels

Service panels are supplied with a cathodic primer coating as part of the panel protection, and in compliance with the vehicle’s Corrosion Warranty where applicable. DO NOT remove the primer before paint refinishing. In the event of localised surface damage or imperfections, ensure that the minimum of primer is removed during rectification work for effective repair.

Rectify damage as far as possible by panel beating or straightening. To remove corrosion or paint runs on outer surfaces, abrade the primer coat in the affected area as necessary using the following procedure:

1. Clean the panel using a solvent wipe.
2. Treat exposed areas of metal with an etch phosphate process.
3. Re-treat the affected area using either a separate acid-etch primer and two-pack surfacer, or an integrated etch primer/filler.

Panel Preparation

Bolted Panels:

Before fitting bolt-on panels, ensure that all mating and adjacent surfaces on the vehicle and replacement panel are free from damage and distortion. Rectify if necessary as described in this section, and apply preformed strip sealer where specified. See INFORMATION, Sealing and corrosion protection.

Welded Panels:

1. Remove primer from the immediate vicinity of new and existing panel flanges, cleaning to bright metal finish.
2. On joints to be spot welded, apply weld-through zinc rich primer to joint faces of both flanges. Make spot welds while primer is still wet or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Dress accessible weld seams.
4. Clean panel using solvent wipe.
5. Treat bare metal with an etch phosphate process.
6. Re-treat repaired areas. See Sealing and corrosion protection.

NOTE: It is not satisfactory to use weld-through, zinc rich primers in conjunction with arc or MIG welding.

Sectioned Panels:

When replacing part or sectioned panels, the basic procedure is the same as for welded panels described above, with the following variations:

1. Remove primer from both new and existing joint faces, cleaning to a bright metal finish.
2. Where an overlap joint with the existing panel is to be spot welded, apply weld-through, zinc rich primer to both joint faces and spot weld while the primer is still wet, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. MIG weld butt joints where applicable.
4. Clean the panel with a solvent wipe.
5. Treat bare metal areas using an etch phosphate process.
6. Re-prime affected areas as necessary as for rectifying transit damage.
7. Treat the inner faces of lap or butt joints with a suitable cavity wax. See Sealing and corrosion protection.