Clear coat issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 24
From: Kansas City KS
Clear coat issue
I've attached a picture of the issue on the nose of my 72. I've just lived with it this way for the past 5 years and back then I was told there's no fix other than complete repaint. However, I now see youtube videos where people are fixing issues like this, albeit not quite as large as this.
It seems like I could possibly use a plastic razorblade to chip off the excess clear and then spot clear it? Anyone had any success with this? I know normally this wouldn't work longer term, but:
a) the spots are identical now as they were 5 years ago
b) the car rarely sits outside
Other than those spots, the car paint is fine (well, other than some ugly pinstriping, lol).
Basically, I'm looking for options rather than $10k for a repaint when the problem isn't completely terrible. It's a base 350 non-numbers matching, so there isn't a lot of value in repainting the car currently. The vinyl wrap thread has me thinking about this again since I was considering doing it a few years ago.
Thanks
It seems like I could possibly use a plastic razorblade to chip off the excess clear and then spot clear it? Anyone had any success with this? I know normally this wouldn't work longer term, but:
a) the spots are identical now as they were 5 years ago
b) the car rarely sits outside
Other than those spots, the car paint is fine (well, other than some ugly pinstriping, lol).
Basically, I'm looking for options rather than $10k for a repaint when the problem isn't completely terrible. It's a base 350 non-numbers matching, so there isn't a lot of value in repainting the car currently. The vinyl wrap thread has me thinking about this again since I was considering doing it a few years ago.
Thanks
Last edited by taylor34; Feb 21, 2018 at 01:28 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 218
Likes: 42
From: Hopedale Mass
I've attached a picture of the issue on the nose of my 72. I've just lived with it this way for the past 5 years and back then I was told there's no fix other than complete repaint. However, I now see youtube videos where people are fixing issues like this, albeit not quite as large as this.
It seems like I could possibly use a plastic razorblade to chip off the excess clear and then spot clear it? Anyone had any success with this? I know normally this wouldn't work longer term, but:
a) the spots are identical now as they were 5 years ago
b) the car rarely sits outside
Other than those spots, the car paint is fine (well, other than some ugly pinstriping, lol).
Basically, I'm looking for options rather than $10k for a repaint when the problem isn't completely terrible. It's a base 350 non-numbers matching, so there isn't a lot of value in repainting the car currently. The vinyl wrap thread has me thinking about this again since I was considering doing it a few years ago.
Thanks
It seems like I could possibly use a plastic razorblade to chip off the excess clear and then spot clear it? Anyone had any success with this? I know normally this wouldn't work longer term, but:
a) the spots are identical now as they were 5 years ago
b) the car rarely sits outside
Other than those spots, the car paint is fine (well, other than some ugly pinstriping, lol).
Basically, I'm looking for options rather than $10k for a repaint when the problem isn't completely terrible. It's a base 350 non-numbers matching, so there isn't a lot of value in repainting the car currently. The vinyl wrap thread has me thinking about this again since I was considering doing it a few years ago.
Thanks
2. Spot clear the bad spots
3. Re-cut the cleared spots
4. Buff the crap out of it!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 218
Likes: 42
From: Hopedale Mass
The process of cutting and buffing the Clear-Coat requires wet sanding the clear coat down very carefully without hitting the paint. This processes is used to remove imperfections and “Orange Peel” after the clear is applied. The resulting finish is a perfectly smooth and reflective shine. There are multiple steps involved in the buffing process. It is very time consuming but the result can bring back some paint jobs.
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,377
Likes: 838
From: New York
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '20- '21
Mike thank you for the clarification. So I guess you have to hope the the pin stripping is above the clear? Or that there is enough paint below it to remove it without burning thru??? Ike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 239
From: Southern CALIFORNIA
The spots will not match with new clear, the color will likely be off because its faded.
If you want to spray clear you have to feather sand the clearcoat to the exposed base. It is difficult to level off the surrounding clear without damaging the color.
common way to fix is just to pull off loose clear.
feather sand the area.
primer to level.
block panel.
paint blend primer area.
Clearcoat panel.
because the previous paint system is already failing it is likely to conitinue to happen again or on other panels.
If you want to spray clear you have to feather sand the clearcoat to the exposed base. It is difficult to level off the surrounding clear without damaging the color.
common way to fix is just to pull off loose clear.
feather sand the area.
primer to level.
block panel.
paint blend primer area.
Clearcoat panel.
because the previous paint system is already failing it is likely to conitinue to happen again or on other panels.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,626
Likes: 1,826
From: Huntsville AL
You have paint failure and anything you do is a band aid fix BUT short of a new paint job go seek out a paint shot that does restoration work and see what they can do to at least make it not as noticeable.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 24
From: Kansas City KS
So it sounds like trying to fix it myself is a nonstarter, and that a shop might be able to fix it partially. I kept thinking it was going to get worse but it's unchanged over my 5 years (have old photos that show it unchanged). It's just a little hard to swallow spending 7k to 10k fixing something that is ok outside of that part, so a lot of other options sound appealing, lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 239
From: Southern CALIFORNIA
It's likely due to sitting indoors. Extreme outdoor sun or moisture it what kills the paiont.
The reason it gets worse is because the paint gets moisture between the base and clear and delaminates the clear.
Usually after many washes the water gets beneath the clear. Or from condenstaion of sitting outside.
When you repaint it, the idea is the remove the delaminated clear and seal it shut with more paint to prevent moisture getting between the paint layers.
The reason it gets worse is because the paint gets moisture between the base and clear and delaminates the clear.
Usually after many washes the water gets beneath the clear. Or from condenstaion of sitting outside.
When you repaint it, the idea is the remove the delaminated clear and seal it shut with more paint to prevent moisture getting between the paint layers.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 213
From: The Buckle of the Bible Belt. Joplin Mo
I've attached a picture of the issue on the nose of my 72. I've just lived with it this way for the past 5 years and back then I was told there's no fix other than complete repaint. However, I now see youtube videos where people are fixing issues like this, albeit not quite as large as this.
It seems like I could possibly use a plastic razorblade to chip off the excess clear and then spot clear it? Anyone had any success with this? I know normally this wouldn't work longer term, but:
a) the spots are identical now as they were 5 years ago
b) the car rarely sits outside
Other than those spots, the car paint is fine (well, other than some ugly pinstriping, lol).
Basically, I'm looking for options rather than $10k for a repaint when the problem isn't completely terrible. It's a base 350 non-numbers matching, so there isn't a lot of value in repainting the car currently. The vinyl wrap thread has me thinking about this again since I was considering doing it a few years ago.
Thanks
It seems like I could possibly use a plastic razorblade to chip off the excess clear and then spot clear it? Anyone had any success with this? I know normally this wouldn't work longer term, but:
a) the spots are identical now as they were 5 years ago
b) the car rarely sits outside
Other than those spots, the car paint is fine (well, other than some ugly pinstriping, lol).
Basically, I'm looking for options rather than $10k for a repaint when the problem isn't completely terrible. It's a base 350 non-numbers matching, so there isn't a lot of value in repainting the car currently. The vinyl wrap thread has me thinking about this again since I was considering doing it a few years ago.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 24
From: Kansas City KS
You’re right it probably won’t get worse if you keep it indoors, but you have to look at it every time you drive it. I am thinking you would be unhappy with a spot job, this looks like a nice Vette. Do you know what type of paint and clear you have.? It makes a difference. I would look into a re spray on just the front clip if the rest of the car looks good. Cool scallops on the nose.
Although it's getting better slowly. No idea on the paint and clear, it's not original, that's all I know. Just getting tired of looking at it, it's kind of any eyesore up front. Other than that, it's pretty decent all around for a car this age. I guess I figured that the spot blending couldn't get worse than how it looks right now.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
I would search out a really well experienced painter and ask him/her what the options were on this one. Unless you are 'flush' with funds, repainting doesn't seem like the way to go. Depending on what paint and clearcoat was used on your car, someone may know if there is a way to remove the damaged area of clearcoat (only) and then make spot repairs.
I highly doubt if anyone could sand off ONLY the damaged clearcoat and then spot repair those areas.
I highly doubt if anyone could sand off ONLY the damaged clearcoat and then spot repair those areas.