Anybody have this problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
Anybody have this problem
I Purchased a set of painted engine dress up kit from a vendor for which I will not mention the name at this time due to the fact that I will let them resolve the problem with me with a full refund.
With that said, My problem is I had a problem with the coolant tank that was painted , it cracked/peeled in numerous places, I contacted the vendor, and they replaced it,(even though I had to pay the shipping for it to be shipped back), I recieved and installed the newly painted tank maybe 1 month ago, and this tank is cracking and peeling also.
My question is , has anyone else had this problem with the C5 painted coolant tanks cracking/peeling from any vendor.
Thanx for your input, this really irritates me.
With that said, My problem is I had a problem with the coolant tank that was painted , it cracked/peeled in numerous places, I contacted the vendor, and they replaced it,(even though I had to pay the shipping for it to be shipped back), I recieved and installed the newly painted tank maybe 1 month ago, and this tank is cracking and peeling also.
My question is , has anyone else had this problem with the C5 painted coolant tanks cracking/peeling from any vendor.
Thanx for your input, this really irritates me.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I've not painted the engine parts but I did try the painted letters on the passenger airbag. I found that with the Vegas heat the paint peeled quite quickly. That said its only 90 there at the moment so hardly summer temperatures. In my case it was probably because I hadn't prepared the surface well enough.
I'm no expert but if the surface prep is poor it may be the problem.
I'm no expert but if the surface prep is poor it may be the problem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
I've not painted the engine parts but I did try the painted letters on the passenger airbag. I found that with the Vegas heat the paint peeled quite quickly. That said its only 90 there at the moment so hardly summer temperatures. In my case it was probably because I hadn't prepared the surface well enough.
I'm no expert but if the surface prep is poor it may be the problem.
I'm no expert but if the surface prep is poor it may be the problem.
I am assuming the it doesnt matter what the temp outside is , considering its under the hood, but understandably the coolant temp will get a little hotter as the temp outside goes up, but the first tank that peeled was when we just had our coldest winter months in 15 years out here.
I'm sure other parts of the country people have the same coolant temps as we do here, and am curious if anyone has had this problem also.
Thanx for the input DeeGee
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Poor preperation will cause the paint to crack or peel off. If the vendor is getting tanks as exchanges to paint and re-sell, he may not be properly cleaning the surfaces. Some people use silicone-based treatments (like Armor-All) on them when on their cars. When those tanks are sent in as cores, proper cleaning and prep is necessary to remove that stuff.
If you do get a refund, I would take the tanks to a competent autobody shop and have the painting done properly. You might also consider ordering new tanks from a dealer and starting from fresh.
If you do get a refund, I would take the tanks to a competent autobody shop and have the painting done properly. You might also consider ordering new tanks from a dealer and starting from fresh.
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Poor preperation will cause the paint to crack or peel off. If the vendor is getting tanks as exchanges to paint and re-sell, he may not be properly cleaning the surfaces. Some people use silicone-based treatments (like Armor-All) on them when on their cars. When those tanks are sent in as cores, proper cleaning and prep is necessary to remove that stuff.
If you do get a refund, I would take the tanks to a competent autobody shop and have the painting done properly. You might also consider ordering new tanks from a dealer and starting from fresh.
If you do get a refund, I would take the tanks to a competent autobody shop and have the painting done properly. You might also consider ordering new tanks from a dealer and starting from fresh.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 1
From: Stillwater,MN
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Cruise-In V Veteran
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Do the plastic pieces fit poorly and are you having to twist them when you push them down on the velcro or 2 sided tape. I have found that most of these pieces do not fit perfectly to the contour of the tank and if you force them they will cause the paint to crack regardless of who painted them. Try shimming them in the future and they shouldn't crack or peel. 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
Do the plastic pieces fit poorly and are you having to twist them when you push them down on the velcro or 2 sided tape. I have found that most of these pieces do not fit perfectly to the contour of the tank and if you force them they will cause the paint to crack regardless of who painted them. Try shimming them in the future and they shouldn't crack or peel.
And as far as I know , they are new tanks, I didnt have to send my old ones in.
I also have noticed that there website does not offer the engine dress up kits anymore. So I do believe others probably have had the same problem.
Again, I am not trying to diss the vendor, I know he has done some good work out there, due to the fact I read there replies before I purchased mine.
I just hope I can get a refund, so I can get them done properly.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
New tanks may still have the release agent on them. When the tank halves are molded, a release agent is sprayed into the mold so it will be easy to remove the newly formed plastic piece.
If a painter does not remove this agent with the proper solvents and does not use a primer made for plastics, the base color applied to the tank may peel and crack.
If a painter does not remove this agent with the proper solvents and does not use a primer made for plastics, the base color applied to the tank may peel and crack.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 987
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From: Braidwood Il.
I painted my coolant tank and washer solvent tank myself, I went to a paint supply store a had them mix up some paint and put it in a rattle can, it looks great and still is holding up good. Check it out and do it yourself.