Paint Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Exeter California
Paint Question
Hi, I have a 2004 coupe and a 1963 FI coupe.
But my question is on the 04. I take very good care of
my cars. Driving the new coupe I always hold back by 4 or 5
car lengths But looking at the front of the car, I have little
paint chips.
Looks like just the clear coat. I have been told
I have a problem with my clear coat. The car is millenium yellow.
Is this a paint problem or normal. If normal would you recommend
a Mask or Bras. What is the best available ?
Thank You
But my question is on the 04. I take very good care of
my cars. Driving the new coupe I always hold back by 4 or 5
car lengths But looking at the front of the car, I have little
paint chips.
Looks like just the clear coat. I have been told
I have a problem with my clear coat. The car is millenium yellow.
Is this a paint problem or normal. If normal would you recommend
a Mask or Bras. What is the best available ?
Thank You
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Wonder if the color has anything to do with this? I have an '04 Sprial Gray and I don't have any chip-spots on mine. I too, stay far away from the cars in front - so just wondering..
I've had mine for over 4 months and have 1500+ miles, so maybe you drive it more than I do..
Just a thought..
JCR_Indy
I've had mine for over 4 months and have 1500+ miles, so maybe you drive it more than I do..
Just a thought..
JCR_Indy
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,339
Likes: 1
From: His name is Tandy Dillen. Altruism is the last Frontier.
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Does it look anything like this?
I'd have it looked at. I've done some serious road tripping and don't have the issues you're describing.
I'd have it looked at. I've done some serious road tripping and don't have the issues you're describing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 178
From: Jacksonville, NC
Originally Posted by WellAdjusted
Does it look anything like this?
I'd have it looked at. I've done some serious road tripping and don't have the issues you're describing.
I'd have it looked at. I've done some serious road tripping and don't have the issues you're describing.
I am calling 1-800-FOR-AVETTE. I can't believe you allowed such an abundant amount of bug splatter on your car. What are you thinking? They have classes for this in case you need help.
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 21
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
J,
The chips or spots you are seeing are similiar to when you look at a windshield from the inside and the glass is "peppered" with stone chips.
What you are seeing is tiny gouges in the clear coat. Get enough of them and it looks like the paint is ready to flake.
Driving behind helps but think about this. You're driving roughly 60 into the opposite direction of the stops and debris coming back. Though the car in front of you is running 60 also, the wheels are turning probably double that. Whipping a pepple or debris back at that speed into a car coming at 60 would be like throwing a rock at a stopped bumper cover at almost 200 mph.
Well, you got the point... back to your question. I would use a bra or mask only for trips if you have to use one. The paint on your car is basecoat/clearcoat and when the clearcoat receives the constant pressure and rubbing from a bra, it will scratch the clearcoat leaving you with a dull, unpolished look.
There are companies that use computer die-cut 14 mil thick clear vinyl to place on the front (kind of like a see through bra) but to be honest, I'm against that too. (edges to thick, start to look dirty and get wax buildup on the edges)
HTH's,
Mark
The chips or spots you are seeing are similiar to when you look at a windshield from the inside and the glass is "peppered" with stone chips.
What you are seeing is tiny gouges in the clear coat. Get enough of them and it looks like the paint is ready to flake.
Driving behind helps but think about this. You're driving roughly 60 into the opposite direction of the stops and debris coming back. Though the car in front of you is running 60 also, the wheels are turning probably double that. Whipping a pepple or debris back at that speed into a car coming at 60 would be like throwing a rock at a stopped bumper cover at almost 200 mph.
Well, you got the point... back to your question. I would use a bra or mask only for trips if you have to use one. The paint on your car is basecoat/clearcoat and when the clearcoat receives the constant pressure and rubbing from a bra, it will scratch the clearcoat leaving you with a dull, unpolished look.
There are companies that use computer die-cut 14 mil thick clear vinyl to place on the front (kind of like a see through bra) but to be honest, I'm against that too. (edges to thick, start to look dirty and get wax buildup on the edges)
HTH's,
Mark
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,779
Likes: 24,900
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Drive the car, you will ultimately get the chips you describe. Not so sure it is a problem with the clear coat. You can either get a bra or something like Cleartastic for the front end. I run a GM bra and it keeps many of the chips off. And, after more than three years of running the bra, it has not damaged the paint.
