07 Paint problems

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Jun 14, 2007 | 10:37 PM

GS2007

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From: WPB FL

07 Paint problems

just noticed light scratch marks on my targa top of my 07 coupe. Upon looking at it I rubbed my finger nail across it to see how deep they were and guess what... it made another scratch

Does anyone have this problem? It doesnt make sense that the clearcoat is so soft a finger nail can scratch it...

Someone pls. help!!!

Jun 14, 2007 | 10:42 PM

User 020720

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Welcome to the world of somewhat soft automotive paint. They're inevitable.

Use a good scratch remover like Scratch-X and then follow up with Zaino and it will make them less noticeable.

Hold up a high enough powered light to the finish and you'll probably see more of them.

Jun 14, 2007 | 11:37 PM

JmpnJckFlsh

Safety Car

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From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by GS2007

To me, the clear sounds like it's WAYYYY too soft. Paint processes are compromised to comply with environmental regs, but I don't think it's that bad yet. I'm pretty sure the coupe roofs are painted by the supplier and not at Bowling Green, so you may have defective paint.

I would take it in to the dealer if they have a body shop; if they don't, I would take it to a dealer that did, and have the Body Shop Manager take a look.

Jun 14, 2007 | 11:56 PM

need-for-speed

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From: Texas

CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet

St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17

Quote:

Originally Posted by GS2007

When I got my 2000 C5 (bought it new) it had swirl marks on the hood. Sal Zaino told me to see if I could feel it with my thumbnail. I drug my nail upside down across it as light as I possibly could and still touch the car. The same damn thing happened to me ! It made a new scratch / scuff mark

(I don't blame Sal)

A year later, it was not nearly as soft. I am convinced the clear on these cars hardens for a year. I lived with those swirls for 4 years. When I finally bought a Porter Cable and some Menzerna polish it took the swirls right out.

Because I think the clear is so soft when new, I won't use my Porter Cable on my new car until it's a year old.

When was the car built? After it's a year old, learn how to use a Porter Cable. Use a white foam pad and some Menzerna polish. Read all about it in the car care section. It'll get rid of the mark you made and probably the scratches too.

Last edited by need-for-speed; Jun 15, 2007 at 01:21 AM.

Jun 15, 2007 | 03:00 AM

Memphis Vette

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JmpnJckFlsh

Coupe roofs are painted at Bowling Green.

The EPA requires current automotive paints to be waterborne, not airborne as in the past. This leads to a softer clearcoat. Some German manufacturers still use airbornes paints, hence the harder, less scratchable clearcoats of Audi's, Mercedes, etc.

Jun 15, 2007 | 06:29 PM

GS2007

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From: WPB FL

Dealer UPDATE

The dealer said it was a defect and I need to make an appointment with the paint shop to have it fixed. Said it has happened on a few vettes. I went over to on on the showroom floor and guess what.... it had the same problem... I put my finger nail on the roof and it made a scratch...NOT so nice!! Check your top if you have an 07... you have to look at it from different angles. I noticed last night with overhead lights shinning on the car.

Jun 15, 2007 | 07:56 PM

KevinRH

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I have recently purchased a limited edition 2006 Ducati Motorcycle and an 2007 triumph motorcycle. I have a tank bag that I have used for several years without a problem . On these two bikes the tank bag leaves an inprint from the magnets in the clearcoat. The inprint goes away if left alone. the soft clearcoat is discussed on their respective forums. Solution according to my painter is to wet sand leave alone ffor two days so the solvent can dry and re clear coat. or live with it.

Jun 16, 2007 | 01:08 PM

Gearhead65

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Evansville IN

I don't think it's a specific problem for you. Did the same thing on mine when I first got it. Completely overhauled my cleaning processes (from things I learned on this forum) and have not had troubles since. Someone note that they think the clearcoat gets harder with time, and I agree. Although I have not done anymore fingernail tests!!!