Stress Crack
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 6
Stress Crack
Does this look like a stress crack or a clear coat crack? Its in the middle of the picture in the valley that runs parallel to the rear window. When I first noticed this, I thought, at first, it was a hair laying on the paint. Either way, what could cause this? I have not had an accident or any impact that I know of here?
What needs to be done to repair this and is Atomic Orange difficult to match?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,022
Likes: 2,714
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
A stress crack would be more likely to run parallel to the contour in the "plastic", an impact crack (something dropped on it) could go anywhere.
I'd take it outside on a bright sunny day, and use a magnifying glass to look at it.
Most likely, it will turn out to be a small defect in the paint. If you're lucky, it might be polished out. If it takes more than that, then you have to decide how much money you want to spend; and how much risk of the repair looking worse than the problem you are willing to take.
Best of luck to you...
I'd take it outside on a bright sunny day, and use a magnifying glass to look at it.
Most likely, it will turn out to be a small defect in the paint. If you're lucky, it might be polished out. If it takes more than that, then you have to decide how much money you want to spend; and how much risk of the repair looking worse than the problem you are willing to take.
Best of luck to you...
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
It does to me, too. We are not there, however, to see it up close. But I'd do what Gearhead Jim said above.
As to degree of difficulty re repaint orange, it depends on the craftsmanship of the painter/shop. I believe there was a change in '08 from a tintcoat, to non-tintcoat. But a little research on your part will determine the answer. I'd guess that a tintcoat is more difficult to replicate. If you decide to go the paint route, just do a lot of research on whomever is going to do the job. My concern would be not only how it looks the day it leaves the shop, but a couple years later--does it still match? And if it doesn't, will they stand behind their work and re-do it for free, in writing (and will they be around)?
As to degree of difficulty re repaint orange, it depends on the craftsmanship of the painter/shop. I believe there was a change in '08 from a tintcoat, to non-tintcoat. But a little research on your part will determine the answer. I'd guess that a tintcoat is more difficult to replicate. If you decide to go the paint route, just do a lot of research on whomever is going to do the job. My concern would be not only how it looks the day it leaves the shop, but a couple years later--does it still match? And if it doesn't, will they stand behind their work and re-do it for free, in writing (and will they be around)?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 6
sorry for the picture, I couldn't get a better shot after numerous attempts.
2007 Was the last year for the tint coat.
Anything could happen, but I'm extremely careful when cleaning. I go over the car with a sprayer filled with the car wash solution, wait, then rinse with a pressure washer before a microfiber mitt ever touches the paint. I also only dry with a blower.
2007 Was the last year for the tint coat.
Anything could happen, but I'm extremely careful when cleaning. I go over the car with a sprayer filled with the car wash solution, wait, then rinse with a pressure washer before a microfiber mitt ever touches the paint. I also only dry with a blower.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
certainly not blaming you for scratching the car. rather, anything can happen. a small branch can blow off a truck in front and lightly graze your car. sounds improbable, but wind is weird sometimes. a magnifying glass might help look at it up close though.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 2
Get some paint scratch remover at any auto store. Take a clean terry wash cloth and rub back and forth in the direction of the blemish. If it seems to diminish its most likely a scratch and not a crack. if it is a crack it will need a body shop and about $600 to repair.