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Well, after seeing these pictures I realize that my OP is very acceptable. Nothing like that torch red! Wow! I didn't buy the car for the paint in the first place. I bought it to slide around corners while wearing a wide mouth grin!
Perhaps a Porsche is in your future, paint will be fine but be prepared for a whole set of other problems. Every choice has its tradeoffs.
Our mechanically defective C7 was just given up for trade on a new Porsche, who gave the highest trade in value. If Chevy dealers were not so greedy I would have bought another C7. It is what Corvette should be for a car in this price range.
excellent warranty and service. difference is the tech is certified to work on high end cars and trained specifically for that model. Vs getting your average GM tech who might be working on his first C7.
The service and dealer experience is one of the biggest complaints about GM. I found the difference in dealers to be the same as a 3 star hotel vs a 5 star. When you pay more for the room you simply get better service.
The only complaint with Porsche is the $$$. But in the end its worth it.
Not to mention I sold a 90's 911 for more than what I paid for it after 15 years of ownership.
This only comes up because for some reason guys keep comparing the C7 to Ferrari and Porsche. The Corvette is a fine car but in a class by itself. GM has targeted the lower end performance car buyer who is willing to give up a lot to get a car that does so much for so little. There is no way GM can provide all the other stuff and maintain a $55K base. The C7 has its place in the performance car world. Its not the holy grail its what it is. Some are OK with it an accept the quirks and quality issues, the rest need to anti-up if they want the full package.
My Touch Red C7 arrived at the courtesy dealer today. So I drove over to inspect the car. Now, I had read many posts from people who's car had OP especially on the sides of the car but I was truly hoping my car would not be too bad. Well that hope quickly faded upon first glance. On both sides of the car running the entire length it's covered in OP, its bad, really bad! If that wasn't enough the front edge of driver's door is not flush with edge of front fender. So they can't paint or get things to fit flush!
After the initial shock somewhat subsided I started to think, do I really want to pay this much for a car with a ******** paint job? I also thought how embarrassing it's going to be when family and friends see the car. I can hear it now....you paid how much for that car....are they going to fix it....man I'm never going to buy one.
I talked with the GM from the courtesy dealer about the OP and he quickly admitted the vast majority of C7s that he gets have OP, no better, no worse. In fact, a Blue Z06 was delivered at the same time and it too looks as bad as mine!
The courtesy dealer General Manager did mentioned they could file a warranty claim with GM in order to attempt to fix it by wet sanding then polish it out. When I asked how likely it is for GM to approve the claim, he just shrugged his shoulders.
There is one key point I need to mention, I have not paid for the car! So I can pushback and not accept the car. But the reality is even if that went as I would like there is a 99.999% chance the next one will be just as bad!
So now I'm faced with reality, do I give up my forty year dream of owning a Corvette or live with it?
It's going to be a long weekend.
BTW, the driver's door sticks out approximately 3/16" farther than the fender. It is VERY NOTICEABLE.
I was happy to see you didn't pay for it in advance, the C7 should not have left the factory in that condition. It is a shame GM can't get their act together with paint issues after building over 70,000 cars. It is not about quality issues but keeping the production line moving. Look for a dealer that has a big inventory and pick out the best one, then you have to worry about mechanical and computer problems. There has to be one out there that fell through the cracks that will be trouble free. Good Luck.
Well, after seeing these pictures I realize that my OP is very acceptable. Nothing like that torch red! Wow! I didn't buy the car for the paint in the first place. I bought it to slide around corners while wearing a wide mouth grin!
So far it hasn't let me down!
In fact I just mounted a set of the BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE970AS POLE POSITIONs because everything else was on back-order and goosed it on a turn where the stocks would normally stick and slid the tail. Instead of being upset my reaction was " that was awesome!" lol
My car has paint issues as well and it is frustrating. But so have my other toys over the years and using the formula of price over seat of the pants fun I think the C7 is tough to beat.
I feel your pain Maxie. I must have looked at 40 or 50 new Stingrays and Z06's in the last couple of months (including my 2016) and they ALL have some degree of OP. AND I cannot believe GM is not aware of the issue. With no solution yet, it tells me either they can't solve it or think we're too stupid to not notice it.
But we all have choices and I think this may be my last Corvette. I've had 15 new ones and this one has the worst paint of any of them. So, I can either "eat" the lousy paint or move on. I'll probably do the latter.
I've had a great love of the Corvette since my 1st one in 1966 but I'm tired of the BS and refuse to drink the cool aid.
I feel your pain Maxie. I must have looked at 40 or 50 new Stingrays and Z06's in the last couple of months (including my 2016) and they ALL have some degree of OP. AND I cannot believe GM is not aware of the issue. With no solution yet, it tells me either they can't solve it or think we're too stupid to not notice it.
But we all have choices and I think this may be my last Corvette. I've had 15 new ones and this one has the worst paint of any of them. So, I can either "eat" the lousy paint or move on. I'll probably do the latter.
I've had a great love of the Corvette since my 1st one in 1966 but I'm tired of the BS and refuse to drink the cool aid.
They are aware of it. So aware of it that they are spending $439 Million on a new paint shop for the Corvettes. It's been all over the forums in every paint bitching thread.... but again, here's a link:
It's a personal decision, buy them as they are, or don't. This issue has been raised since the C5 and the entire time of the C6 so there should be no surprises here. If you love the cars and are willing to invest a little more or put in some time and labor they can be corrected pretty nicely.
My Touch Red C7 arrived at the courtesy dealer today. So I drove over to inspect the car. Now, I had read many posts from people who's car had OP especially on the sides of the car but I was truly hoping my car would not be too bad. Well that hope quickly faded upon first glance. On both sides of the car running the entire length it's covered in OP, its bad, really bad! If that wasn't enough the front edge of driver's door is not flush with edge of front fender. So they can't paint or get things to fit flush!
After the initial shock somewhat subsided I started to think, do I really want to pay this much for a car with a ******** paint job? I also thought how embarrassing it's going to be when family and friends see the car. I can hear it now....you paid how much for that car....are they going to fix it....man I'm never going to buy one.
I talked with the GM from the courtesy dealer about the OP and he quickly admitted the vast majority of C7s that he gets have OP, no better, no worse. In fact, a Blue Z06 was delivered at the same time and it too looks as bad as mine!
The courtesy dealer General Manager did mentioned they could file a warranty claim with GM in order to attempt to fix it by wet sanding then polish it out. When I asked how likely it is for GM to approve the claim, he just shrugged his shoulders.
There is one key point I need to mention, I have not paid for the car! So I can pushback and not accept the car. But the reality is even if that went as I would like there is a 99.999% chance the next one will be just as bad!
So now I'm faced with reality, do I give up my forty year dream of owning a Corvette or live with it?
It's going to be a long weekend.
BTW, the driver's door sticks out approximately 3/16" farther than the fender. It is VERY NOTICEABLE.
I am the same boat but can tell you GM wont do anything about your paint see below . My feeling is you should refuse delivery ..
I appreciate the opportunity to review your concerns with your 2015 Chevrolet Corvette. The Executive Office, in conjunction the Corvette Brand Quality Manager, has examined Service Request Number 8-1586471230 in which your concern is documented. The orange peel condition is meeting the current quality paint standard at the Corvette plant. General Motors does not support wet sanding the vehicle as the paint finish is the design intent.
I recognize that this situation has caused you a great level of frustration, and I hope that you can accept my sincerest apology on behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet. We look at each situation individually and are unable to provide assistance at this time.
They are aware of it. So aware of it that they are spending $439 Million on a new paint shop for the Corvettes. It's been all over the forums in every paint bitching thread.... but again, here's a link:
It's a personal decision, buy them as they are, or don't. This issue has been raised since the C5 and the entire time of the C6 so there should be no surprises here. If you love the cars and are willing to invest a little more or put in some time and labor they can be corrected pretty nicely.
sure they can be corrected to a degree and be a lot better than the factory but why should we have to pay to fix their lousy work ?
Also wet sanding leaves very little clear coat and possible paint failure down the road. GM will never stand behind a sanded car that the paint fails .
sure they can be corrected to a degree and be a lot better than the factory but why should we have to pay to fix their lousy work ?
Also wet sanding leaves very little clear coat and possible paint failure down the road. GM will never stand behind a sanded car that the paint fails .
Not to mention the risk that the detailer accidentally goes too deep and burns a hole though the paint. Sadly I've heard of this particularly from GM service centers.
Not to mention the risk that the detailer accidentally goes too deep and burns a hole though the paint. Sadly I've heard of this particularly from GM service centers.
I know the best and I mean the best auto body -paint guy around ..
He told me live with it ..as rubbing it out ..wet sand ..and all the other approaches ...could very easily make matters worse ....
so I just pile on the wax and leave it ....
and mine is one of the better ones ...believe me ...
GM standard I love that line ...if it runs ..aint smok'en ..or clunking all is fine ....
sure they can be corrected to a degree and be a lot better than the factory but why should we have to pay to fix their lousy work ?
Also wet sanding leaves very little clear coat and possible paint failure down the road. GM will never stand behind a sanded car that the paint fails .
There is no time machine today, so wait for the 2018 when the new paint shop will be done, or just don't buy one.
Nobody asked GM to stand behind a sanded car, you mod it, you fix it. Period.
Last edited by HalfMoon; Oct 24, 2015 at 06:50 PM.
I know the best and I mean the best auto body -paint guy around ..
He told me live with it ..as rubbing it out ..wet sand ..and all the other approaches ...could very easily make matters worse ....
so I just pile on the wax and leave it ....
and mine is one of the better ones ...believe me ...
GM standard I love that line ...if it runs ..aint smok'en ..or clunking all is fine ....
Plenty of members here have done it themselves in their garages with great results. Sounds like your body guy could do it if he had patience to go slow enough and watch what he is doing. Treating it like a car with 9 coats of clear and letting a shop boy making $9 an hour go at it will not be good ( which is what most great body guys do, they have cheap labor to prep and sand).
Plenty of members here have done it themselves in their garages with great results. Sounds like your body guy could do it if he had patience to go slow enough and watch what he is doing. Treating it like a car with 9 coats of clear and letting a shop boy making $9 an hour go at it will not be good ( which is what most great body guys do, they have cheap labor to prep and sand).
Sure. Since all the cars are painted by machine and have the same amount of paint on them, I doubt it.
Everyone knows "the best (insert job title here) guy" that claims it can't be done... until they meet the real "best" guy that does it frequently w/o issue.
Anyway, just live with it and enjoy the car and drive the hell out of it. That's what it is made for. If you were okay enough with the paint to sign the paper and write the check you should have no regrets.
I feel your pain Maxie. I must have looked at 40 or 50 new Stingrays and Z06's in the last couple of months (including my 2016) and they ALL have some degree of OP. AND I cannot believe GM is not aware of the issue. With no solution yet, it tells me either they can't solve it or think we're too stupid to not notice it.
But we all have choices and I think this may be my last Corvette. I've had 15 new ones and this one has the worst paint of any of them. So, I can either "eat" the lousy paint or move on. I'll probably do the latter.
I've had a great love of the Corvette since my 1st one in 1966 but I'm tired of the BS and refuse to drink the cool aid.
The paint problem with my 2015, Z51, A8, Coupe is mottling of the Blade Silver. It's a problem at the basecoat level so the only fix is a repaint. I've taken it all the way to arbitration and lost. Was told by GM that "it's painted that way by design" and " it is merely a perception problem."
My last Corvette was a 1972 Sunflower yellow Big Block Roadster that I sold in 1983. It had very nice paint but was a tank compared to my Z51.
I love all other aspects of the car but this issue causes me grief every time I see it.
I'm considering a few options including, in order of increasing cost, a complete wrap, repaint on the sides, a 2016 in a different color or a Porche.
I know the best and I mean the best auto body -paint guy around ..
He told me live with it ..as rubbing it out ..wet sand ..and all the other approaches ...could very easily make matters worse ....
so I just pile on the wax and leave it ....
and mine is one of the better ones ...believe me ...
GM standard I love that line ...if it runs ..aint smok'en ..or clunking all is fine ....
The Corvette has a VERY thin clear coat layer, and I still FIRMLY believe that wet sanding this car will cause more problems in the long run, such as sun damage, and weather damage, so wet sanding solves the orange peel look, by making it look better or having a mirror finish, but at what cost?
The Basic problem is simple, at the factory, the clear coat applied too thin, dries too fast when shot at the factory, not allowing time to spread to even out the coat. Humidity, and temperature play a role with the paint application. That is why the orange peel varies so much. In addition the clear coat when sprayed is not EVENLY distributed, as it still uses the older method of thicker on top to run down to even out the bottom which is applied thinner.. Did you notice other parts that are NOT shot on the body have smoother more refined finish? Because the are shot not at the factory paint area, but at the vendor who provided the part.
I use a great polish, layered to about 3 or 4 coats, then I make sure the car is cleaned, and use detailing mist after I dust it when I put it away. I have not complaints about the paint, as it is what it is, I just ENJOY the car, the look, and the performance. Didn't buy the car to sit in the driveway and stare at it all day from the outside, bought the car to drive and have from from the inside.....
you can reduce the orange peel with 3000 grit, I have done it, seen 3 other cars that have had it done, I do not have "thin clear coat" anywhere....Ive been doing paint and body for 10 years, you may not want to do it, but it CAN be done, SAFELY.
a members car here done the same way:
and if you want tot be really safe, you can use a CARPRO denim pad (then velvet) on your orbital that will never burn thru paint....it'll take longer but plenty of pics and experience at the detailing sites.
I have a 79 Z/28 that I've had for 36 years. Love this car -it has the original paint which is a little tired, but I always thought looked OK overall -not a great performer, but it has a 4 speed and 373 posi. I just went out in the garage and held up a light and looked at an angle and sure enough -ORANGE PEEL.
My wife has a 2011 Cadillac SRX. We love this SUV, it is black and I always thought it looked great. But, I just went out in the garage and held up a light and looked at an angle and sure enough -ORANGE PEEL.
I bought a 2015 GMC Denali Crew cab, this is an amazing truck with 420HP/ 8A and scoots pretty good. It is black and I love the way it looks in the driveway on a sunny day. But, I just went out in the driveway and looked at an angle and sure enough -ORANGE PEEL.
I bought a 2015 Corvette Z51, it is black and I think that it looks amazing and it performs better than any car I've ever owned. But, I just went out in the garage and held up a light and looked at an angle and sure enough -ORANGE PEEL.
Now I don't know if I should just sell them all and look for replacements with better paint jobs, repaint them all or just continue to drive and enjoy them like I did before I saw that they all have paint issues ...
