Spidering
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 228
Likes: 208
From: Indiana
Spidering
Does spidering of paint still exist on Corvettes? Imagine not the C8’s, at least not for years yet. If it did become less a problem, when did it change? I had a ‘71 convertible that show some at four years old. I’m sure all materials and processes have improved.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
Technically, Corvettes went from conventional fiberglass to sheet-molded compound (SMC) in ‘73. While SMC still used fiberglass, the material composition evolved to include more lightweight plastics and better resin to improve rigidity. Not always, but often the spider webbing is a condition of old lacquer paint not flexing, and not due to any type of body or fiberglass damage. The problem w/the last several gens is not spidering, but paint adhesion. Particularly around the headlights (C7 & C8) and bumper seams (C7).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 737
From: East Coast, USA
Back in 2000 when I ordered my C5 along with a bunch of other people here on CF, IIRC some people had orange peel issues. I forget the details but I remember several folks were very unhappy about it.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,060
Likes: 24,730
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 '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Can’t recall any spidering issues with any of my C4s, C5s or now my C7.
