brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

[HagFan]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

I would take photos of all stained/rusted areas of the car, both close-up and wider shots to document the issue. Someone driving by isn't going to contaminate all sides of the car. I would give the dealer one more chance to make it right and I would let him know if they don't agree to fix the problem that you intend to contact both the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio Attorney General's Office. If the dealer comes up short I would follow through with those contacts.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

About the only thing left is to do what Hagfan says. Document with a lot of pics, accurately take notes on what the dealer says and then give them one last shot to fix it right. If they fail then file your complaints. Attach copies of your documentation and see where it goes. I thought the dealers line about the brake dust was priceless. Good luck and keep us informed on your progress.

[andremw]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

So, the dealer had it clay barred. Only removed about half of it. Looks like it will need to be repainted. There goes a couple of thousand dollars.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

So, the dealer had it clay barred. Only removed about half of it. Looks like it will need to be repainted. There goes a couple of thousand dollars.

Bummer...

[andremw]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

At least I know, for next time I purchase a car....

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

Well at least it showed some improvement. Sorry to hear it was not all removed.

[Lydia]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

Is it possible that the dealership's clay job just wasn't thorough enough, and it could be removed by a more thorough claying? Just a thought....looking at the pics I wouldn't think clay could remove it, but the fact that the dealership's clay job DID remove SOME of it makes me think perhaps if you clayed it again and did a very thorough job it would remove all of it?

[oldmodman]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

Chances are good that the dealer had a "lot monkey" do the "detail". You know, some kid making $6.76 an hour that couldn't care less how your car comes out.

If you try a clay bar yourself the chances are good that you will be able to remove MUCH more of the rail dust than the dealer did.

When I purchased my new Ford Cobra it was covered in rail dust too. I started out using the generic clay that is available at Pep Boys, Auto Zone etc. and found that it wasn't removing all the residue. I found an automotive paint store near me and bought a bar of "Red Clay Magic" brand. It was much more aggressive than the white clay that I had been using. And it removed every single red speck and blob.

I am pretty sure that Meguiar's makes an aggressive version of clay too.

And even though it was more aggressive it didn't damage, marr, or create holograms in any way.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

Maybe its time to try the Meguiars professional line of clay. Try the C-2000. Its a mild blue clay. Its stronger then the clay in the smooth surface clay kit, but it should not mar your paint in any way. You should be able to find it for around $30.00. To me it is worth trying before committing thousands to a new paint job.

[roushstage2]

Re: brake or rail dust? Advice PLEASE!

Talk to the service manager, then the GM of the dealership, then the owner, and finally the regional rep for GM. It shouldn't go past the owner of the dealership, because they DO NOT like receiving calls from regional reps. Call the Dept. of Consumer Affairs and file a complaint. Call the BAR and see what they say... There are many options you have, choose one and have at it.

This is one of those things where once you start it, you have to stay with it. Also may want to find a different dealership.

BTW, have YOU clayed the car since taking it in? Dealerships say a lot of things, maybe they just polished it again..