Paint Problems on new Vette

[torqvaw]

About a month ago I went and bought a black 09 Vette. Picked it up in the evening and even though I looked it over I didn't see what I saw the next day in the sun. The next day I pulled it out in the sun and noticed what appeared to be some form of spots all over the car. Upon closer inspection I noticed that most of the spots actually were surrounding something stuck in the clear. Went by a local Chevy dealer and they told me it was "rail dust'. Vette's aren't shipped by rail but apparently it picked up some form of debris on the other dealers lot. I was told by my local dealer that the car needed clayed and then buffed. In the meantime I called the other dealer ( who by the way is 4 hours away), and told them about the "dust". They told me they really would like to take care of it for me. I decided to make the trip and give them a chance to fix it. When I arrived I mentioned to the detail department about the reccomendation of the of the other dealer (clay bar then buff). They said no way would they put a clay bar to it. They would buff and polish the car. Well to make a long story shorter..The car looked better, no spots but still a lot of "dust" in the clear. They then decided to clay the car, after the buffing. The clay got out more of the debris but some of it didn't come off. When I looked at it it now appeared to be level with clear. I'm guessing the buffing process sheared it off level with the clear before the clay had a chance to pull it out. The car now sits with this sheared off debris in the clear, and buffer swirls all over it. The dealer says they can do nothing more and GM won't authorize a re-paint. Is there anything I can do to fix this?? From what I've read on this forum it sounds like the buffer swirls won't be a problem, but the debris that is shaved off level with clear really worries me.

HELP!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[BlueZero]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

A few questions so we can better help you...

- Can you post some photos of the problem
- Where are you located (there may be a member near that could take a look at it)

[Jokeman]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

Id suggest finding a very good detailer in your area and pay them to do it correctly. Yes it stinks that GM doesn't correct issues but your car will look 10x better in the hands of a professional detailer.

[torqvaw]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

A few questions so we can better help you...

- Can you post some photos of the problem
- Where are you located (there may be a member near that could take a look at it)

I'll try to get some pics today and post them. I'm in Chambersburg. It's located in South Central PA

[Sal329]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

If you want to try and tackle this yourself you can get some clay. You can try Meguiars smooth clay kit that you can get from Walmart. The clay is not agressive, if tha doesn't work you coul dick up some of Meguiars Professional line clay. Then use a cleaner such as Meguiars Color X or Duragloss 501. Top with some NXT 2.0. Otherwise contacting a professional detailer will be the way to do it. Maybe someone on here details in your area.

[VonLego]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

I'd grab some more aggressive clay and spend 6 hours claying. Its a vette. Its worth it. (I'd try not to buy the "agressive" clay... it marrs up your paint from my understanding. The "mild" clay is more aggressive than what comes in the clay kit)

That being said... might be worth it to give it to a professional and eat the cost. That other detailer didn't sound like much of a pro. Wonder if anyone on this forum is near you. If so I'm sure you could get someone who would spruce this vette up.

Strongly suggest pictures-- They will give an idea of what needs to happen to folks on here.

[InitialDave]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

The car now sits with this sheared off debris in the clear, and buffer swirls all over it. The dealer says they can do nothing more and GM won't authorize a re-paint

If they caused it, I'd think you could lean on them to pay for a professional detailer (your choice, not theirs) to repair the damage. Have you had a quote from someone reputable yet? It seems a bit off that they can offer to repair a problem, make it worse, and then wash their hands of it.

If you're dissatisfied with the dealership, is there some kind of feedback to Chevrolet HQ on new car purchases? Even if there isn't, is it worth explaining the situation to them yourself, and seeing how they view it?

I'm afraid I can't really offer any advice on what you have the right to expect in situations like this, I don't know how these things work in the US, sorry.

[spence82]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

i would take the car back to the dealer you bought it from and tell them they can have the car and give me a new one.you spend 50k on a new vette you shouldnt have to do any work like that to it.i wouldnt settle for any more dealer or pro detailing on it.i would take it back and wouldnt leave until you have a new set of keys or an order for another one.chevy dealers usually will do about anything for a vette buyer.

[Superior Shine]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

Claying isn't the proper way to correct a rail dust issue.

Hot particles of metal (rail dust) on the surface of the vehicle combines with moisture and heat creates rust and acids which causes the iron to corrode and damage the paint. If not addressed promptly the particles will sink farther into the finish causing more damage.

Claying might nip the head off some or maybe most of the particles but when subjected to moisture the particles will "bloom," rust again.

[Sal329]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

Claying isn't the proper way to correct a rail dust issue.

Hot particles of metal (rail dust) on the surface of the vehicle combines with moisture and heat creates rust and acids which causes the iron to corrode and damage the paint. If not addressed promptly the particles will sink farther into the finish causing more damage.

Claying might nip the head off some or maybe most of the particles but when subjected to moisture the particles will "bloom," rust again.

So what do you do? Can you use one of the decontamination systems?

[Superior Shine]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

Yes a three part decon system.

[Mr Mustang]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

that's rediculous, if I pay 50K+ for a car, they dam well better fix a paint problem, there's no way I'd be leaving without a solution

[hacker-pschorr]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

that's rediculous, if I pay 50K+ for a car, they dam well better fix a paint problem, there's no way I'd be leaving without a solution

+1 - this is ridiculous.

At this point you gave them a chance to fix the problem. Now you should be a royal PIA to the dealer.
I would also call GM and Corvette's customer service line. I would also call the Corvette Museam customer relations department (they handle the factory deliveries, might find someone willing to help there).

What city and state are you in?

Under no circumstances should you pay or do anything to the car. That will open up pandoras box allowing the dealer to say "well, we didn't do that to the paint".

Were you working with the sales manager? Why not ask for the owner, it cannot hurt. Keep pushing, being nice isn't going to get you anywhere anymore.

I cannot believe how many people are saying "oh just pay someone to buff it out". This is brand new factory pant and it's f*cked. There is only one solution at this point and the dealer is responsible.

[torqvaw]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

I spoke with the Sales Manager, General Manager, and then owner. None were willing to budge on a new car. They then brought in the GM zone rep who said it was "acceptable". Unfortunatley I wasn't present for his visit and feel he did not actually get to really see the problem. I did call a lemon law attorney that does work in Pa, and Jersey who told me I have a case. They said that even though I only gave them one chance to fix it they think they can get me another car. We'll see. I know that's going to be a hassle, so I was hoping with the right products/methods I could clean it up to look better than new. Doesn't sound promising though.

I wasn't able to get a good pic last night, light wasn't right. I'm going to try again today.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Paint Problems on new Vette

+1 - this is ridiculous.

At this point you gave them a chance to fix the problem. Now you should be a royal PIA to the dealer.
I would also call GM and Corvette's customer service line. I would also call the Corvette Museam customer relations department (they handle the factory deliveries, might find someone willing to help there).

What city and state are you in?

Under no circumstances should you pay or do anything to the car. That will open up pandoras box allowing the dealer to say "well, we didn't do that to the paint".

Were you working with the sales manager? Why not ask for the owner, it cannot hurt. Keep pushing, being nice isn't going to get you anywhere anymore.

I cannot believe how many people are saying "oh just pay someone to buff it out". This is brand new factory pant and it's f*cked. There is only one solution at this point and the dealer is responsible.

Things like this really bother me!