Paint Damage / Thin Paint >?

[PANAVIA]

SPF guys--

ok, so maybe it is just me, or maybe I am nuts, but is the paint on the SPFs welll...."Fragile ??"

the reason I mention this is that I am getting little scratches in the paint.

My color is a solid, so maybe that has something to do with it. -- what paint do they use on the SPFs at the factory >?

it certainly is not as durable a finish as my stingray was with the Imeron boat paint , but you probably cant get imeron anymore.

My point, from working on my car and around it the paint seems to me prone to chip/scratch very very very easily.

ideas -tips -tricks >?

Steve

[RodgerH]

I think I have to agree. I accidentally dropped a key (not a heavy key ring) on my fender from a height of maybe 6" and it left a small chip.

I've done a lot worse to my daily drivers without any resulting damage. The paint on my SPF seems comparatively thin and "brittle".

(But it is BEAUTIFUL paint!! )

Rodger

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by RodgerH

The paint on my SPF seems comparatively thin and "brittle". (But it is BEAUTIFUL paint!! )

Rodger

I would agree with this statement. It's actually not thin when you consider the thickness/effort in filling in various chips. If anything, it might be layered on too thick, thus it's prone to more chiping. I'm no paint expert, but I have painted some cars before and I know there's a fine line between not enough paint and too much. I don't know for certain, but I don't think the factory uses a two-part catalyst (i.e. urethane based) paint system. If they did, the paint would be more chip resistant. If they are using a urethane-based paint, then it might be on too thick.

But would have to agree that the factory finish on an SPF roller is fantastic.

-Dean #747

[madmaxx]

Wow, kinda of surprised with this post. My last cobra the paint would chip if a pine needle hit it, my spf blows my mind. I drive in the most gravel ridden city in the country and have managed not to aquire one paint chip anywhere. I do stay back from trucks etc but the kids have bumped it once or twice on their bike and no marks. Now I do not have to worry it is up on a 4 post lift so that can't get to it.

[Got the Bug]

Steve,

I've been pretty satisfied with the quality of the paint on my car. The clear coat seems to be fairly durable, but I am starting to see some chips on the front of the car where the paint is not protected by the clear bra. Luckily, my car is Titanium and the undercoat appears to be grey, so you don't notice the chips as much.

Are the scratches something that would buff out or are they cutting into the clear coat/paint?

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

the reason I mention this is that I am getting little scratches in the paint...My color is a solid, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Steve, welcome to black car ownership.

My C5 Z06 (daily driver) is gorgeous...for about 30 minutes after I wash it. And a really dark car will always show the finest of scratches...even from rubbing too hard with a micro-fiber towel. Trust me...I've seen it on my red SPF and every black 'Vette I've owned. It's a constant battle. And if you have flourescent lighting in your garage like most of us, oh gawd! Those will reveal everything!

Zaino makes an excellent product (Z5) that fills very minor scratches incredibly well. Since you have to multi-layer it, you have to be patient with the process. But it works very well and there are hardly any comparable products on the market that do the job as well. It's also quite durable and doesn't evaporate like a glaze will. I have also used NXT but it's not as durable and doesn't fill as well. But it's good for a quickie job.

If you want a quick and dirty solution, use a glaze like Meguire's #7. It will look great for about one week.

-Dean

[ekrupa2]

Steve - When I first picked up #2632, the paint definitely wasnt cured. I also found a few spots on the car that werent rubbed out completely. After my engine install I noticed a ton of spiderwebs around the engine bay. I ended up rubbing out the car with 3M Finesse it and then followed with with Mequires #7 and then Tech Wax. In flouresent lights you will always find flaws. I do have a few tiny chips up front, but I also drove 3000 miles this summer. I will have to rub out again this spring after a summer of driving and using the Cali duster, but thats the fun of owning the car.

[PANAVIA]

will have my paint guy look at it and advise.

it might have been WHO was working that day.

Steve