Paint Defect Question

sealionbeast · 02-05-2005

I have a white 05 GT. On one of the edges of the trunk, the paint is not smooth. It looks like there are air bubbles in the clear coat and the paint is rough when I rub my fingers over it. It looks like the white paint didn't mix right with the clear coat when they were painting this one edge. Obviously some sort of paint defect from the factory. Does anyone know if this can be waxed out? buffed out? or do they have to repaint this portion of the trunk. I am taking it in on monday for the first oil change but wanted some opinions from you guys what this may be and/or a solution.

Thanks

MGPony · 02-05-2005

I too have found several defects in the finish of my car; they include:

the edges of the fenders along the wheel well have ridges in them as you describe; it would appear to be bubbles or drips from the paint. These imperfections can't be waxed out. It would have to be sanded and re-finished.
In the bottom of the rear valance, it appears that the mold fit was sloppy and allowed some material to leak out as it was curing because the bottom edge is not smooth and consistent; it has jagged edges of plastic material.
I have found some very slight (ever so slight) blemishes on the tops of the front fenders. It almost looks like a grease or a dirt smudge. When you try to clean it, it obvious that its in the finish under the clear coat.

Also, has anyone lightly rapped on the roof of their car (with their knuckles)? Notice how tinny it sounds? You never really notice these kind of things until you've had the car awhile. You think Ford could have used a little more sound deadening material to keep the hollow tin sound at bay. When I take my car in for the 5,000 mile check up (barring any need to see them sooner), I'm going to inquire on the finish issues.

sealionbeast · 02-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGPony

I too have found several defects in the finish of my car; they include:

the edges of the fenders along the wheel well have ridges in them as you describe; it would appear to be bubbles or drips from the paint. These imperfections can't be waxed out. It would have to be sanded and re-finished.
In the bottom of the rear valance, it appears that the mold fit was sloppy and allowed some material to leak out as it was curing because the bottom edge is not smooth and consistent; it has jagged edges of plastic material.
I have found some very slight (ever so slight) blemishes on the tops of the front fenders. It almost looks like a grease or a dirt smudge. When you try to clean it, it obvious that its in the finish under the clear coat.

Also, has anyone lightly rapped on the roof of their car (with their knuckles)? Notice how tinny it sounds? You never really notice these kind of things until you've had the car awhile. You think Ford could have used a little more sound deadening material to keep the hollow tin sound at bay. When I take my car in for the 5,000 mile check up (barring any need to see them sooner), I'm going to inquire on the finish issues.

I have the same issues with the rear valence and bumper. The fit is not very good where it meets the body. I will have the body shop at my dealership check it out and hopefully fix it under warranty.

brnrkm · 02-05-2005

I have a Satin Silver GT, production number 4704, and the fit is very good (panel gaps, door + glass alignment etc...) BUT ,
the base color (silver) is striped on the hood and roof with a light stripe down the center of both. Now I know that silver is one of the hardest colors to get right, but what the h*ll is up with that?!!
Oh well, computers (painting robots) are only as smart as the programmers

Thankfully, the color silver hides this well enough that only one person has mentioned this to me, and he was a paint and body man.
Also there is a smudge under the clear coat just behind the passenger door and on top of the belt line.

It's not bad enough that I have considered getting it repainted. On the plus side, the clearcoat finish is excellent (for Ford) with hardly any orangepeel, another reason I don't want them to try and repaint it.

Even so, I'm glad I got this car and would buy it again.

I agree that poor fitting panels and rough finished paint should be fixed by your dealer

They may be able to colorsand the rough clearcoat and buff/polish the finish. I would try that before trying to repaint the entire panel.

sonny1213 · 02-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by brnrkm

I have a Satin Silver GT, production number 4704, and the fit is very good (panel gaps, door + glass alignment etc...) BUT ,
the base color (silver) is striped on the hood and roof with a light stripe down the center of both. Now I know that silver is one of the hardest colors to get right, but what the h*ll is up with that?!!
Oh well, computers (painting robots) are only as smart as the programmers

Thankfully, the color silver hides this well enough that only one person has mentioned this to me, and he was a paint and body man.
Also there is a smudge under the clear coat just behind the passenger door and on top of the belt line.

It's not bad enough that I have considered getting it repainted. On the plus side, the clearcoat finish is excellent (for Ford) with hardly any orangepeel, another reason I don't want them to try and repaint it.

Even so, I'm glad I got this car and would buy it again.

I agree that poor fitting panels and rough finished paint should be fixed by your dealer

They may be able to colorsand the rough clearcoat and buff/polish the finish. I would try that before trying to repaint the entire panel.

Hey, BRNRKM- I've had two new silver vehicles in the last 4 years and an silver 05' GT loaded on order. My Denali had a few dark spots probably similar to your stripe where the robot hesitated for a split second. The flip-flop metallic silver dark spots I've heard from a few good body shops are common. The wifes 04' silver Chevy Trailblazer is flawless I must admit. I noticed the dark areas on the Denali in the fading light of day mostly. It would of been a major fix though. It was well beneath the clear coat. Good luck w/ yours

Aquaman2005 · 02-06-2005

If you think the tinny sound rapping the roof is bad, just wait until you get rained on. Its very noisy.

2005 BlK GT · 02-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by sealionbeast

I have a white 05 GT. On one of the edges of the trunk, the paint is not smooth. It looks like there are air bubbles in the clear coat and the paint is rough when I rub my fingers over it. It looks like the white paint didn't mix right with the clear coat when they were painting this one edge. Obviously some sort of paint defect from the factory. Does anyone know if this can be waxed out? buffed out? or do they have to repaint this portion of the trunk. I am taking it in on monday for the first oil change but wanted some opinions from you guys what this may be and/or a solution.

Thanks

take it to the dealer and get them to fix it. I had a similar situation with a '04 F-150 I bought and it was fixed under warranty.

sealionbeast · 02-06-2005

Is this problem easy for them to fix or am I danger of them screwing up the paint even more?

sealionbeast · 02-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2005 BlK GT

take it to the dealer and get them to fix it. I had a similar situation with a '04 F-150 I bought and it was fixed under warranty.

Is this problem easy for them to fix or am I danger of them screwing up the paint even more?

brnrkm · 02-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by sealionbeast

Is this problem easy for them to fix or am I danger of them screwing up the paint even more?

I would have the dealer look at it. They may say that it's no problem to fix.
Especially if it bothers you. Plus, you don't have to let them repaint if you don't want to.