Monsterliner
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Bubbles on surface ...

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Rivethead, Sep 16, 2013.

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  1. Rivethead

    Rivethead Active Member Founding Member

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    Hello all. Yesterday I was doing some basic maintenance (fluids, wash, etc.) on the wife's car (2003 Oldsmobile Alero, V6 model) and noticed some weird "bubbling" on the finish. Specifically, it was on the rear bumper and by the trunk. It feels like plastic when touched. I've posted a couple pictures below so that you can see what I mean.

    Any ideas on a fix for these spots? Thanks much. :)

    Bumper ...
    [​IMG]

    By trunk ...
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    Wow. That looks like the clear coat is coming off the car. Doesn't look like it bonded to the paint. If it is the clear then it needs to be sanded and then re cleared. Is it just in those two areas?

    James
     
  3. Rivethead

    Rivethead Active Member Founding Member

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    It is basically confined to those two places. There is another small patch to the right of the big one on the bumper, but I didn't take a pic of that section.
     
  4. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    I would bet that is is the clear coming off. Just don't remember seeing it bumble up like the first picture before.

    James
     
  5. Rivethead

    Rivethead Active Member Founding Member

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    Thanks for the info. I've seen some clear coat repair kits before, but have never tried them. Is this something I should try to repair on my own with something like that or just bring it to an auto body shop?

    Thanks much.
     
  6. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    Your welcome

    Most clear coat kits are for small scratches. If you have a little experience with painting you might be able to do it yourself but it isn't "easy" imo.

    If you want a shop to look at it I would see if you have a paint touch up shop in your area. If the rest of the paint is fine then they can do just those areas. A body shop will want to paint a whole panel to the next body panel or rain channel. They will sometimes want to blend into the next panel as well so that brings the cost up.

    James
     
  7. Rivethead

    Rivethead Active Member Founding Member

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    Thanks again for the info. Indeed, this isn't a small patch, so it looks like a shop job.
     
  8. justusforus

    justusforus Member Founding Member

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    That first is the worst case of peeling I have seen. The second photo is clearly typical of clear coat issues. As those "pimples" pop moisture makes it spread. Always check with the dealer and manufacturer if there was a recall or warranty on paint. Most lawsuits that have been sucessful have said the paint should last 10 years (thats the highest I ever heard). If you can arrest these spots (some will shoot clear over after lightly sanding down edges) it wont look great but it will slow it down. Re-clear is expensive, but I would like to see the manufacturers start stepping up on this issue.
     
  9. lucidy

    lucidy New Member

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    Wow, I've never seen it that bad on a car. It looks like a sheet of plastic separating! There was a recall on my civic for similar issues but it was nothing like this. I'm no expert but that looks like something that should be taken care asap in order to protect the paint and the metal underneath.
     
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