INFO. ON NEW AFTERMARKET PAINT SPECIFICATION (GM4901M)

Subject: New Aftermarket Paint Specification (GM4901M) for Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems (Rigid Exterior Surfaces)

Models: 1993-97 Passenger Cars and Trucks

This bulletin is being revised to provide additional information on approved paint systems (Aftachment 1 added). Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 63-17-07A Section 10 - Body).

A vehicle's appearance is important to any customer's perception of that vehicle's quality and value. Furthermore, when an exterior finish repair is made, the customer expects that repair to match the showroom finish.

Based upon rigorous and exhaustive testing, General Motors has established an aftermarket refinish paint specification, known as GM4901M, which is listed in the GM Engineering Specifications Manual. Use this specification when selecting a paint system for General Motors vehicle warranty paint repairs. All major paint suppliers are involved and support this program.

The booklet enclosed with Corporate Bulletin #63-17-07, "GM Approved Refinish Materials", P/N GM4901M-D, identifies the paint systems you may use. All approved products (including VOC-compliant) are listed in the "system" approach recommended by the individual manufacturer. This booklet will be updated periodically to ensure you are provided with the latest information on paint systems. GM and Paint Supplier training services encompass this new specification and can address any questions.

All materials listed in the booklet fall under the current materials allowance. However, this may change as costs increase.

With this program, it is our goal to ensure quality repairs. After all, skilled technicians using the right materials offer the only path to true customer enthusiasm. By adhering to the GM4901M Specification for Aftermarket Paint Repair Materials, you will ensure our customers only receive the best while maximizing your quality throughout on exterior finish repairs.

When a meeting or training session is held in your area, be sure your team is represented. We look forward to your support for this program.

Additional Information

In the development of this paint specification, major paint suppliers were invited to submit materials for approval. The requirements of the program are included in the approved materials booklet referenced above, dated December, 1996.

Important: As of 7-1-97, the BASF products listed on Attachment 1 are now approved for use.

The approved suppliers are:

*Akzo Nobel (Sikkens)

*American Standox

*BASF

*DuPont

*ICI Autocolor

*Martin Senour

*PPG

*Sherwin Williams

*Spies Hecker

Your Zone wholesale personnel, Training Centers, STG Field Service Engineers, and the approved suppliers have additional training materials that may answer your further questions.

Use of these GM approved materials ensures the highest quality for maintaining customer satisfaction. The dealer or retailer must ensure that all refinish materials, including sublets, meet GM Specification GM4901-M. Use of materials (and associated application methods) that do not meet this GM standard may result in a review of claim(s) leading to chargeback(s), as specified in the Policies and Procedures manual, Article 1.4.17.

The standards will be updated periodically and other suppliers may be added when new standards are released by the fall of 1997.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.