GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

BASECOAT CLEARCOAT EXTERIOR MACH. POLISH NOT RECOMMENDED

POLISHING BASECOAT CLEARCOAT EXTERIOR FINISHES

Model and Year: ALL VEHICLES FINISHED WITH BC/CC PAINT --------------

TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

Some assembly plants are using a basecoat clearcoat paint system to finish vehicle exteriors. Dealers, in some instances, are machine polishing these vehicles prior to delivery to enhance the gloss and appearance. This polishing may leave swirl marks in the paint finish which may cause customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, machine polishing as a part of new car preparation is not recommended.

Because basecoat clearcoat finishes have a natural glossy appearance, machine compounding and/or polishing is neither required or recommended unless a repair is necessary. Compounding has a dulling effect on the gloss and will cause the finish to appear flat. Polishing will not restore the original gloss level.

If a repair is not required, washing a vehicle with cool water or a mild detergent and water will restore its natural gloss. Dirt that is difficult to remove can be dissolved with a suitable wax and grease removing solvent.

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.