CHIPPED PAINT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1985 - 1989 PASSENGER SERIES

Causes for chipped paint are often difficult to diagnose. The following information is intended as a guide in determining whether the condition is due to a product condition or owner responsibility.

The paint used on all GM cars is designed to withstand certain impact forces without chipping. However, the colour coat may chip off some body panels depending upon a number of factors and circumstances, including a vehicle's design features (hood, slope angle, size of front end panel, rocker panel turn under), age, the severity of impact, and severe owner usage.

Chipping paint is caused by (among other things) the inability of the top coat to flex enough when struck by salt, stones or hard objects. Conditions of chipping paint should be carefully evaluated to determine if the cause is related to a paint condition or severe usage by owner. When determining the cause, the following guidelines should be used as reference.

INSPECTION GUIDELINES

1. Prior to inspection the body exterior should be clean and free of dirt.

2. Carefully inspect all horizontal and vertical body panels for chips.

3. Carefully inspect windshield glass, side glass, side view mirrors, grille and exterior mouldings for chips and dents.

4. Tape test chipped area:

Apply a piece of waterproof or masking tape approximately ten (10) inches long, over the chipped area. Remove the tape with one quick, even pulling motion, 90 degrees to body panel.

IMPORTANT: Do not use "duct" type tape with aggressive adhesive.

INDICATIONS OF A PAINT CONDITION

Body panels are chipped while windshield glass, mouldings and other parts are free of chips and dents.

Tape test removes anything more than trace of paint from around edges of the chip or undamaged areas of panel.

INDICATIONS OF SEVERE USAGE BY OWNER

Windshield glass, side glass, exterior mouldings and other parts in addition to the painted panels show signs of chips and other damage.

REPAIRS

Repairs to a vehicle, where the chipping has been determined to be the result of a paint condition require the removal of the topcoat and primer-surfacer for best results. The following, based on severity of the condition, are suggested as options for minimizing time and labour.

Heavily chipped areas require the removal of the topcoat and primer-surfacer.

Moderately chipped areas require the removal of only the topcoat.

Spot repair would probably be sufficient to repair panels with occasional chips.

Currently available procedures and materials are adequate to complete the repair.

On a typical complaint car, this would involve removing only the topcoat on hood, fender and door panels while the leading edges, where the chip pattern is heaviest, would require the additional step of removing the surfacer.

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.