Paint Repair Procedure

1. Some vehicle components will be removed from the vehicle while others will require masking. The "Hardware Items Removal List" will establish the removal items. Items not found on the list and non-repair areas are to be masked.

2. Prior to removing the paint finish, clean the area to be refinished with an appropriate wax and grease remover to remove any contaminants.

3. REMOVE THE ORIGINAL PAINT FINISH ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACES AND TOPS OF FENDERS, DOORS AND QUARTER PANELS to the ELPO primer surface using an orbital D.A. sander, leaving the ELPO surface intact. This can be done in "stages" using 80 grit (or finer) discs to remove the majority of coating, followed with 180 grit (or finer) discs to remove the remainder of material down to the ELPO surface and any chalky residue or degraded ELPO that may remain. Avoid sanding through ELPO to bare metal in order to retain maximum corrosion protection.

THE REMAINING VERTICAL SURFACES DOWN TO THE BODY SIDE MOLDINGS SHOULD BE FEATHEREDGED AND SCUFF SANDED.

Important:
SHOULD SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE REMAINING VERTICAL SURFACES EXHIBIT DELAMINATION, OR IF THE SCUFF SANDING PROCESS PRODUCES AREAS OF DELAMINATION, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REFINISH THOSE DELAMINATIONS AREAS AS WELL.

^ An alternative in some geographic areas may be plastic media blasting such as may be provided by members of:

^ Dry Stripping Facilities Network 1-800-634-9185 *

* We believe these sources and their equipment to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such equipment. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

Important:
Additional time or payment beyond established allowances in this bulletin will not be allowed.

^ The use of a razor blade on large flat surfaces is not recommended because of the potential to chip, gouge or otherwise damage the primer surface. If razor blade technique is used, the application of a "guide coat" prior to wet sanding should also be used.

Important:
Chemical stripping is not recommended because of negative impact to moldings, non-metal components, ELPO and environmental concerns.

4. Blow off with air to remove all dirt and sanding residue from cracks and vehicle surface.

5. Clean sanded surface with an appropriate wax and grease remover.

6. Tack wipe entire area to be primed.

7. SPRAY ENTIRE UPPER REFINISH REPAIR AREA WITH A COAT OF ANTI-CORROSION PRIMER TO ENSURE MAXIMUM ADHESION AND CORROSION RESISTANCE. Be sure to cover any bare metal surfaces exposed during the sanding operations. Follow manufacturer's instructions and recommended dry times.

Typical materials for this application would be:
DuPont 615S/616S, BASF DE17/PR80/DA18, PPG DP40/DP401, or equivalent.

V.O.C. materials would be: DuPont 615S/616S, BASF DE15/PA16/PR80, PPG DCP21/DCX211 or equivalent.

8. APPLY TWO TO THREE MEDIUM WET COATS OF PRIMER SURFACER TO THE UPPER REFINISHED REPAIR AREA OF THE VEHICLE, following the manufacturer's instructions for application and film build requirements.

Important:
Failure to apply primer surfacer will likely result in future delamination.

Typical materials for this application would be:
DuPont 1120S/1130S/1125S,
BASF DP20/PR80/PH36, PPG K36/DT870/K201, or equivalent.

V.O.C. materials would be: DuPont 21OS, BASF HP400, PPG DCP21/DCX211, or equivalent.

9. After allowing adequate drying time, LEVEL THE REPAIR SURFACE USING A D/A SANDER WITH # 320 GRIT (OR FINER), or wet sand with 400 grit (or finer) or dry sand with 320 grit (or finer) sandpaper.

10. Repeat steps 4 through 6.

11. APPLY A MEDIUM COAT OF PRIMER SEALER (TINTABLE BASE) TO THE ENTIRE REPAIR SURFACE. This will provide maximum adhesion, uniform color coating and corrosion protection to areas "sanded through" during wet sanding. Follow manufacturer's instructions and recommended dry times.

Typical materials for this application would be: DuPont 2610S/2605S, BASF DP21 /DH60/PR80, PPG DP40/DP402 or equivalent.

V.O.C. materials for this application would be: DuPont 2l25S, PPG DPW1834 or equivalent.

12. Apply two to three medium wet coats of color (or until primer color is hidden). Follow manufacturer's instructions and recommended dry times.

13. If vehicle has basecoat/clearcoat paint, apply clearcoat. Follow manufacturer's instructions and recommended dry times.

14. After sufficient air or force dry time, unmask the vehicle.

15. Finesse/polish as required.

16. Reinstall all previously removed items.

17. Wash and prepare the vehicle for delivery.