Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Exterior Clearcoat - Cracking/Eroding/Peeling Off

Article No.
93-8-4

April 14, 1993



PAINT - EXTERIOR CLEARCOAT "MICROCHECKING", HAZING OR PEELING



FORD:
1983-93 THUNDERBIRD
1984-93 TEMPO
1985-93 ESCORT
1986 LTD
1986-93 TAURUS
1989-93 CROWN VICTORIA, MUSTANG, PROBE

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1983-93 COUGAR
1984-92 MARK VII
1984-93 TOPAZ
1985-89 TRACER
1986 MARQUIS
1986-93 SABLE
1988-93 CONTINENTAL, TOWN CAR
1989-93 GRAND MARQUIS
1991-93 TRACER
1993 MARK VIII

LIGHT TRUCK:
1983-93 RANGER
1986-93 AEROSTAR
1987-90 BRONCO II
1988-93 F SUPER DUTY, F-47
1991-93 ECONOLINE, EXPLORER
1992-93 F-150-350 SERIES
1993 VILLAGER



ISSUE:
The clearcoat layer of the basecoat/clearcoat paint system may "microcheck" (crack and erode), turn white, flake or peel off the vehicle. This condition is noticeable on the horizontal surfaces only.

ACTION:
Inspect the vehicle and if repair is necessary, refer to the following procedure for service details. This is a wet on wet procedure. Sanding is not required after the seal coat is applied.


NOTE:
READ THE ENTIRE SERVICE REPAIR PROCEDURE BEFORE STARTING REPAIRS.



REPAIR PROCEDURE

WARNING:
ALWAYS WEAR A NIOSH/OSHA RECOMMENDED VAPOR/PARTICULATE RESPIRATOR AND USE OTHER RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

1. Wash the vehicle with soap and water.

2. Verify clearcoat to basecoat or primer adhesion by applying a 2" wide masking tape strip on all horizontal body panels.

a. Pull the tape up quickly

b. Inspect the adhesive side for paint removal.

NOTE:
IF PAINT WAS REMOVED DURING TAPE TEST, THE ENTIRE CLEARCOAT AND BASECOAT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE PANEL.



3. Wipe down the areas to be repainted with wax and grease remover.

^ BASF product # 900 PreKleano or equivalent

4. Sand the affected surface with 150/240 grit sand paper. Remove only clearcoat and colorcoat, featheredge areas with 320 grit paper.

NOTE:
DO NOT REMOVE SPRAY PRIMER OR E-COAT.

5. Blow off the area to remove loose dust or debris.

6. Wipe the sanded surface with wax or grease remover.

^ BASF product # 901 Prekleano or equivalent

7. Tack off area.

8. Mix and apply one coat of epoxy primer for adhesion and let dry per manufacturer's label instruction (20 - 30 minutes).

^ BASF product # DE 15, PA16, PR80 or equivalent

NOTE:
DO NOT SAND THE NEWLY PRIMED AREAS.



9. Mix and apply two coats of the appropriate colored primer surface sealer.

^ BASF product # DP 21, Solo Color 1:1, then 2 parts of mixture 1 part DH 60, 30% PR80 or equivalent.

10. Mix and apply 2 coats or until hiding of basecoat per manufacturer's label instructions. Apply first coat to repair area only. Apply second coat over entire area. Allow a minimum of 15 minutes flash time before applying the clearcoat.

^ BASF # Diamont Basecoat Color and Diamont Reducer 1:1 or equivalent.

11. Mix and apply 2 coats of urethane clearcoat per manufacturer's label instructions.

^ BASF product # DC90 Diamond Clear, LH50 Diamond Hardener 2:1 or equivalent.

12. Polish if necessary.

13. Clean and detail the vehicle and return it to the customer.

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 106000