Body - Complete or Partial Panel Repair

Number 83-I-37 Section 2 Date 01/83
Subject: COMPLETE OR PARTIAL PANEL REPAIR OF HIGH SOLIDS ENAMEL (WITH LACQUER) - 1982-1983 PONTIAC FIREBIRD - NORWOOD PRODUCTION
The following procedures are recommended when repairing exterior panels on the above high solids enamel painted vehicles.

PROCEDURE - COMPLETE PANEL REPAIR

^ Thoroughly clean exterior of vehicle with detergent and water, followed by a recommended wax, grease and silicone remover.

^ Block sand with 400 grit paper.

^ Treat any bare metal with a suitable metal conditioner.

^ Apply primer surfacer as required.

^ Block sand primed areas with wet or dry 400 grit paper.

^ Mask off.

^ Blow off all dust and wipe repair areas with a tack rag.

^ Apply sealer per manufacturer's directions. The following products or equivalent may be used:

Rinshed Mason - Clear Adhesion #811 Ditzler - Pigmented Sealer #DL-1970 DuPont - Clear Midcoat #222-S Sherwin Williams - Intercoat Sealer #P1C48 Acme - Intercoat Sealer #571 Rogers - Intercoat Sealer #4571 Martin Senour - Intercoat Sealer #3061

^ Apply acrylic lacquer color until full hiding is achieved.

^ Allow to dry overnight and compound exterior surface, including fascias (flexible panels).

PROCEDURE - PARTIAL PANEL REPAIR

The success of a spot or partial panel repair of O.E.M. high solids enamel with lacquer depends largely upon thorough cleaning and preparing the surface with clear sealer and the use of a blend coat after color application. The blend coat significantly reduces the possibility of scaling at the perimeter of the repair upon compounding and final polishing,
^ Clean the surface well beyond the intended repair area with a suitable grease, silicone and wax remover.

^ If required, featheredge broken paint film and condition bare metal. Apply primer-surfacer in a sufficient number of coats and sand in the usual manner. Blow off all dust and wipe repair area with tack rag.

^ Apply the clear adhesion sealer following manufacturer's recommendations for spraying viscosity, number of coats and drying time. Pigmented sealer should not be used for partial repair. Apply sealer 3-4" beyond intended edge of color application. For recommended sealers, see complete panel repair.

^ Apply acrylic lacquer topcoats for proper hiding and color match.

^ Apply all topcoats within the area previously sealed.

^ Allow 15-30 minutes for the last color coat to flash. Then apply two passes of blend coat material at 15-20 lbs. gun pressure to melt in overspray, followed by two coats over the entire repair, staying within the sealed area.

^ Allow the repair to dry thoroughly. Rub and polish beyond the repair area.