Factory Paint Defects and Other Rants!
#18
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Weak paint has been an ongoing problem even when these cars were new. I've read posts of owners taking their cars through car washes and finding sheets of paint peeled off once they left. Laser Red is probably one of the more notorious earlier colors that had more than it's share of issues with chipping etc. There have also been success stories where owners had gotten the dealers to repaint their cars and sometimes, even the entire car. There is no question about it, that Infiniti is aware of all of these issues, but deal with each one on a case to case basis. Some owners other than the chipping have escaped some of the horror stories told by others. Personally, I've probably only been lucky due to very little driving per year, having a clear bra since new, and keeping most of the miles off the highways.
#21
About the best thing you can do for these cars, is if you get them re-painted, or buy a new car, is to seal the finish with Optimum Opti-Coat.
It's a self-leveling laquer that you apply to the finish with a foam pad. Works wonders for protecting the finish from what I've seen.
It's a self-leveling laquer that you apply to the finish with a foam pad. Works wonders for protecting the finish from what I've seen.
#22
Registered User
iTrader: (10)
Woops missed this, I don't enjoy listening to anyone rage. Well, I guess we can't blame anyone else for the condition of your paint. Honestly, the dealership isn't going to cover your paint. Had you used a car cover and had her waxed a couple times a year you wouldn't be having this issue....Gary
#23
It's a resin pre polymer and is only self-leveling to some extent during it's 3 month cure time. Even then, if you do not level it correctly when first applied or make sure the paint is stripped, you will be left with high spots or uneven splotches which can be a nightmare to deal with.
I had no idea it had a 3 month cure time, though. What a biatch.
#24
I know it's not a perfect solution. But it seems to work alright. A kid I used to go to college with put it on his car, and it seemed to hold up pretty decently for the two years he owned the car before I came home.
I had no idea it had a 3 month cure time, though. What a biatch.
I had no idea it had a 3 month cure time, though. What a biatch.
If you can get it applied without a problem you're pretty set afterwards. I'm currently test out Wolf's Chemicals Hard Body, which is similar with a 2 year durability and scratch resistance, but it is MUCH easier and more forgiving to apply.
#25
See for yourself:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20988645@N05/7729145376/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20988645@N05/7729147000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20988645@N05/7729148616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20988645@N05/7729150376/
#26
#28
Registered User
iTrader: (18)
Typically paint should last more then 7 years but it depends what the car has been through during that time and if it was done properly to begin with. OP, you said there were rock chips that caused the flaking so I still believe what happened is normal. I had to repaint the front half of my 06 last year due to rock chips and the paint started flaking within 2 weeks at the car wash.
#29
Registered User
iTrader: (10)
Donna, guess you didn't like my last response? You're paint is failing because of the salt air and warm/hot climate! How many nights/days has your coupe set outside without being covered or garaged since you've owned it? Either trade it in or spend the $$ to have a quality body shop repaint it then start using a car cover so this will never happen again. Oh and have it detailed a couple times a year too....Gary
#30
I saw this post from earlier up and just thought I'd mention...not for long.