Is my clear coat peeling or is this just paint oxidization? - PICS

[speedracer]

The previous owner believed it was the clear coat but I am not so sure... The gas door and front d/s fender is fading and is rough to the touch.

The rough stuff comes off when you scratch at it and a dull but smooth finish in under it. The top of the drivers door is starting to fade as well and is getting somewhat rough. The remainder of the cars paint is in nice condition. The darker area in the pic is the rough, the lighter is the smooth area that has been scratched away..

This might be a stupid question but bare with me.... Thanks

[snbush67]

Is it original (factory) or respray?

[Early_S_Man]

That would be the early stage of typical 'fish scale effect' on UV-affected polyurethane clear coat, which will eventually peel away on its' own -- very common on resprays!

[speedracer]

Thanks for the replies guys. I purchased the car from the original owner (in his 60's) and he was adamit that there hasn't been any paint work or accidents. The tech who recently did the provincial safety inspection and suspension work also believed it to have never been hit.

[Early_S_Man]

That doesn't look like metallic paint to my eyes, and if that is true ... it wouldn't have been clear-coated from the factory! Many shops clear-coat everything these days, and I have seen many peel after developing the rough surface you describe.

[speedracer]

Originally posted by Early_S_Man
That doesn't look like metallic paint to my eyes, and if that is true ... it wouldn't have been clear-coated from the factory! Many shops clear-coat everything these days, and I have seen many peel after developing the rough surface you describe.

So only metallic's received clear coat from the factory? My car is paint to sample but it doesn't look metallic to me.

[snbush67]

maybey its old wax build up?

[speedracer]

Originally posted by snbush67
maybey its old wax build up?

I don't think so.

Further to this.....

Last night I took a rag and some Meguairs polish to it and the white cotton rag I used showed alot of dark grey color on it and it took some of the rough spots out....

I keep hoping this is just oxidization and if so would take a 1500 or 2000 grit paper to it, then polish and buff. But if is the clear coat I don't want to said away at it and make it look worse... Maybe I should take to a body shop or pro detailer for advice...

[ossiblue]

This looks exactly like what happened to a Volvo I had from the mid-80's. From what you describe, I would bet it's clear coat failure. Hope I'm wrong.

[speedracer]

Originally posted by ossiblue
This looks exactly like what happened to a Volvo I had from the mid-80's. From what you describe, I would bet it's clear coat failure. Hope I'm wrong.

Not what I wanted to hear but thanks for posting.

[ejames19]

I was wondering if you had figured out the problem with the paint? Is it oxidization or clear coat failure, I have a small spot on the roof that looks very similar to your fender. What have you done to fix or are planning to do?

[ken_xman]

respray is the only fix. Its clearly failed clear coat. FYI- metallics are cleared today. .. Just about everything is base/ clear. Single stage is old technology.

[speedracer]

Originally posted by ejames19
I was wondering if you had figured out the problem with the paint? Is it oxidization or clear coat failure, I have a small spot on the roof that looks very similar to your fender. What have you done to fix or are planning to do?

Yup as ken_xman states, I think it is clear coat failure although I haven't taken it to any one to confirm. I will most likely have it repaired come winter..

[speedracer]

Just wanted to update this thread. Took the car to a reputable autobody shop. Definetly clear coat failure on drivers fender and starting on drivers door as well. Baby is in the paint booth as we speak getting some new skin!