GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

PAINT TOP COAT DELAMINATION PAINT ABOVE BODY SIDE MLDG.

SUBJECT: PAINT TOPCOAT DELAMINATION (REPAINT ENTIRE BODY ABOVE THE BODY SIDE MOULDINGS)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1985-91 "N" CAR/1985-91 "W" CAR CHEVROLET W-CAR PONTIAC N, W- CAR OLDSMOBILE N, W-CAR

CONDITION:

Some 1985 thru 1991 N cars and 1988 thru 1991 W cars may be subject to topcoat delamination (peeling) of the paint on horizontal surfaces, after exposure to high levels of UV and humidity.

CORRECTION:

1. Verify that the condition is delamination of topcoat by applying a piece of tape firmly over the suspect area, and pulling upward quickly. If the top coat and clear coat flake or peel away from the primer, leaving the primer intact, the top coat is delaminating and the following service procedure should be performed.

2. Refinish the entire body above the body side mouldings using the following refinish procedure. It is important that all surfaces above the body side mouldings be refinished, as these surfaces may show the same delamination (peeling) condition at a later time, causing customer comebacks.

It is equally important to remove all glass mouldings, body mouldings, emblems, door mouldings and quarter glass prior to repairs.

3. Remove original finish coat of paint down to electro-coat (Elpo) primer, making sure that factory pretreatment and Elpo primer are still intact for good corrosion protection.

4. It is important to finish sand the exposed Elpo primer with 240 grit sandpaper to assure removal of any chalky residue on the Elpo primer that may remain as a result of the degradation of the primer.

NOTICE: DO NOT SAND THROUGH THE ELPO PRIMER TO BARE METAL OR ADDITIONAL METAL PREPARATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO RESTORE THE ORIGINAL CORROSION PROTECTION.

5. Remove all dirt from the cracks and surface of vehicle.

6. Clean all sanded surfaces with a dewaxing/degreasing solvent.

7. Spray the entire prepared area with a coat of DP40/401 anti-corrosion primer (PPG/Ditzler) or equivalent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and the recommended dry times.

8. Apply 2 to 3 medium wet coats of primer-surfacer to primed surface of the vehicle, making sure to follow manufacturer's instructions for application.

9. After allowing adequate drying time, wet sand with 400 grit (or finer) sandpaper or dry sand with 320 grit (or finer) sand paper.

10. Repeat steps 5 and 6.

11. Apply 1 medium wet coat of primer sealer, following manufacturer's directions.

12. Apply 3 to 4 medium wet coats (or until primer colour is hidden) of Acrylic/Urethane Enamel colour. Apply Clear coat after colour. Follow manufacturer's directions.

13. Reinstall all previously removed mouldings and windows.

For vehicles repaired under warranty use: Labour Operation Number: T3260

Labour Time N Car 2 Door : 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KN Plus 0.4 Mix Time

N Car 4 Door : 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KN Plus 0.4 Mix Time

Labour Time W Car 2 Door : 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KR Plus 0.4 Mix Time

W Car 4 Door : 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KR Plus 0.4 Mix Time

Important: The above allowances include ALL TIME for the R and R of glass mouldings (removal or taping of vista vents or sun roof glass), door mouldings, body mouldings, stationary quarter glass, luggage racks and the stripping of colour coat and refinishing of surfaces above the Body Side Mouldings.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.