Clearcoat Failure: Return to bodyshop or go elsewhere?

palomino

palomino

just like cellophane
Hey guys -

I have a truck that was completely repainted in February of 2003. Work was done the Dodge dealer where I worked at the time. The truck is a Dodge, and the cost of the repaint was split 50/50 between Chrysler and myself. There was "silent recall" on the paint for my vehicle, but it had over 100k miles which is why they did not want to pay for the repaint. Instead of denying the claim completely, the body shop manager pulled some strings to have the 50/50 deal arranged for me. My receipt shows the total cost coming out to $1100. The problem surfaced long after the warranty expired.

The clearcoat began failing last summer, on the roof of the vehicle. It is now happening to the hood and other horizontal panels. Oddly enough, these were the problem areas of the original paint.

Also, the paint was semi-neglected by our terms, but not compared with the majority of cars out on the road. The paint was treated with zaino or klasse every 6-9 months. Lots of cars go months and even years without even a coat of carnauba wax, yet they dont experience this level of deterioration.

With all the background info given, I have a few questions...

After putting yourself in these shoes, would you return back to the dealer and ask them to correct the problem or would you find another recommended bodyshop?

I appreciate how helpful you all, as a whole, have been in the past.
 
Unfortunately repaints often don't last as long as factory paint and $1100 is pretty cheap for total repaint. I would guess that they lightly sanded and prepped the truck and only gave you a quick repaint which is why the original problem hs resurfaced. As to what you can do? Check your warranty and then either go back to the Dodge dealer if it is still covered or you have to live and deal with it if it is not still covered.
 
Poorboy said:
Unfortunately repaints often don't last as long as factory paint and $1100 is pretty cheap for total repaint. I would guess that they lightly sanded and prepped the truck and only gave you a quick repaint which is why the original problem hs resurfaced. As to what you can do? Check your warranty and then either go back to the Dodge dealer if it is still covered or you have to live and deal with it if it is not still covered.
Click to expand...

I guess Ill take it as a lesson learned.
 
That's sad to hear, but when I had a body shop, four years was pretty good for a cheap repaint, the warranty was usually only for a year or two:inspector: ..you might consider One Day body and Paint or a similar type place if you want to keep the truck for a few more years :)
 
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