Re: Paint Problem (archive)

If your car is blue, grey, or other dark color, the problem is most likely clear coat break-down, very common in the early 80's. Ford had a big law suit over this issue.

Your car was painted, and then to give the color more depth, a couple of coats of clear paint were laid on over the color coats. This is still quite common, but the quality of the paints have improved immensely. Back then (in olden days) Heat from the sun would build up in the dark color coat and bake the clear coat from underneath. Common symptoms were "crazing" of the clear coat (looks like scratches), discoloration to white of the clear coat, or just plain flaking away. Generally only happens on upper surfaces.

Bad news... All the old clear coat has to be removed. Even if it isn't showing the cracks, the bond integrity is suspect. My 733 was quoted at $4000 from a very high quality shop to repaint (included normal ding work), but about $800 was stripping the clear coat.

When you are looking at any dark colored car, and you see upper surfaces that look like buffing or waxing may be needed, look very very close. This is a deal-killer in my book, right alongside any rust bubbles, no matter how small.

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