[kenny1775]

I have a brand new black TL that's completely covered with tiny pitting marks (so small I thought it was just dust until I tried to get it off).

The paint has been washed and clayed, and feels perfectly smooth to the touch (even using the sandwitch bag method). I even tried using Optimums' milder polish on the Makita which didn't completely remove them.

The car has been stored outside for a few months with no protection, and my only guess is that this must be some kind of acid rain damage.

Has anyone ever encountered this before on a new car?

[Asphalt Rocket]

If you could provide some pictures that would help us with what you are trying to explain.

[Pro-Techt]

Is it only on the horizontal panels? I'd be willing to bet that it's acid rain pitting. The best way to *attempt* to remove it is by sanding it out. I suggest showing it to the Body Shop at the dealership it was purchased at 1st so that it can be documented and probably re-cleared under warranty. Then, if they authorize a re-paint, you won't hurt anything by then trying it yourself. Make sure NOT TO MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT LEAVING YOUR CAR OUTSIDE AND NOT WASHING IT!!! Easy way for them to deny your claim.

[kenny1775]

Originally Posted by Asphalt Rocket

If you could provide some pictures that would help us with what you are trying to explain.

I'd love to but the camera I have isn't sensitive enough to pick up the pitting (it's really, really small stuff).

[kenny1775]

Originally Posted by Pro-Techt

Is it only on the horizontal panels? I'd be willing to bet that it's acid rain pitting. The best way to *attempt* to remove it is by sanding it out. I suggest showing it to the Body Shop at the dealership it was purchased at 1st so that it can be documented and probably re-cleared under warranty. Then, if they authorize a re-paint, you won't hurt anything by then trying it yourself. Make sure NOT TO MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT LEAVING YOUR CAR OUTSIDE AND NOT WASHING IT!!! Easy way for them to deny your claim.

I think you're right on the money with your solution suggestion.

The irony of the situation is that this car hasn't been sold yet, and I work at the dealership

My "official" detailer likes to clean the new arrivals with glue solvent and then just puts them outside in the parking lot

[slanguage]

Originally Posted by kenny1775

My "official" detailer likes to clean the new arrivals with glue solvent and then just puts them outside in the parking lot

[DJ_JonnyV]

Yeeeeaaaaaahhhh, the "official" detailer needs to find a new line of work.

[Nica]

TL's are nice vehicles and should be taken care accordingly, "sounds" like it may be water etching...but I could be wrong here. Seems as though you (kenny1775) knows more about detailing then the "official detailer"

Any who if you attempt to polish I would suggest making sure to take paint gauge readings before polishing, TL's have soft clear coat, well at least the ones I've polished in the past.

So what's the plan with the "official detailer"? Hope you don't mind me asking, just curious that's all.

[kenny1775]

Originally Posted by Nica

TL's are nice vehicles and should be taken care accordingly, "sounds" like it may be water etching...but I could be wrong here. Seems as though you (kenny1775) knows more about detailing then the "official detailer"

Any who if you attempt to polish I would suggest making sure to take paint gauge readings before polishing, TL's have soft clear coat, well at least the ones I've polished in the past.

So what's the plan with the "official detailer"? Hope you don't mind me asking, just curious that's all.

Well, I hate to confirm the stereotype about dealerships, but nobody else seems to see a problem with this car except for me.

Granted I am really picky about wanting a perfect finish on every car we sell, but even if the guy who buys this car doesn't notice the problem I still can't let release the vehicle knowing it exists.

I'm not prepared to try wetsanding on such a large area, but I'll keep an eye on the PTG and maybe try a heavier compound on the Makita to see if that works.

If all else fails I guess I'll just have to find a way to convince the boss to respray the clear.

Thanks for the support guys

[Nica]

Sounds like your in a tight spot there kenny1775, I mean one hand you'd like to make sure the vehicle leaves the lot flawless but on the other hand it comes down to the all mighty $$. So if the boss says no, let it go, you probably don't have much saying.

I know dealerships have a bad ramp, some deserve it...having said that it all comes down to money. I'm not trying to be mean, rude or disrespectful but I sometimes try to put my self at a dealerships position and business is business, so the last thing you want to worry about is spending a large amount of money having every vehicle detailed...but then again I ask my self why not? All that's required is to train the designated "detailers" and train them well and dealerships would be set. I mean it's really simply, wash with two bucket method, use good quality towels, wash mitts/sponges and use quality products...but then again everything comes at a price and as a business what keeps a business operating is the almighty $$

Any who just me rambling on but it's quite the vicious cycle isn't it