Nationwide problem with new Dodge/Chrysler replacement body panels

TooMuchBoost

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Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
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We have been getting calls from across the country for a while now that new e-coated (the black primer on them) DC parts act stupid once they are painted.

Our guesstimate is about 1 of 5 panels have this issue and the last call I had was from a backyard guy who had 2007 Caliber and 2006 Sebring parts blow up on him with 3 days of each other.

It appears to us the waterborne e-coat on these panels isn't properly curing (cross-linking) correctly. Once sealer, base and clear is applied the solvents from these products are re-flowing the un-cured e-coat and you can watch this milky curdling substance come up from the e-coat through the clear.

We have found if the panel is lightly scuffed with a grey scuff pad odds are in the tech's favor that the e-coat won't re-flow and act like paint stripper.

But if the tech sands the surface with say 500 grit sandpaper to remove the trash that's in the e-coat from the DC factory odds just turned against him big time.

We have found applying 1 coat of epoxy primer as soon as one gets new parts to solve the problem and many DC dealership body shops are doing this.

Something that helps if a tech is in a hurry is to apply 1 coat of epoxy or 1 coat of 2K primer, waiting 30-60 minutes before top coating.

This is a cluster^&*# that seems to be growing so good luckk if you paint these types of parts.
 
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