[xxjoeyxxeb]

Hi All,

At the dealer picking up my new Rapid Blue 1LE. Had them clean up a few spots on the paint but there was a very slight scratch just behind the rear wheel. They said it can't be buffed quickly because it's involved due to a film. They'll fix it at another time but taking pictures and noting it for now. Is that correct that the rear bumper isn't a typical base coat and clear coat like the rest of the car? I noticed a thin black line along the rear of the Arch well also so that must be whatever that film is. I'll get pictures soon.

Thank you,
Joe

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by xxjoeyxxeb

Hi All,

At the dealer picking up my new Rapid Blue 1LE. Had them clean up a few spots on the paint but there was a very slight scratch just behind the rear wheel. They said it can't be buffed quickly because it's involved due to a film. They'll fix it at another time but taking pictures and noting it for now. Is that correct that the rear bumper isn't a typical base coat and clear coat like the rest of the car? I noticed a thin black line along the rear of the Arch well also so that must be whatever that film is. I'll get pictures soon.

Thank you,
Joe

Joe,

There is a piece of PPF type material just in front of the rear wheel arch near the bottom of the car where the body panel flares outward. That's the only oem clear material that I am aware of. I don't believe there is any PPF behind the wheel arch.

[xxjoeyxxeb]

Thank you. The dealer did say they will take care of it if I wanted, but I am going to bring it to a professional detailer who I plan to have ceramic coat the car to see what they recommend. Hopefully they can take care of it. Also found one on the hood, which again, can't really be buffed I assume.

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by xxjoeyxxeb

Thank you. The dealer did say they will take care of it if I wanted, but I am going to bring it to a professional detailer who I plan to have ceramic coat the car to see what they recommend. Hopefully they can take care of it. Also found one on the hood, which again, can't really be buffed I assume.

The scratches in the paint can most likely be buffed out. A professional detailer should be able to handle that. The wrap on the hood may be more problematic. But a detailer might have a solution for that as well. I didn't ceramic coat my car, but I did clay bar it and use Zaino All in One on the surface right after I got it. The paint on my car was much better than I anticipated.

I would also recommend PPF for the front of the car. The 1LEs wide and sticky tires also throw up a lot of rocks. In order to protect the lower rockers and the sides of the car I recommend rock guards and side skirts or PPF, or a combination of the two. I have ACS rock guards and side skirts on my car.

[xxjoeyxxeb]

I have ACS skirts and rock guards ready to go on. I'm trying to set up an inspection with a detailer for his thoughts on the 2 scratches as well as ceramic coat and PPF costs for the front. I let the dealer know that I found the hood scratch yesterday after I left since the lighting was different. Looking at some older posts, it appears other people had the same issue and the dealer had to replace the black wrap.

[NOTSINCE57]

Sorry to hear about your issues, brand spanking new hot rod shouldn't have them but we all know it happens. Sounds like a stand up dealer, they should do all they can to make things right for you. Nice combo by the way.

[BowTie-Guy]

I'm not sure what kind of vinyl GM uses for the hood wraps, but I know that 3M 1080 & 2080 series vinyl has self healing properties when heat is applied. Not saying it will work for sure, but may be worth mentioning to your detailer.

[xxjoeyxxeb]

Thank you BowTie-Guy. I'll be stopping by the detailer on Saturday and will mention this.

[22SS1LE]

the bumper scratch will easily polish out.
As far as the hood one. You have to hope that maybe a little heat can help. You CAN NOT polish matte vinyl as it will just make it glossy and ruin the wrap unless you polish the entire thing for it to match.

[arpad_m]

I'd personally ditch the hood wrap even if I had a 1LE, the paint should be intact underneath. Just another option to consider.

[xxjoeyxxeb]

Thank you. The detailer was confused when I told him what the dealer said. I'll let him know that it might polish out on the bumper. As for the hood, do you just use a hair drier and go back and forth a bit? I have the detailer writing a quote to re-wrap it and I'll see if the dealer will reimburse me. I'd rather not go back to the dealer for either of these.

Originally Posted by 22SS1LE

the bumper scratch will easily polish out.
As far as the hood one. You have to hope that maybe a little heat can help. You CAN NOT polish matte vinyl as it will just make it glossy and ruin the wrap unless you polish the entire thing for it to match.

[22SS1LE]

I would take a heat gun on low setting and move it over the scratch but dont keep the heat on one area long just regular back and forth movement to see if it levels out. try that for about 30sec and see how it goes