Questions about new paint job??

Okay, so I just got my car back from the body shop. The front bumper skin was replaced (a motorcycle crashed into my car while it was parked).

I was wondering why they tell you to not wash and wax the car for 3-4 weeks? Is this neccessary? Especially since they washed my car before right before they gave it back to me.

The second question I have is, is there a special "new paint" wax? They told me come back in 3-4 weeks to have this "new paint" wax applied.

So I was also wondering if anyone can give me some advice about having an unsatisfactory repair job. I was in a hurry this morning when I picked up the car and didn't look at it closely. I now see many imperfections in the bumper skin: Metallic flake seems to be courser in one area, lines from the bumper mould that were not sanded down before they panted, rough paint from what seems to be cloth fiber painted over, larger gaps in fog light covers, ect.

I've been to that shop before and they have done good work. Now I'm worried because I signed the papers and took the car already. I have a call into the shop now but, do I have a foot to stand on or am I screwed?

Okay, so I just got my car back from the body shop. The front bumper skin was replaced (a motorcycle crashed into my car while it was parked).

 

I was wondering why they tell you to not wash and wax the car for 3-4 weeks? Is this neccessary? Especially since they washed my car before right before they gave it back to me.

 

The second question I have is, is there a special "new paint" wax? They told me come back in 3-4 weeks to have this "new paint" wax applied.

 

So I was also wondering if anyone can give me some advice about having an unsatisfactory repair job. I was in a hurry this morning when I picked up the car and didn't look at it closely. I now see many imperfections in the bumper skin: Metallic flake seems to be courser in one area, lines from the bumper mould that were not sanded down before they panted, rough paint from what seems to be cloth fiber painted over, larger gaps in fog light covers, ect.

 

I've been to that shop before and they have done good work. Now I'm worried because I signed the papers and took the car already. I have a call into the shop now but, do I have a foot to stand on or am I screwed?

Sounds like a crappy paint job. Most good auto body shops will guarantee their work for as long as you own your car. Did the paperwork have any guarantee on the back? Not like driving the car will cause your bumper paint issue.

As for the statement to not wash the car for 3-4 weeks, that is so the paint can "cure". I am not sure what happens during this curing process, but I had the same thing told to me (I was told 3 months though). As for this new paint wax, I am not sure. My body shop mentioned using zip wax.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. I took the car back and the shop claims the imperfections will be buffed out when I take it back for the final polish in 3 weeks. I am slightly hestitant but I guess I have to wait and see if they are right. After further inspection, it looks like the silver was not fully dry before the clearcoat was applied.

As for the fitment issues I now noticed that there is a gap under part of the headlights. They claim this is w/in manufacturer tolerances but I know my lights used to be flush w/ the bumper. I need to send them pictures of other legacys w/out this gap.

Just keep working with them and they should make things right. They want you to wait for waxing and such so the paint can cure. Once that is finished most shops like for you to bring it back in for a color polish. (ie wetsand if necessary and polish) the paint out to the high shine it is suppose to be.

Not sure on the washing thing though. That is a new one to me.

Thanks for the advice. I took the car back and the shop claims the imperfections will be buffed out when I take it back for the final polish in 3 weeks. I am slightly hestitant but I guess I have to wait and see if they are right. After further inspection, it looks like the silver was not fully dry before the clearcoat was applied.

 

As for the fitment issues I now noticed that there is a gap under part of the headlights. They claim this is w/in manufacturer tolerances but I know my lights used to be flush w/ the bumper. I need to send them pictures of other legacys w/out this gap.

Yeah..keep at them until it is right. I had to bring my car back 3 times to get things right. It is a new model and unless they are familar with everything, they may say it is fine, when it isn't. Don't give up and make sure they make it right. I know it is a pain to keep taking it back, but in the long run it will work out for the best.

Good luck man...I know how you feel! And no matter how good a job they do, you will always "see" the damage.

-S

Currently in the same predicament as you are! The job (my car was rear-ended by my neighbour) was 95% perfect. However the paint has some dust specles in it, the gap between taillight and tailgate isn't the same on both sides. So back it went. They have now been fixing it for another week and still I see no end.

The panelshop was a reputable one which specialises in subaru's. I find that most people just don't care. The panelshops just want the car out of the door so they can get paid. No 1 cares to do it right!

Cheers

V

Thanks for the advice. I took the car back and the shop claims the imperfections will be buffed out when I take it back for the final polish in 3 weeks. I am slightly hestitant but I guess I have to wait and see if they are right. After further inspection, it looks like the silver was not fully dry before the clearcoat was applied.

Uh-huh. The shop is feeding you a line of bull. There is no need for a 'final' polish in 3 weeks with modern paint systems. The imperfections will not 'magically' buff out either. If the applied the base coat wrong, or didn't prep the bumper properly, those issues will show up.

You need to have them fix their work or pay to have it fixed at a good body shop.

John