Body - Replacement Underbody Coating Materials
NUMBER: 31-008-12GROUP: Collision Bulletin
DATE: October 24, 2012
SUBJECT:
Replacement Underbody Coating Materials
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin discusses sufficient repair materials for underbody coatings.
MODELS:
2013 (PF) Dart
2009-2013 (JC) Journey
2001-2010 (PT) PT Cruiser
2007-2008 (VB) Sprinter
2002-2006 (VA) Sprinter
DISCUSSION:
Some Chrysler Group underbodies receive an application of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) which is remarkably tough and resistant to stone chipping.
During the restoration of collision damage it may become necessary to repair or replace panels with the applied anti-chip coating, however the original material is not suitable for application outside of the assembly plant and there may be confusion in the field as to what products have an equivalent level of performance. For this reason Chrysler Group
engineering has tested a wide array of after-market repair materials to determine those which provide equivalent protection to the as-built material, utilizing the same testing methods as are used for the production approved materials.
Of the materials tested, only the following satisfied the original engineering requirements for chip resistance and protection to the substrate. The Chrysler Group recommendations for repair materials are as follows:
Follow the manufactures application recommendations. Duplication of the existing surface appearance must be achieved via the technicians actual application method and should be practiced prior to actual installation.
Following application of the underbody coating it will be necessary to apply a painted topcoat to match the original coatings appearance on the vehicle as the replacement materials will not be a duplicate in color.
The following material application windows should be followed:
POLICY:
Information Only
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.