Bodywork Copolymer Deprotection
83renault22E034
DECEMBER 1982
ALL TYPES
BODYWORK Attention: Workshop, Parts Department
COPOLYMER DEPROTECTION
INFORMATION
This I.S. Note describes the method for removing the copolymer protective film applied to Renault Le Car, 18i and Fuego models.
1. DEPROTECTING NEW VEHICLES
2. DEPROTECTION EQUIPMENT
3. DEPROTECTION PRECAUTIONS
4. DEPROTECTION PROCEDURE
1. DEPROTECTING NEW VEHICLES
Basic Process
The deprotection process is basically a three step procedure involving; (1) application of a deprotection solution to the vehicle body, (2) a 10 minute soak period to allow the solution to penetrate and loosen the protective film and (3), a cold water rinse to wash away the loosened protective film. This basic process is performed twice to ensure complete deprotection.
Deprotection Solution
The deprotection solution consists of an alkaline base gel concentrate that has been diluted with water. The mixture ratio is one (1) part gel concentrate to six (6) parts water (e.g., one quart concentrate mixed with six quarts water). Approximately one gallon of solution is needed to deprotect one vehicle.
CAUTION: Never use the gel concentrate full strength or allow a diluted (6 to 1) solution to remain on the vehicle for more than 10 minutes. Although the solution will not harm paint, decals, or chrome trim, it could stain anodized aluminum components if used improperly.
Applying Deprotection Solution
The gel concentrate/water deprotection solution is sprayed onto the body using a portable, hand operated sprayer; similar to a garden insecticide sprayer. Capacity should be at least two (2) gallons. The sprayer must not be constructed of aluminum. Only copper, brass, plastic or galvanized steel construction is acceptable.
When To Deprotect New Vehicles
Deprotection (copolymer protective film removal) should be performed under the following circumstances.
- When the vehicle is being prepared for delivery or otherwise placed in service and more importantly, - Before the original protective film has been on the vehicle for six (6) months or more.
The protective film must not be allowed to remain on any new vehicle for more than six (6) months. The film contains an acrylic copolymer resin that could harden making deprotection extremely difficult after six (6) months time.
NOTE: The build date of new vehicles in stock that have not been deprotected should be checked periodically to avoid having the film left on too long. The month and year of manufacture are indicated on the manufacturer's information plate attached to the driver's door.
2. DEPROTECTION EQUIPMENT
The following equipment is required for deprotection:
- Rubber gloves and safety glasses.
- Hand operated portable sprayer (similar to garden insecticide sprayer) constructed of copper, brass, plastic, or galvanized steel only.
- Chamois cloth and large sponge or cotton wash mitt.
- Cotton balls or clean shop towels.
- Tar remover.
3. DEPROTECTION PRECAUTIONS
- Do not deprotect the vehicle without wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses. The deprotection solution could cause irritation if the eyes or skin are exposed. If irritation should occur, flush the affected area thoroughly with water and consult a physician if irritation persists.
- Be sure the deprotection area is well ventilated.
- Do not allow the protective film to remain on any new vehicle for more than six (6) months.
- Never use the gel concentrate full strength.
- Do not deprotect the vehicle indirect sunlight or apply the deprotection solution to a hot surface.
- Do not attempt deprotection in temperatures below 32~F.
- Be sure the vehicle doors and windows are tightly shut.
- Cover the windshield and rear window moulding joint clips with tape to prevent deprotection solution from collecting under the mouldings.
- Be sure the vehicle body is dry before applying the first coating of deprotection solution.
4. DEPROTECTION PROCEDURE
1. Fill the portable sprayer with deprotection solution consisting of one (1) part deprotection gel concentrate and six (6) parts water.
CAUTION: Do not use the gel concentrate full strength on any surface.
2. Close the vehicle doors and windows. Move the windshield wiper arms/blades away from the windshield. Remove any protective adhesive paper from exterior body components. Cover the joint clips on the windshield and rear window mouldings with masking tape to keep the deprotection solution from getting under the mouldings.
3. Dry the vehicle with a low pressure stream of compressed air if wet. Do not use a cloth to remove moisture as any dust particles trapped in the protective film might scratch the paint.
4. Spray the deprotection solution over the entire vehicle. Start with the roof followed by the hood and trunk surfaces. When applying solution to vertical surfaces (doors, fenders, etc.), work from top to bottom.
CAUTION: Do not apply the deprotection solution to a hot surface or in direct sunlight nor in temperatures below 32~F.
5. Allow 10 minutes for the deprotection solution to penetrate and loosen the copolymer film. Apply additional deprotection solution to stubborn areas as necessary.
CAUTION: Do not allow the solution to remain on the body or aluminum parts any longer than 10 minutes.
6. Rinse the deprotection solution and loosened copolymer film off the vehicle with cold water. Do not direct the rinse water stream against decals full force.
7. Spray a second coat of deprotection solution over the entire vehicle. Then soak a sponge or cotton wash mitt in deprotector solution and remove all remaining traces of the copolymer protective film.
CAUTION: Do not use full strength gel concentrate on any surface.
8. Rerinse the vehicle with cold water and wipe the body off with a chamois cloth or run the vehicle through a revolving brush-type car washer.
9. Open the doors and window and remove the protective film from the door and window openings, and also from any other areas where the deprotection solution might have been trapped. Remove all remaining traces of the protective film using cotton balls or a clean shop towel saturated wlth tar remover.
PARTS:
Description Quantity Part Number
DEPROTECTION GEL CONCENTRATE
One gallon container 1 89 82 400 101
Five gallon container 1 89 82 400 069
Filing Instructions
File this I.S. Note in your M.R. 171 binder.