Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

The Let-Down Panel





The let-down panel should be used as an aid to determine the approximate number of pearl coats (mid-coats) that will be necessary to achieve a proper color match. This is done by comparing the various pearl coat film build areas on the let-down panel adjacent to the repair area, prior to starting the repair. It can be made in the following manner, refer to illustration.

1. Apply the white base to hiding (paint code 40, WA9563).

2. Mask the panel in five sections leaving the first section exposed.

3. Apply a single medium wet coat of pearl material.

4. Remove the masking paper from the second section.

5. Apply a medium wet coat over the entire uncovered area of the panel.

6. Repeat the above steps until the five sections are completed, leaving only one coat on the last section.

IMPORTANT:
The let-down panel should illustrate five different film builds of pearl coat.

7. Once the panel is dry, mask off one half of the panel dividing it lengthwise. Apply two coats of clear on the unmasked half of the panel. Remove the masking paper and let the panel dry.