Body - Paint Discolored Under Wrap Guard
GENERALDivision: Automotive
Category: Technical
Section Title: Body, Cab, and Accessories
TSB No. TS 02 01180
SUBJECT:
PAINT DISCOLORED UNDER WRAP GUARD.
MODEL(S):
ALL MODELS
YEAR:
ALL
CONDITION:
There is a possibility that the clear coat layer can become discolored due to water trapped under the wrap guard.
CAUSE:
The water caught between the body panel and wrap guard, if left for a long
period penetrates through the clear coat causing it to discolor.
CORRECTION:
In most cases, applying heat to the discolored area using a heat gun*,
infrared light*, or sunlight, will correct the condition. If after 10 minutes of applying a heat gun to the affected area as described, the discoloration will not disappear, the panel may need to be repainted. If the vehicle is being stored in a cold climate, allow the panel to warm to a reasonable temperature before beginning the timed application(s) of the heat gun and heat lamp(s).
The sunlight method will require significantly more time.
* Only Technicians with knowledge of paint temperature limitations should attempt the methods requiring a heat gun or infrared lamps.
Heat gun method (recommended for areas smaller than 12-15 inches in diameter, or if there are no infrared lamps available for larger stains)
1. Park the vehicle in a warm, dry area.
Remove any remaining wrap guard material from the vehicle.
2. Using a heat gun rated between 1200 and 1400 watts, holding the tool no closer than 12 inches from the paint surface, begin applying heat.
3. Apply heat for no more than 2-4 minute intervals, moving the focus of the hot air around the discolored area to ensure that the surface temperature rises and cools evenly. Never allow the temperature to exceed 190°F. The most effective range is 170-190°F.
Note:
It is highly recommended that an accurate temperature monitoring device is used to ensure that the painted surface does not get too hot.
4. Allow the area to cool before re-applying heat.
5. If it is necessary to use a heat gun on a large area, please divide the area into smaller sections of 12-15 inches in diameter. And once you have completed a section, move to another that is not adjacent to the portion left cooling, or allow the area to cool completely before continuing on the next section.
Heat lamp method (recommended for large areas in excess of 12-15 inches in diameter.)
1. Park the vehicle in a warm, dry area.
Remove any remaining wrap guard material from the vehicle, Choose an area that is close enough that the process can be easily monitored.
2. Using a heat lamp, position the vehicle and the lamp(s) in a position that the surface can be heated evenly, and the distance is great enough that there is little risk of the surface getting too hot, and begin applying heat.
3. Apply heat for no more than 2-4 minute intervals. Ensure that the surface temperature rises and cools evenly. Never allow the temperature to exceed 190�F. The most effective range is 170-190°F.
Note:
It is highly recommended that an accurate temperature monitoring device is used to ensure that the painted surface does not get too hot.
4. Allow the area to cool before re-applying heat.
Sunlight method (recommended for all affected vehicles wherever there is warm, direct sunlight available)
1. Park the vehicle in a warm, dry area. Remove any remaining wrap guard material from the vehicle.
2. Position the vehicle so the affected area is exposed to direct sunlight. Let the vehicle soak in the warmth from the sun until the discoloration subsides.
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