2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air bubbles in clear coat

[thanson]

My 96 1 ton's clear coat is beginning to develope what looks like air bubbles, you can even feel them. Local paint/body shop said they might be able to use 200 grit sanding cloth and buffing to bring back the luster. Otherwise it is a new paint job. Anyone had this problem? If so, what can be done? Because I am 2nd owner and it has 95 k miles, dealers say the factory has no obligations. Thanks, Tom

 

[dseabaugh]

My 97 developes bubbles in the paint only on the doors when the weather is wet. When the weather turns dry they would always flatten out. Now they don't flatten out any more. The paint pops off and leaves little eraser size spots bare to the primer. I took it in to Aufenburg Dodge a couple (?) of years ago when I first noticed it ( it was still under the extended mechanical warranty then but over 50,000 mi. ) and they told me it was because I had our business name in vinyl letters on the doors; ... only thing is, there are no bubles under the letters, only between them and on the rest of the door. When I first noticed it was after a week of rain 2 or 3 years ago . The doors looked like the surface of a football or basketball. Went to my Bro-in-laws in Fla. and after a few days in the sun the doors were smooth and couldn't find any sign of bumps. I think it prooves that moisture goes through their cheap a##ed paint. The wetter the weather the worse it gets. This was one of the first problems I had with this truck where I found out the dealer's opinion is " you bought it , its your tough luck" . I bought 2 brand new vehicles there and now they don't understand why I don't buy anything else.

 

[krs]

"I think it prooves that moisture goes through their cheap a##ed paint"



That's right, and some TSB in Dodge annals addresses the problem, sorta'. The TSB (technical service bulletin, which number I don't recall) says that in many cases where the owner has used aftermarket accesories such as bras, that stainless rocker cover stuff, or other things which cover the paint moisture will enter the clearcoat and be trapped. Apparently any sustained damp condition may do it as well, Their fix is to apply heat gun in the hopes that the bubbles and milky appearance will clear, and goes on to say that if that attempt fails repainting will be necessary.



As to whether there is warranty coverage: do a search on paint looking for posts by "illflem". He has successfully prevailed against DC in such a situation. Your dealers are giving you bull as they are fully aware of the paint issues with trucks of your years.



Our '98 truck has ruined paint below the beltline. It had that stainless rocker BS when we got it, and we removed it to find a mess. None of the usual body/paint shop fixes helped at all - mostly it got worse.

 

[John]

Originally posted by thanson

Local paint/body shop said they might be able to use 200 grit sanding cloth and buffing to bring back the luster.

I'm assuming your body shop guy meant 2000 grit, finishing by buffing/polishing.