St. Louis Paint Job

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I noticed a few small bubbled paint spots on the right rear quarter when I picked up my Ram less than three weeks ago. The dealer told me then it was bad enough that they'd have to fix it. Before I took it in yesterday for them to do this work, I did a careful look at the entire vehicle. Although not as noticeable as the right rear, there were these little spots all over, which I documented for the dealer. Although cosmetically they didn't bother me too much - after all I really had to look hard to find them - I wanted them fixed if they could give me any trouble in the future. (I want to keep this truck a long, long time. )

Well, the dealer just called. They said it's so bad that they have to repaint just about the whole truck! And now I have a little red Neon to drive for the next 8-9 days. Oh, the shame! Ugh!!!

Has anyone else had such a disasterous experience? From previous posts, I feel a little less apprehensive about the quality of work that can/might be done in this repainting job, but I can't say I'm happy about it. Does anyone have any thoughts to the contrary? Do I need to worry?

BTW, my MEXICAN-MADE '97 half-ton was nearly flawless...

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Y2K 2500 QC 4X4 Sport, black 3. 54 auto, every option but Cab Lights. Black brush/grille guard and bed rails (Dodge), black Westin nerfs. K&N air filter; Gauges on hand, ready for the A-pillar. More to come...

 

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If this is a new vehicle, I would want a new one. Not one that has been repainted! I don't feel that you get as good of a paint job at a dealership. Maybe I am wrong, but I would demand a new truck. Obviously something wasn't cleaned properly on the body before they painted it at the factory. I would check to see if this was a bad batch of vehicles from the plant(relating to paint or chemicals.
You didn't pay this kind of money for a new vehicle and expect a paint job after 3 weeks. I would do some research!!!

My . 02.
Best of luck!!!
Peep

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97 Reg. Cab 4x4 auto, Red/Driftwood/Red, SLT Laramie, Camel, Camper Package, Tow Package, 3. 54. Stock! West Lafayette, Indiana

 

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I also would want a new truck ordered and have Dodge put it at the top of the list!

An aftermarket paint job is not the same as factory.

You are paying a lot of money for a re-painted truck. Tell the dealer to put it on his lot if he thinks that it is good-as-new.

Later,
Tim

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94' 2500 4x4, std cab, 12v, 5spd, gauges, TST 230/605, 110k mi.
96' 2500 4x4, ext cab, 12v, 5spd, Cummins Exhaust brake, 50k mi, 8-10K horse trailer (wifes).
Phx, AZ

 

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Before I bought my new '99 I looked at a couple of '98 repaints that were judged to be defective from the factory by DC (and/or their authorized agent, the dealer) --

These pickups were bought back by DC and REPLACED WITH NEW ONES, then the defective pickups were repainted and sold as such - the dealer was Roberts Dodge in Kennewick (Tri-Cities) WA and they were very "up-front" about the history of these units.

Sounds like -1) your dealer is unfamiliar with DC policy; -2) DC policy specific to defective paint has changed; or -3) your dealer is trying to put one over on you ???

Hope this helps,

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Built(Deer Hunter Model)Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors - LT255/85R16 Kelly Safari AWR's on order, etc.....

 

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I just got off the phone with the dealer's service manager. (The owner was out or I would have talked with him... ) After asking a few polite, but very direct questions about the DC policy regarding such a situation as mine (and he did tell me that at least 2/3 of the truck has to be repainted), it looks like a new replacement might well be in order. He was very accomodating, but said he had to go back to the KC district office to confirm. But he also said with the truck being less than three weeks old, he doesn't see it as a problem. But of course, the wait for a new truck will start all over again! After he gets back with me tomorrow, I'll post back what I learn.

Thanks for the quick replies - you might have saved me from owning a very used three week old truck! You guys and this site are the greatest!

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Y2K 2500 QC 4X4 Sport, black 3. 54 auto, every option but Cab Lights. Black brush/grille guard and bed rails (Dodge), black Westin nerfs. K&N air filter; Gauges on hand, ready for the A-pillar. More to come...

 

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This sounds almost like that guy that bought that new BMW and found out that it had been repainted by the dealer after a hail storm or something. I think it went all the way to federal court, and the guy was able to get his money back because they decided that if it was not a factory paint job, it was not a new car. Anyone remember this? I think it was in most of the papers.

Plus, you have to consider what that dealer paint job is going to look like in a few years, and how durable it might be. I agree with the Mexican trucks, the quality seems to be much better on them. I have an American made one, and the fit and finish does not seem to be as nice, but I bought it anyway because it was such a good deal. The paint job is really poor on my truck as far as overspray and such, but the paint itself seems to be quality material. It still looks fairly new.

Dave

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94 3500 2wd E-brake, Less than 50,000 miles!! in beautiful, sunny, Sandbridge VA.

 

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If you've already paid for it than there is no waiting involved. You should be driving the current truck until the new-order truck arrives. It's your money, you've already put it down. That's their motivation for getting the new-new rig to you ASAP. The longer you drive the current vehicle the less they'll be able to sell it for.

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Big MAK
98. 5 ISB 5spd 4x4 Quad Cab 3500, 4" Exhaust elbow down, PowerMax1, dang near everything else
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com

 

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been there done that truck replaced dealer is the key

 

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special ordered 99 dakota solar yellow. paint had spots. actually i later found it was damaged in shipping dc rep was very cooperative and not only replaced my truck but allowed me to upgrade to a 2500 y2k diesel quad cab red. can't say enough about dealer. they let me drive my 99 for 3 months till the new one came at no charge. good luck

 

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Richard is right. From what Ive heard,you need a competent dealer. Most complaints that are not resolved on any new vehicle is usually because the dealer wont persue the matter with the manufacture. It sounds like your problem should be taken care of. Keep us posted.

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1999 2500 Cummins w/4spd auto,Quad Cab,SWB,4x4,Flame red ,all options less leather and radio controls on steering wheel,OEM color matched runningboards,DeeZee bedrails painted black,Power Vision Mirrors,OEM ventshades,Oem sill covers,OEM underrail bedliner

 

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I have a Y2K 2500 QC, Cummins of course, 4x4,LB,SLT, Driftwood on order, every option that would fit including leather--although my wife insisted on auto. Any way my dealer told me to hope for a truck from Mexico as quality seems to be much better. He also said the paint jobs on Mexican trucks are usually flawless and the #1 complaint he gets about the St. Louis trucks is the paint. Found out last week my Y2K is being made in Mexico. Thats ok with me because my 95 2500 that im trading in was made in Mexico and I can't say enough about the quality and workmanship.
P. S. it's a shame because im one of these guys who only buys american and the quality is not there as it should be.

 

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My 98 RAM has specs and blotches on every panel. DC offered to repaint the entire truck... I said NO WAY... Since there wasn't another truck like mine on the system and I needed this truck for work, they gave me a 1,000. 00 credit and... . theres a memo on the warranty system that this truck gets a new paint job whenever it requires it. So the next guy can actually use it and if he needs a paint job... DC is paying for it. That worked for me. The flaws are noticable when I am real close and cleaning it.

My next truck will get the magnifying glass again... and it will be in my possession for a few days before the truck is registered in my name since I need to switch a few things off the 98 to the 01. The dealer has agreed to do this like he did on the last truck. My dealer has treated me very well.

SCOTT
gettin anxious to be Rammin in the 01... probably in the early spring.

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LIFT IT FLIP IT BOMB IT! OR...
RAMIT!

 

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Tulsa You tell that dealer he must Replace that truck . That truck cost a LOT of money. Repaint no way! Tell him if you wanted a used truck you would have got one . But tell him in a nice way. But stand your ground.

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97-CC-4X4-5spd-12V-Aluminum TB-Bed Rails-Bedliner-Mopar Mud Flaps-Westin Nerf Bars-Moss Green w/Camel-285/16 BFG A/T-Jesus Tag

 

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You all crack me up! Believe me! I was a journeyman automotive painter. Your car or truck, and ,for that matter, EVERY car or truck on ANY New or Used dealership's lot has had it's paint touched-up, or had 'Paintless Dent' removal, or has been partially re-painted before you saw it without your knowledge! I have worked in the paint shops for several dealerships: BMW, Mercedes, Mercury, VW, Oldsmobile, F*rd=[I hate to say that word]GMC, Buick, Toyota, Lexus, Dodge, and several others)
EVERY stinking car or truck that comes in off of the tractor-trailer rig or train has some paint problems(scratches, Bradley damage, road rash, rail rash, small dents, etc. ) which I have personally corrected in the paint shops. I have done spot blends, even repainted whole bumpers, quarter-panels, pillars, roofs,etc, on new cars and trucks, yes, even brand spanking new Mercedes 450's and $50,000 BMW's, before they are even put on the lot, or delivered to new owners. (We use very high quality paint and clears so don't worry, it won't fade) I even have repaired new cars paint defects that I or a mechanic in pre-delivery have damaged just moving them back and forth in the parking lot by accident and have ran into other cars! For example: I remember in particular late one night last winter when closing up shop after proudly doing two absolutey beautiful spot-blends on a brand new Mercury, I was returning it to the showroom in the dark when I backed into a Lincoln! Slam-Bang! Boy, was I depressed! But, thankfully,I was able to just buff off the scratches with "Perfect-II" and it looked new. Honestly, I'm not the only painter in one city in California that has done this because I used to work for a nationwide "franchise" that new car dealers in EVERY city including Honolulu use to fix paint defects before the consumer even sees the vehicle. Believe me--your car and truck has been touched up or even partially repainted. If you see a defect in your paint, our company didn't catch it on our initial inspection(a big no-no)or we didn't get the chance to see it before you did, and that is VERY seldom. Believe me: YOUR TRUCK OR CAR HAS BEEN TOUCHED UP BEFORE YOU EVEN SAW IT UNLESS YOU PERSONALLY DROVE IT OFF THE BRADLEY YOURSELF. If you can't find a paint flaw, it's a tribute to our paint company's expertise! If you think other wise, I have a bridge in Arizona to sell you! This is why if I see a blemish in my new truck's finish, I don't worry about it. I just think: "A silversmith has wooden spoons. " ie: I'll correct it later before I sell it to someone else, however, I'm honest & I'll tell them I did so! Not like all car dealers, and I mean ALL, who don't tell you your car and/or truck has been touched up!

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Bob in Sacramento
Y2K All Black 3500 ISB 4x4 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie, LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty Built Step Rails, Weatherguard 'Weekender' Ladder-rack,Rancho 9000's,Diamond Plate Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner.
Fact:"The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines-The Last Fords' NEED THEM!"

 

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RobbyRam, I certainly do not dispute your experience, and that probability that almost all new cars get a chance to visit folks like you before the owners sees them. The dealer quite openly told me exactly that when I spoke with him yesterday. 'Said if they didn't, they'd be a vehicle swapper, not a vehicle seller. But he also agreed that the paint problems with my truck are extreme. Not only that, but they should have caught and corrected most of it before I ever saw it. He said he could not believe what he saw when he got a look at it the first time yesterday morning!

This dealer has always been a great one with a fine reputation. I feel like I'm going to be treated right by them (I hope). My concern at this point is the fact that I've already paid for the tag and taxes (over $1,600 - Oklahoma will really stick it to ya'!) They might squawk about reimbursing me that - and I just don't have that kind of money lying around to pay it over again if I get a new truck.

I'll know better before this day is over. (I plan on a face-to-face with the owner - and I do know how to deal with people tactfully... ) I'll post the results by this evening.

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Y2K 2500 QC 4X4 Sport, black 3. 54 auto, every option but Cab Lights. Black brush/grille guard and bed rails (Dodge), black Westin nerfs. K&N air filter; Gauges on hand, ready for the A-pillar. More to come...

 

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I'm with Robby,
I'm sorry,but I can't believe you guys think the factory uses some magical-incredo-durable
high quality paint! THEY DON'T! It's bought in inexpensive mass-bulk and sparayed on very thin. And the clearcoat? What clear coat? A piece of scotch tape is thicker than the factory applied clearcoat! I would be thrilled if DC would repaint my truck... That way I would know it would be done right, thick and well clearcoated,instead of the conveyer belt paint job. I hate the way it scratches(clearcoat),and chips(basecoat)so easily. Okay time for me to get off my soapbox.

-Mike

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99 QC2500 4x4,5spd, LWB,LSD,3. 54,Amethyst,
Agate,SLT,Fogs,Camper,
Trailer,Slider,MidlandCB,Smittybilt bars,
6-disc Clarion changer.

Disciple of BOMB
"RATTLE & HUM"

 

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Went home last night and looked again real close and I have a couple of spots under the clear coat that don't look the best but over all the paint is better than some of my other rigs of brand F. It's a truck and I'm trying to use it that way. I think it was built in St. Louis.

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99 2500, QC, SLT, 4x4 ISB, 5sp, 3. 55sld, Infiniti am/fm/cd, HDTcase, NW Running Boards and Mud flaps, Draw-Tite Front Mount Receiver Hitch, Tekonsha Brake Control, SRW and Husky Liners.

 

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BV,

If the first number in your vin is
1 = St. Louis
2 = Canada
3 = Si (Mexico)

Ben

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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Read Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards.

 

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There is also the VIN that starts with '4'.
These vehicles are made in Canada or the USA in what is called a foreign trade zone for export... Heck, most mini vans produced for DC are produced in canada and the majority have a '4' at the start. Last time I was at the Spokane auction there was a few '4' Dakota's and mini vans. Haven't found a RAM yet though.

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LIFT IT FLIP IT BOMB IT! OR...
RAMIT!

 

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My driver side door didn't line up right. closed the top didn't press against the weatherstrip. 2 trips and much bending later it's "acceptable. " they must use huge ball bearings for their acceptable tolerances test.

oh well, I waited 4 months. (Really like the idea of getting a free paint job sometime in the future. )

made in us.

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tedstruck
2500qc, no leather or abs
1500 bigfoot, no auto waterheater or microwave.