Paint Gauges
Paint thickness gauges measure the total thickness of the vehicle finish. It is important to accurately measure the thickness of the
finish on each vehicle as the thickness of the finish will vary on each vehicle. Use a paint gauge before the sanding process in order
to accurately measure how much finish there is to remove before, during, and after the sanding process. Paint gauges range from
magnetic pull type to sophisticated electronic types, and are available from a variety of sources. The older magnetic type gauges, at
best have a 5
percent accuracy range and are not sensitive enough to detect removal of 0.02
mm 0.5
mil (0.0005
in) clearcoat. The
newer type magnetic gauges have improved accuracy ranges. Most gauges are confined to checking either ferrous metal, steel, non-
ferrous metal, or aluminum panel. At this time, there are no viable gauges for reading film thickness on composite (SCM doors, RIM
fenders) panels. The more sophisticated (ETG) electronic paint thickness gauges digital type gauges are able to read film thickness
on both ferrous and non-ferrous metal panel. Digital ETG gauges may have an accuracy range of 1
percent and include thickness
standards for recalibration. The following paint thickness gauges are available. Call 1-800-GM-TOOLS for information:
Paint Thickness Gauges
• 147-5437-ETG Standard model
• 147-5437-ETG-P Standard model with print option
• 147-5437-N-ETG-N Non-ferrous model for aluminum panels
• 147-5437-NP-ETG-NP Non-ferrous model with print option
• 147-54437-SD-ETG Steel and aluminum gauge
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Paint and Coatings
BODY REPAIR
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CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 BODY REPAIR MANUAL
