Page C-5
Repair and Service Manual
B
BODY
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
PAINTING
Follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for
specific painting procedures and information.
All painting must be done in an area with
adequate ventilation to safely disperse
harmful vapors.
Wear eye protection and respirator, following
manufacturers instructions to protect from
overspray and air borne mist.
Provide protection from overspray to vehicle and
surrounding area.
Minor Scratches
For minor scratches, the manufacturer suggests the fol-
lowing steps be taken to repair the Durashield™ body:
1. Thoroughly clean the surface to be repaired with alco-
hol and dry.
2. Touch up damaged area with sequential coats (two
coats minimum recommended, allowing 30 - 45 min-
utes between coats, increasing to 45 - 60 minutes in
higher humidity) using brush on touch-up paint, until
coating layer is visible, slightly above the surface of
the part.
3. Use 400 grit “wet” sand paper to blend touch up area
level with the rest of the part being repaired. Use a
polishing compound (3M Finesse or automotive
grade) to renew gloss and to further blend and transi-
tion newly painted surface.
4. Clean with alcohol and dry.
5. (Optional but recommended) Follow this process with
clear coat to renew and protect depth of finish.
6. Wax or polish with Carnauba base product, available
at any automotive parts distributor.
Larger Scratches
For larger scratches, the manufacturer suggests the fol-
lowing steps be taken to repair the Durashield™ body:
1. Thoroughly clean the surface to be repaired with
alcohol and dry.
2. Mask the area to be painted (common masking tape is
adequate) prior to repair and use aerosol type touch-
up paint.
3. Apply spray touch up paint in light even overlapping
strokes. Multiple coats may be applied to provide
adequate coverage and finish. Always remember to
shake the can for a minimum of one minute to mix the
paint and achieve the best color match.
4. After painting, allow to dry overnight. Smooth the
mask lines using 400 grit “wet” sand paper to blend
touch up area level with the rest of the part being
repaired. Use a polishing compound (3M Finesse or
automotive grade) to renew gloss and to further blend
and transition newly painted surface.
5. Clean with alcohol and dry.
6. (Optional but recommended) Follow this process with
clear coat to renew and protect depth of finish.
7. Wax or polish with Carnauba base product, available
at any automotive parts distributor.
Complete Panel Repair
In situations where large panels or areas must be
painted, touch up paint is not recommended. In such
cases professional painting or panel replacement is
called for. The manufacturer suggests body panel
replacement be considered as a cost effective alterna-
tive to painting. If the decision to repaint is taken, the
task can be accomplished by any paint and body shop
with experience in painting ‘TPE’ panels. TPE is a
common material in modern automobile bodies and all
body shops should be familiar with the materials and
processes required.
The finish will include an application of a primer coat, a
base color coat and a clear coat. The manufacturer does
not supply these materials due to the variety of paint
manufacturers and the preferences of the individual
painter.
Most paint manufacturers can perform a computer paint
match to assure accurate color matching.
