What's considered normal variances when measuring clear coat....

[WRAPT C5Z06]

on factory paint when using a PTG?

[Rsurfer]

on factory paint when using a PTG?
From panel to panel? Not sure I understand your question Mark.

[WAXOFF]

I can speak on VW's. It's usually around 4.6.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

From panel to panel?
Exactly, Ron.

[Rsurfer]

Exactly, Ron.

I would say 10-15%. What kind of numbers are you getting? I prefer to use microns rather than mils.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Thanks. I want to buy an inexpensive PTG, yet will do the job. Any recommendation?

[CM8 6MT]

Thanks. I want to buy an inexpensive PTG, yet will do the job. Any recommendation?

Maybe Psynx can chime in, he got a pretty good deal with the one hes using.

[Rsurfer]

Thanks. I want to buy an inexpensive PTG, yet will do the job. Any recommendation?

How much do you consider inexpensive? A Highline II meter will run around $250. I would consider that inexpensive compared to the Defelsko at $700.

[Johny B]

How much do you consider inexpensive? A Highline II meter will run around $250. I would consider that inexpensive compared to the Defelsko at $700.

Thanks for the info.

[zmcgovern45]

Another common "cheap" PTG is the CM8801FN most easily found on a very common internet auction site. It looks identical to the Highline II Meter and performs quite well... it is definitely good enough for the enthusiast/weekend warrior IMO.

I am planning to do a review on it in the near future.

[ihaveacamaro]

Another common "cheap" PTG is the CM8801FN most easily found on a very common internet auction site. It looks identical to the Highline II Meter and performs quite well... it is definitely good enough for the enthusiast/weekend warrior IMO.

I am planning to do a review on it in the near future.

How do you tell that its performing quite well? Not that I doubt you, but how do you know that its accurate?

[AutowerxDetailing]

Another common "cheap" PTG is the CM8801FN most easily found on a very common internet auction site. It looks identical to the Highline II Meter and performs quite well... it is definitely good enough for the enthusiast/weekend warrior IMO.

I am planning to do a review on it in the near future.

I have the same one. It works great. It is scary how thin factory paint is on some of these newer cars. My dad's Challenger SRT8 pulls ~3.5 mil readings on almost every panel.

[Wes Bremec]

I have seen a great idea used by polished bliss. They use a cheap laser point on a camera or camcorder tripod and use the laser points on panels for accurate readings. I saw this and said to myself wow what a great idea!

[psynx]

Maybe Psynx can chime in, he got a pretty good deal with the one hes using.


How much do you consider inexpensive? A Highline II meter will run around $250. I would consider that inexpensive compared to the Defelsko at $700.

As rsurfer said Highline meter II is really really good for 250. its not perfectly accurate but its not off by much, usually .02 mils off

[ShaunD]

Variation in readings really depends on the car. Camaros vary from panel to panel by as much as 100 microns, if not more; or on one panel alone about 40-80 microns.
My highline has varied by about 10 microns, which wouldn't cause me to remove too much paint. But after recalibrating it was within 2-5 microns of dead on. My PTG doesn't tell me exact CC thickness, so I still have to use sound judgment, my good eyes, and my ability to evaluate paint and the depth of defects.

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