Determining if a Vehicle's Paint?

[ARizzle]

Hey there everyone, a friend of mine has an '03 yellow Mitsubishi Lancer, and he was curious as to whether or not the car has a clear coat or if it's single stage. I have google searched the '03 Lancer's paint, and there has been so much controversy, so to get this thread on the right course, if you know whether or not the yellow 03's have clear coat, please provide your insight. Or, if you know how to tell whether or not a car has clear coat by observing the paint and not buffing it, what are some characteristics I should look out for?

Thanks everyone!

[Ray@Autogeek]

Here's a simple test you can perform to find out whether you're working with a single stage paint system: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/34829-how-test-single-stage-clear-coat-paint.html

Since you'd be testing a Yellow paint, use a white or black applicator pad to create some contrast. This way you'll be able to see whether or not the paint is on the applicator.

[Pureshine]

If you see paint on pad single stage.

[ARizzle]

Thanks guys, but I'm curious, is there a way to tell by eye-balling the paint or feeling it (basically not applying polish to it)?

[ShaunD]

If you see oxidation that makes the yellow look flat usually that's a sign of SS paint. Clear coat has to be severely neglected to look flat/matte. You can always check your paint code as well. Some vehicle placards give a description of BC/CC for base coat/ clear coat paint, A.K.A. 2 stage paint. And likewise, if it's single stage, SS on the placard.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using AG Online

[ARizzle]

Perfect! Thank-you! Oh, and what if I have a yellow applicator, and apply the polish on the yellow car, will I be able to see the yellow paint come off on the yellow applicator if it is a single stage??

[FUNX650]

Using this picture:

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/images/paint-codes/mitsubishi-side.gif

Will show the locations of the paint-code-placard for:

2003 Mitsubishi
3000GT: #5 driver side firewall, under trunk lid, side compartment, or back of rear seat
Diamante: #1 Center of Firewall
Eclipse: #2 Passenger Side Firewall, #1 Center of Firewall
Endeavor: #1 Center of Firewall
Expo: #1 Center of Firewall
Galant: #2 Passenger Side Firewall, #1 Center of Firewall
Lancer: #1 Center of Firewall
Mirage: #2 Passenger Side Firewall, #1 Center of Firewall
Montero: #2 Passenger Side Firewall, #4 radiator support
Outlander: #1 Center of Firewall
Precis: #2 Passenger Side Firewall
Raider: Front Passenger Floor pan, or #3 Door Jamb
Sigma: #2 Passenger Side Firewall
Spyder: #2 Passenger side Firewall, #3 driver door jamb
Truck: #2 Passenger Side Firewall
Van: Below Passenger Seat under carpet flap

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/images/paint-codes/mitsubishi-paint-code-1.jpg

If this highlighted area of the placard says:
Y01: It's "Lightning Yellow"
Y12: It's "Yellow Metallic Clearcoat"
Y96: It's "Champagne Yellow Pearl Clearcoat"

Even though "Lightning Yellow" appears to be SS (doesn't say: Clearcoat)...
but if that's the paint-code #(Y01) on this vehicle's placard:

I'd still advise performing the Mike Phillips':
"Test-spot for SS vs. BC/CC Method"...If ever unsure!!

:)

Bob

[ARizzle]

Bob! You are a life saver!! Thank-you very much!!

[ShaunD]

With all this determining the paint system, and trying to do so without putting polish to the car to check for pigment transfer, what are you goals/plans for detailing the car?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using AG Online

[FUNX650]

Bob! You are a life saver!! Thank-you very much!!

-Thanks for your kind words ARizzle.
(Please let us know what the "color" is.)

-Good Luck on detailing the Lancer!!

:)

Bob

[ARizzle]

-Thanks for your kind words ARizzle.
(Please let us know what the "color" is.)

-Good Luck on detailing the Lancer!!

:)

Bob

Thanks once again Bob, both I and the owner were completely unaware of the placard in the engine bay. The paint is...Lightning Yellow! :D

Thanks Bob, if I get a chance to work on this car, I will definitely post pics!