Measuring paint thickness/clearcoat on Corvettes

[georgeduello]

Mike,

Several people have told me that it is difficult for paint thickness readers to read paint thickness on Corvette because of the fiberglass. I have an area on my trunk lid that I need to measure before I decide what and how to address it.

Is the same true for carbon fiber?

If it is possible what brand paint reader would you recommend.

George

[FUNX650]

IMO:
It'd be best to give electronic paint thickness gauge (EPTG) suppliers like Defelsko and Elcometer a call to get their
expert recommendations for an EPTG that will measure
"Fiberglas", and composites like Carbon Fiber.


Note:
Ultrasonic-PTGs are rather expensive...when
compared to the Magnetic/Eddy-PTG models.



Bob

[ihaveacamaro]

Note:
Ultrasonic-PTGs are rather expensive...when
compared to the Magnetic/Eddy-PTG models.



Bob

That's an understatement lol

I agree with Bob though, any doubts, probably should invest in a PTG.

[Billy Baldone]

Bump!!! I have the same need

[AeroCleanse]

That's an understatement lol

I agree with Bob though, any doubts, probably should invest in a PTG.

What's a couple of thousand for a PTG

[57Rambler]

What's a couple of thousand for a PTG

How about $7500 ?

QuintSonic T - ElektroPhysik

[Sizzle Chest]

Billy, one of the DeFelsko units would work for you. There ultrasonics will read pretty much any substrate so you won't have to worry about any vehicle/panel/construction type.

[AeroCleanse]

How about $7500 ?

QuintSonic T - ElektroPhysik

They can be had for $2000 ish

[Mike Phillips]

Mike,

Several people have told me that it is difficult for paint thickness readers to read paint thickness on Corvette because of the fiberglass. I have an area on my trunk lid that I need to measure before I decide what and how to address it.

Is the same true for carbon fiber?

If it is possible what brand paint reader would you recommend.

George

Hi George,

It is true you need a paint thickness gauge designed to read other substrates besides metal. From a quick look, I think this model from DeFelsko would do the trick. You're looking at $2000.00+ for an entry level model.

Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage - PosiTector 200 | DeFelsko


How about this idea instead?

Assuming your Corvette is a daily driver, or even a Garage Queen, how about simply machine polishing the area and get it as good as you can and call it good.

Another thing you can do is take your Corvette to a trusted body shop, custom paint shop and ask them how much to repaint the trunk lid? Use this price as your guide to how crazy or not-crazy you want to get with dealing with whatever is in the paint on the trunk lid.


Do you own a polisher?

[Mike Phillips]

How about $7500 ?

QuintSonic T - ElektroPhysik

If this unit actually works as well as claimed AND works as well for detailing as we would all hope, then this looks like a really nice instrument.