Clear Coat Failure - Re-Paint or Try to Bring it Back (Somewhat)?

**AdamsImport** · 05-15-2012, 02:54 PM

I have a 1999 Red Saab 9-3 Convertible that I am prepping for sale, the big problem is the Hood and the Trunk, both have clear coat failure.

I am seeking some advice on what to do, I can have it repainted for about $200 but in order to save cost, do you guys believe I can make it look decent with some elbow grease?

If so, what procedures?

This is what it looks like right now

**Jomax** · 05-15-2012, 02:56 PM

Spend the 200 IMO

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**RZJZA80** · 05-15-2012, 03:00 PM

If it's actually clear coat FAILURE, you can't bring that back. Base coat is dull, nothing you can do to shine it up. Might as well respray them.

**rcomito** · 05-15-2012, 03:44 PM

That sure looks like clear coat failure, but you have nothing to lose by trying to buff it up. Work a small spot on the trunk and see what you can do. You may be surprised.

Rick

Mike Phillips · 05-15-2012, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by rcomito

That sure looks like clear coat failure, but you have nothing to lose by trying to buff it up. Work a small spot on the trunk and see what you can do. You may be surprised.

Rick

I'm all for trying, if fact I often type/say,

"You don't know what you can do until you try"

But by the looks of the paint in this picture, stick a fork in it it's done.

Adam, I cropped out the above from one of your original pictures and uploaded it into your gallery here on AGO. Photobucket pictures tend to disappear and turn into red x's over time.

This thread has good related info...

Beginning Clearcoat Failure

**swanicyouth** · 05-15-2012, 04:33 PM

Maybe Meg's Glaze by hand might improve the look a bit. If your selling it , maybe just leave it, unless you know a good painter. As for that price, there are a lot of poor painters out there and you may fix the issue only to be left with a new issue (poor color match, orange peel, etc...).

**gatoman39** · 05-15-2012, 04:50 PM

14 year old car, defunct car company, clear coat failure with Chinese tires on it. Good luck.

**BobbyG** · 05-15-2012, 06:10 PM

I think it's time to refinish the affected areas.....

**Alvin** · 05-15-2012, 08:33 PM

Spend the money and have it painted

opie_7afe · 05-15-2012, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by BobbyG

I think it's time to refinish the affected areas.....

I agree, you might be able to save on cost if you prep the affected areas before hand and bring the parts to the painter....then all they need to do is wipe down with prep-solv and spray... if you want to prep your self just get some 600 grit discs and make it smoothed out would be best to sand all that clear off. good luck