Factory Paint Blemishes: What Should I Ask To Be Done?

[mikerbahn]

Hey folks. I noticed some imperfections in the paint on the rear, passenger door and the rear, passenger cab. Pictures attached.

Looks like what we used to call “fish eyes” in the paint. Dirt/debris on the surface as they painted it at the factory. The one spot is actually a glob of something: like a teardrop-sized paint run or something. There are more spots than this: about 6-8 in total, and just on that rear door/cab area.

Any advice on what I should ask FCA to do? I know it will be a process: dealership takes pics, FCA has to approve warranty work, etc. I just do not want to hear them offer to repaint.

For those smarter than me: judging from the pictures, do you feel that a competent body shop can work some magic, short of a repaint? I don’t want to have paint-related issues down the road.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Mikent]

From the look of the pictures, the areas will need to be sanded smooth, reshot with base coat then clear coat. The paint doesn’t appear to be metallic, which makes the repair easier. Overall, should be a pretty easy fix.

 

[GreatWhite]

Oh man! I'm sorry to hear about that. That's no fun, but I would definitely get it to the dealer as soon as you can.

@RamCares is fabulous to talk too, and will definitely help you get the ball rolling. Send them a PM with everything you have. I'm sure they will respond here as well! Best of luck!

 

[Dr. Jim]

I would get an estimate from an independent body shop first to see what can be done. The estimate should be free. Ask them if it can be repaired without repainting. That way you'll know in advance before going to the dealership. If FCA will not approve repairing it, then you can always go back to the independent body shop. But, at least, you will know what the repair will cost you and how it will be done.

 

[mikerbahn]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I head in on Tuesday. I don’t expect much from the initial visit, but will update this thread with anything relevant.

 

[HeliPilot]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I head in on Tuesday. I don’t expect much from the initial visit, but will update this thread with anything relevant.

Those can/will most likely be wet sanded out. No repaint necessary. You’ll be surprised how well wet sanding turns out. Should not need any repaint.

 

[RamCares]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I head in on Tuesday. I don’t expect much from the initial visit, but will update this thread with anything relevant.

Hello mikerbahn,

Please be sure to keep us updated on how your dealer appointment goes. If you are in need of any additional support while working with your dealer, please know that our team would be more than happy to help! We are just a private message away.

Mark
RamCares

 

[mikerbahn]

Hello mikerbahn,

Please be sure to keep us updated on how your dealer appointment goes. If you are in need of any additional support while working with your dealer, please know that our team would be more than happy to help! We are just a private message away.

Mark
RamCares

Thanks Mark. I will post an update after the appointment tomorrow.

 

[RamCares]

Thanks Mark. I will post an update after the appointment tomorrow.

Hi mikerbahn,

Thank you for the heads up! I will be on the lookout for a follow up post from you.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Gerard]

My tailgate has 2 pretty bad paint flaws too. Haven’t had time to bring it to the dealership.

 

[RamCares]

My tailgate has 2 pretty bad paint flaws too. Haven’t had time to bring it to the dealership.

I'm sorry to hear this, Gerard. Please know that when you are able to bring this concern to the attention of your dealer, our team would be more than happy to provide you with an additional layer of support for that process. We are always just a PM away.

Mark
RamCares

 

[mikerbahn]

Not much to update. Service Advisor took pictures, will submit to FCA to see what they will do. He asked to give him a couple of weeks for a response.

 

[RamCares]

Not much to update. Service Advisor took pictures, will submit to FCA to see what they will do. He asked to give him a couple of weeks for a response.

Thank you for following up to let us know, mikerbahn! Please know that our team is just a private message away should you have any trouble receiving a follow-up from your dealer on this.

Mark
RamCares

 

[v_eight]

I have this spot on the front near my driver's side headlight. Should probably speak to my dealer about this?

 

[mikerbahn]

I have this spot on the front near my driver's side headlight. Should probably speak to my dealer about this?

I absolutely would. That seems to be a decent sized blemish.

 

[SD Rebel]

I used to work at a dealership, a lot of these blemishes could have been done after it left the factory as well, either during transport and holding and at the dealership itself. Either way, it should be covered by your warranty.

 

[drstein]

I used to work at a dealership, a lot of these blemishes could have been done after it left the factory as well, either during transport and holding and at the dealership itself. Either way, it should be covered by your warranty.

After it leaves the factory, its called " Damage " A "blemish is IN the paint/ clear during manufacturing.

 

[SD Rebel]

After it leaves the factory, its called " Damage " A "blemish is IN the paint/ clear during manufacturing.

I'm talking about the repair that's done after it leaves the factory, which is a lot more common that people realize. The dealership and factory won't mention it, even if a body panel was repainted under their care. In that case, it's still a blemish on refinish work.

 

[mikerbahn]

I'm talking about the repair that's done after it leaves the factory, which is a lot more common that people realize. The dealership and factory won't mention it, even if a body panel was repainted under their care. In that case, it's still a blemish on refinish work.

Pretty sure these are "blemishes", as it is clearly under the applied base coat and/or clear coat. I cannot imagine how transit, the dealership, or anyone/anything else got debris underneath those coats.

Of course it is possible that the dealership attempted to repair some "damage" that occurred during those times, but given the lack of noticeable paint work (to an untrained eye, mind you), I doubt this is the case.

 

[SD Rebel]

Pretty sure these are "blemishes", as it is clearly under the applied base coat and/or clear coat. I cannot imagine how transit, the dealership, or anyone/anything else got debris underneath those coats.

Of course it is possible that the dealership attempted to repair some "damage" that occurred during those times, but given the lack of noticeable paint work (to an untrained eye, mind you), I doubt this is the case.

Absolutely, not saying that is your case, but just want to point out it's common. Damage after a vehicle leaves the manufacturer, whether during transport to dealerships or at dealerships themselves. Dented or heavily scratched body panels that need a body shop repair/respray, spot repair and PDR. Happens all the time.