Some dipshit backed into my TSX last week in a parking lot

So next week I have to drop off my baby at the bodyshop to get fixed.

When the bodyshop was doing my estimate they told me that they were going to completely replace my drivers side front corner panel and front bumper (the areas which were scratched and dented). They also said that they would re-clearcoat the two repalced parts (obviously) and the hood and drivers side door to help "blend" the new parts color. I was actually happy to hear that because I have a couple very light scratches on my hood that I'm hoping the new layer of clearcoat will help.

My real question is, does anyone know how a body shop gets the surface completly clean of all contaminants and polishes/waxes before clearcoating. I imagine they have to do something before applying the clearcoat, and I'm doubting it's the dawn/alcohol/clay combo.

I'm also thinking at the very least I'll have to re-polish and wax the parts which were effected and possibly the entire car, depending on what exactly they do to strip the cars finish. What really sucks is winters coming here in PA and I had my car all ready for the snow and salt, with multiple layers of polish and wax. Now I may have to start all over.

I'm going to ask all these questions when I drop the car off at the shop, but I was just wondering in anyone had any insight.

Thanks

 

I would imagine they would be clearcoating the parts that they painted.

You should also hold off on waxing the newly painted surfaces to give the paint time to cure.

 

Sorry to hear about your ride. Glad she's getting fixed up good as new though!

From the way I read your post, it sounds your question is what the body shop does to make sure the parts they are replacing are free of contaminants before they clearcoat it. I doubt there's any contaminants on those parts, and I'm not sure why the body shop needs to re-clearcoat the hood and driver's side door though, since it already has a layer of clearcoat on. My guess is that body shops use some industrial strength cleaners or strippers plus a combination of sanding to get the surfaces smooth. Best bet is to call the body shop and ask them about their process.

 

He said something about blending paint, and in order to blend paint, they have to remove the clearcoat in order to paint. Once the paint is blended to match the new parts, they will clearcoat over the new paint. The removal process will not be something to be concerned about, because they will have to ensure the clearcoat is removed in order to begin painting.
My opinion is, unless you drive a black car, blending should NOT be an option by any body shop, especially for a new car. Have them color code match the paint and paint the parts OFF of the car, otherwise, you will see spots of overspray. They put paper, coatings, all kinds of crap to try and prevent overspray, but you WILL see some someplace.

 

Thanks for the follow up guys.

Viking, I totally forgot about letting the paint cure. So she may need to wait till spring for a new layer of polish and wax.

cmf/lokman, sorry I was unclear with my initial post.

I was told the hood and drivers door are getting clearcoated so they would better match the two new parts (front corner panel and bumper), there is no damage to the hood or door. I have to admit I never heard of this being done, but my car is black, maybe that has something to do with it And unless I misunderstood what they said, they are not going to repaint the hood or door, just re-clearcoat them. The way they made it sound is once the new corner panel and bumper are on they will clearcoat over top of all the parts (hood, bumper, corner panel, door). so they match better.

cmf, why is a black car handled differently than other colors?

 

Make sure they use the right color code for your NHBP TSX. The black TSX paint isn't a flat black and has crushed blue pearl in it. There was another thread about somebody with a Black TSX that was repainted to a flat black posted a while back:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11761

 

Viking, as odd as it may sound, the best bodyshop in the area is owned by the Honda/Acura dealership, so I doubt they will mess up the color.

 

Darker colors are harder to match because of fading. Sounds weird, but darker colors are more noticeable with all kinds of minor blemishes, which requires blending.
I would ask to be sure if they are only gonna clearcoat the non-wrecked parts, and not paint them as well. Doesn't make sense to say they are gonna blend something, but not paint it.

 

they'll most likely use a body solvent