Hey everyone, I wanted to check with anyone about my issue (concern). I have a 2004 4x2 screw Lariat. (Two tone, Black and Beige) I have had it for about at month now and I just noticed on my drivers side rear door 2 spots that are about the size of base ***** that look to be smug spots from something touching it at the factory before the clear coat was put on. There is also a smaller spot on another door. I just saw them because you can only see them when the sun hits the truck a certain way. I know if I take it back to the dealer, they will take care of me and repaint. I have a big concern with that because can the dealer repaint it exactly to match, or am I going to have two different shades of blacks on my truck. Should I just live with the smudges? Not many people will notice them or should I risk that the dealer will make it match right. Another concern I have is when the time comes to sell or trade it in, am I going to have people thinking I wrecked it and the smudges are a cheap patch job. Has anyone had this on his or her truck, and what did you do about it? Sorry this post is so long, but thanks in advance for the info. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!!!

 

Well I don’t know how hard it is to match black but I can tell you about my experience with having parts of my truck repainted.

I have a 2001 and it is silver metallic paint. About a year ago some moron keyed the tail gate and the very back, next to the rear lights, corner panels. Needless to say it needed repainting. My dealer does not do any actual painting but uses a shop down the road, that use to be at the dealer but moved for more space.

Took it to the dealer, because that’s where I wanted it repainted with my insurance paying for it.

Long story short, after they repaint it you could not tell at all. Came out absolutely beautiful. And mind you this color has metallic in it, so I would “think” that would be hard to make look good and blend in with the original paint.

What they do, or any professional paint shop, is get the paint code and order the paint from the factory, or who ever has it. That way it is from the same batch of paint originally mixed.

Look at it this way, it is a brand new truck so it should be covered under warranty. If it comes out and looks like it don’t match then you need to tell them that nicely, and if need be complain loudly. If it doesn’t match they may have to repaint the complete truck. From many post I have read the dealer, through professional shops can make the paint job much better then what comes from the factory.

In any case it won’t hurt to get with your dealer and talk over the issues and see where you stand. I would recommend you bring up the issue you are concerned it may not match when completed so what will they do in that circumstance. That way you have everything up front and in the open.

If you leave it the way it is and one day sale it, it may in fact be a deal killer or have you coming down from the price you may be looking for. Appearance is EVERYTHING…

 

I would take it back and have it fixed. Ford will use the same black paint as was used at the factory. Additionally, they will probably repaint the entire panel because it is easier than trying to mask and blend around spots.

Just my opinion...

 

Black is always black as far as paint mixing goes. Not like the 1,000 shades of white and 10,000 shades of red.

Also, it is not metallic, so no problem with that being matched.

Now, can they spray it to match texture and clear coat?

You might go and see something else they have done. Should be some repaired vehicles sitting outside for pickup.

They do need to paint the entire panel. No way to paint an area without seeing it.

 

I have had the entire passanger side of my black 2004 lariat repainted already due to a A-hole with a key. I cannot tell a difference at all. Take it back and have it repainted. My only downside was that they paint shop said that I could wax it for six months. So the Zaino stays off until spring. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I should had mentioned what the others did which is they will paint the entire panel. However black is not black. There are many shades of black as there are other colors and that is why it is important they get the correct paint code for you truck before they order the paint.

If they use the wrong shade of black it will stand out like a sore thumb like any other color where the shading is off…

 

Thanks guys, I think I will go see the dealer tomorrow and feel them out as to what they say about it. Just a little nervous. I spent to much money to end up with non matching doors!! I would hope they make it right. Just the fact of it sitting in a dusty paint shop for days makes me sick. I'll have to spend days cleaning out the dust from the inside. I know they will do some cleaning, but not like it was and how I would do it.

 

Hey Bigsherm 77,


Were you satisfied with the condition of your truck when you got it back from the shop, other than the paint matching? (over spray, swirl marks, etc.)

 

Well, if it is anything like my experience when I had my truck repainted I was pleasantly surprised. I too feared a mess to clean up after I picked it up but it was absolutely spotless inside. Just as I had left it.

I did talk with them before hand and nicely commented about how **** I am about my truck and how it is treated…

As for being nervous about the dealer just stay firm, nice but firm. If you seem to easy they may sense that and brush you off.

Compliment them on how you felt treated very professional during the purchase, how you have been telling co-workers and friends about the experience at the dealership and now after noticing these blemishes it just makes you feel sick to think the money you spent on this truck has a few blemishes that really need to be corrected. Also note that you could see how no one noticed them before because they are a bit hard to see. That will put the dealer at ease, I would think, so it don’t look like your pinning them with missing the defect during their inspection (that should have taken place before delivery)

Everyone is human, and up to this point you are just absolutely satisfied with how this dealer has treated you and that you have been contemplating writing a nice letter and sending it off to Ford to explain what you think of this dealership.

Hopefully, with the above, and being pleasant with them you will have them thinking “We had better take care of this guy or else”…

 

I was very satisfied with all areas of the paint job. No overspray, swirlmarks etc. They will paint the entire panel which doesn't include the two tone area (if you have it) There was also no mess inside the truck either, I did touch up the leather and noticed that they stole all of my change out of my coin holder (so they really cleaned it out well LOL) Park an identical truck next to mine that hasn't been repainted and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The others are right be calm but firm. Good luck. Maybe some before and after pics?

 

Thanks guys, I will be at my dealer tomorrow if work premits. Will let you know how it turns out.

 

Dupius, one concern you had nobody touched on was would someone think it was in a wreck if you sell it. Any warranty work done by your dealership is documented under your VIN. Thats why if you ever buy a used car you should check the VIN. Carfax.com is one place you can do this. If there is a question at the time you sell the truck you can just ask the dealer to give you a printout of all the warranty work(or non warranty, for that matter) that was done on the truck and show the potential buyer it was a blemish in the paint from the factory and the dealership had it fixed for you. Shouldnt be a big concern. Good luck, and take everyones advice, try to be as kind and courteous as possible and you will have no problems. Ive said it here before..theres nothing like a guy coming in yelling at me over something I had no control over...hes the guy that gets put on the bottom of the list.

 

Great advice, thanks

 

Let us know how you make out...

 

With regards to your paint problem. I have an aspen green 4x4 lariat monotone color that had the same problem on the tailgate. I could only notice them on a sunny day, no clouds. When I looked at a certain angle these dull baseball sized spots appeared. I used Meguiar's deep crystal system paint cleaner and it removed the spots. I then Used Meguiar's Classic Gold wax to wax the area. Problem solved. No need to paint.