Is this a clear coat issue?

[Avalon.Wis]

Hello everyone:

What a great forum! Just joined on Saturday. I recently purchased a 2003 Avalon, and I'm noticing that when one runs their hand along various spot of the car, there are many areas that seem to be really rough - almost as if there is no clear coat at all, This is most noticable directly above the passenger side on the roof and the top door, and spots on the trunk and hood.

The paint shines beautifully - no rust spots, either. It just doesn't seem "right".

Would anyone have any ideas?

Many thanks for your replies.

[Rdizzle]

Sounds like a classic case of paint contamination. Get a claybar system at your local auto place and use it all over your car. Bet it will solve your problem.

[Avalon.Wis]

Thanks for the quick reply. What exactly causes paint contamination? I've had many a car, and this is the first one that has ever had issues with the pain. Interesting ...

[camrycoupe95]

Believe it or not most of that rough feeling is metallic brake dust that has settled into your clearcoat. On white and sliver paint you can actually see what looks like tiny rust spots, that's the dust. If it goes untreated over several years it can lead to the clear coat breaking down and flaking off.

Clay barring will remove the brake dust as well as any paint overspray, tree sap and other industral fallout.

There are several clay bar systems available at auto parts stores like Pep Boys, Parts America and Auto Zone. They run from $10 to $20 depending on the brand. Remember to wax the car when you are done with the clay.

[Avalon.Wis]

OK ...

I followed the advice, and drove up to Autozone this evening and purchased a Mother's claybar. It was a boxed set, so it came with the treatment spray and wax.

I thorougly cleaned the worst area of the car, and followed the directions, applying the spray, and then running over it with the claybar. It made absolutely no difference. I repeated this process several times, wiped the area off thoroughly, and then applied the wax. I buffed, and it still remained very scratchy and harsh to the touch.

I did try the bar in another part of the car, and when I did it there, it immediately glided right on the surface. When I did it in the affected area, you could just tell it was rubbing right over the surface with no results.

I closely inspected the rest of the car, and I find no evidence of any paint work done to it. It's the original color, and there are no dried-up drippages or sloppy paint markings that are oftentimes left from a repaint.

Many areas of the car feel very smooth - just like it should, but there are some with this very harsh feeling to it. It almost feels like there's like no clear coat there at all. It's not dull though - it does shine, but just the harsh feeling.

I'm totally baffled here. I've never experienced this on any of my other cars before. I just got this after trading in my Mercedes, and that car was the KING of brake dust. Yet, have never had this issue before.

Any other ideas??

Thanks a bunch for the replies.

[Tuner571]

I have this same problem on my car. Its on the top of the passenger quarter panel and just feels rough to the touch as if there is no clear coat, but the paint still shines. Hope you can figure this out and good luck on finding a solution.

[Avalon.Wis]

Ah ... very interesting, Tuner ... another case, and the start of a pattern here!

I know that many people frown upon Maaco, but we have a really good shop here in the Madison area, with some very friendly folks. I might run it over there and have them take a look at it and get their opinion. I wonder if they could just apply a clearcoat to the entire car right on top of everything else??

I see yours is a '95, Tuner - have you had any issues with rusting or fading of any kind on those harsh surface areas?

Depending on what Maaco says, I'm wondering if this would be an issue addressed by the rust/corrosion warranty?

Thanks again. Will definitely keep this thread informed with what I find out.

[Rdizzle]

Sounds like you have an especially thick clear coat that has shed some of its layers at random depths. This happened on our 55 caddy. Some of the area under the clear had some contamination and so the clear flaked of, leaving more clear, so it was shiny but felt rough like you are describing. If you are planning on gettin that area recleared (which is definitly an option) go over it before with some wet sandpaper of 1000 or 1500 grit and a little soapy water. you might be able to even out the layers of seperated clear. Keep us updated, sounds interesting.