Rail Dust Damage Repair for Cadillac Catera 1997

Caution: Approved safety glasses and gloves should be worn when performing this procedure to reduce the chance of personal injury.

Rail dust damage comes from the tiny iron particles produced from the friction between the train wheels and the track. It can also be deposited on vehicles if stored near any operation producing iron dust (i.e., steel ore yards). This dust can either lay on top of, or embed into the paint surface. It is usually diagnosed as bumps in the paint surface or rust colored spots in the paint.

1. Move the vehicle to a cool schaded area and make shure the vehicle surfaces are cool during the removal process.
2. Thoroughly wash repair area with Liquid Wash and Wax GM P/N 1052870 or equivalent and wipe dry.
3. Clean affected area with silicone, wax and grease remover.
4. Perform the removal process according to the manufacture's directions of the type of repair material used (Gel Type Oxalic Acid or Clay Type Non-Acid Based).
5. If, upon inspection, some particles are still present, process can be repeated.

Important: If rail dust has penetrated into the basecoat, the panel requires refinishing. Make sure all rail dust has been removed prior to refinishing or the rust spots will return.

6. If damage has been repaired, complete repair to entire panel.
7. Polish the entire panel after the removal process, if small pits remain in the clearcoat after all damage has been repaired.