POLISHING TECHNIQUES PAINT FINISHES REPAIR

MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1987 DEVILLE/FLEETWOOD 1986-1987 ELDORADO/SEVILLE

The enamel basecoat/clearcoat paint surface on 1985-1987 De Ville/Fleetwood and 1986-1987 Eldorado/Seville models require different polishing techniques than previous model Cadillacs with lacquer paint surfaces.

On lacquer surfaces, polishing can be done with a wheel and polishing compound. Some dealers use this procedure in routine pre-delivery service, or to resolve owner complaints of minor paint imperfections on all models. Polishing with a wheel and compound is not recommended on an enamel basecoat/clearcoat surface and should not be performed on the above listed vehicles for the following reason.

Polishing wheels and compound may cause swirl marks; a series of fine directional surface scratches permanently created in the enamel clearcoat (top) surface. Swirl marks are highly visible in bright sunlight. When polishing after compound finishing with a wheet and compound, these scratches are filled with glazing material and thus hidden. However, the glazing material is removed after several detergent washings and the swirl marks reappear.

Use the following polishing procedure when repairing minor imperfections in the clearcoat paint surface.

- Use a non-directional dual action (D.A.) orbital sander motor when polishing. These are commonly available through automotive paint suppliers or tool dealers. A 2 1/2" thick, 6" diameter foam back-up pad must be installed on the D.A. for polishing.

- One possible supplier of thick foam back-up pads is Ferro Industries, P.O. Box 86, 35200 Union Lake Road, Mt. Clemens, Michigan 48045, (313) 792-6001.

- Ferro Industries six inch pad, model 586-RT, has a 5/16" x 24 threaded stud to attach to a D.A. sander. Equivalent pads may be avallable from other suppliers as well.

- A six inch reversible terry cloth polishing bonnet must be installed over the foam back-up pad.

- One possible supplier of terry cloth polishing bonnets is Ace Wiping Company, 7601 Central, Detroit, Michigan 48210, (313) 834-4000. Order bonnet model #606. Equivalent bonnets may be available from other suppliers as well.

- A slow drying finishing compound, such as 3M FE-007 Finish Compound (3M part number 13084) or equivalent, must be used. DO NOT use conventional polishing compounds as they can be abrasive and scratch the clearcoat enamel surface.

With the listed equipment and materials, the clearcoat surface can be finish polished as follows:

1. Wash the area to be polished. Failure to remove dirt will cause scratches in the paint.

2. Repair any minor paint imperfection such as surface scratches, dirt in paint, chemical spotting or sags before polishing. Information regarding repairs of this nature without repainting is detailed in Serviceman Bulletin T-85-62 in Group 10.

3. Wet the terry cloth bonnet with the finishing compound before polishing to prevent burning the paint. A clean bonnet surface must be used. A reversible bonnet has two usable sides, therefore, when reversed, one bonnet can be used to polish two cars. After polishing, the bonnet can be washed and reused.

4. Apply the finishing compound sparingly and evenly on the area to be polished. Work on one body panel at a time.

5. Polish the affected panel with the D.A. to achieve a glossy finish. Keep the polishin pad flat on the panel, polish the full horizontal length of the affected area (left to right) and use a 50% overlap on strokes. Polish the affected area again, this time moving the D.A. vertically (up and down). Panet edges and sharp contours must be polished lightly to avoid cutting through the paint surface.

6. Finishing compound is very slow drying. Compound residue will remain on the panel after polishing. After all affected panels are finish polished, wash the panel(s) to remove residue using clean water or a 50/50 mixture of water and rubbing alcohol (the rubbing alcohol assists water evaporation making clean-up easier). Dry with a clean cotton terry cloth wiping towel.

7. If some swirl marks remain, repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 as required.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.