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Clear Coat Paint Issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Keath Bordeaux, Aug 24, 2024 at 4:21 PM.

  1. Keath Bordeaux

    Keath Bordeaux New Member

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    I just bought a 2004 base model, 203,000 miles, in the medium to dark blue color. The hood and the roof (due to sun damage I'm guessing) are both severly discolored and faded, and the clear coat is flaking off. Instead of shelling out several hundred bucks to get a body shop to match the paint and clear coat it again, I thought a good solution would be for me to wet sand the hood and the roof with 400 grit sandpaper to smooth it all up, and then take it to one of those places that does the custom advertising wraps or the "flip-flop" wraps. (The latter being where the car has a chromatic looking main color, but as you walk aorund it or it drives past you in the sun, it changes color, which is groovy for some, though not at my age LOL.)

    Get the shop to cover the entire hood and roof only with a wrap that is either close to the paint color, or a darker grey or black with a (probably off the shelf) carbon weave fiber look to it. Your advice and suggestions welcomed and thanks.
     
    #1 Keath Bordeaux, Aug 24, 2024 at 4:21 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I'm planning on doing this... Curious how much sanding is involved to ensure the wrap doesn't have noticeable surface imperfections... Also have watched lots of wrapping tutorials online. It's seems pretty straightforward, just lots of lube and a clean surface and tensioning and using a heat gun from the right angles.

    Kind of like putting a screen protector on your phone, but way harder.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Aug 25, 2024 at 5:11 AM
  3. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    Four
    I like your plan.
    The key, as mentioned, is even/ level sanding to remove the damaged/ flaking clear paint.
    If you burn through while sanding you could also re-prime paint and again sand even.
    FWIW two-tone color roof to body seems to be a modern/ popular design.
    I'm not so sure I would carbon fiber wrap the roof, but I could consider the CF on the hood, barring the "boy racer" jokes.
    Good luck with your project.
     
    #3 Kenny94945, Aug 25, 2024 at 9:54 AM
  4. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    It might be easier on the Prius due to small size and no crazy angles. I've tried the carbon fiber wrap that you can buy in Amazon on my X5 and it's really good. It's like a sticker (built-in adhesive) and can be stretched. Prep is not that bad since I only have to remove the bad clear coat by wet sanding it. The carbon fiber look hides any imperfections (rock chips) It's probably ideal for the roof and spoiler, not sure how it looks on the hood on the Prius. I eventually got rid of the wrap when I found a replacement hood of the same color from a guy parting out.
     
    #4 highmilesgarage, Aug 25, 2024 at 9:54 AM
  5. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    Location:
    Hutchinson Island,FL. Mt. Snow,VT
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    About 5 years ago, TOYOTA send me a letter
    -Telling me that my 'super white painted' Prius was under a re-call.
    And yes at that time, my clearcoat was flaking off.

    *The recall affected certain Toyota vehicles, painted with either 070 Blizzard Pearl or 040 Super White.

    I got a free paint job from Toyota.
     
    #5 ski.dive, Aug 25, 2024 at 12:48 PM
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2024 at 12:53 PM
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Early days of "eco" paint might be a factor. Our grandson acquired an 07 Civic, pealing like crazy. I've been noticing a lot of similar vintage Civics looking about the same. :(
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Aug 25, 2024 at 2:36 PM
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