Backup sensor paint chipping

[philipdistefano]

So I just took my Camaro by the dealer and the body shop told me they'd have to repaint the entire bumper. I don't know what to do. On one hand, it's barely noticeable unless you're looking for it. I can always wait and see if it gets worse and just get it painted in like a year or two, but then maybe my paint will have faded by then and I'm not sure how that works (do they paint the original color or paint the color exactly as it currently is, fading and all? Or heck, will my paint fade at all? I keep it parked in the shade 8 hours during the day at work in a parking garage and not in the shade at my apartment. I keep it waxed too).

I keep hearing that once you get a car repainted, it's never the same. The lady at the body shop told me with the processes they use today, you can barely even tell (but I'm sure it's just her job to say that.)

So what what you do?

[Shuffler]

If it is a capable painter the job will be better than factory in most cases.

I'd just touch up such a small place. It is on the ID of the whole and no one will be the wiser. Take your time and be sure to remove any dirt before hand and clean off any wax.

[01pewterz28]

Originally Posted by philipdistefano

So I just took my Camaro by the dealer and the body shop told me they'd have to repaint the entire bumper. I don't know what to do. On one hand, it's barely noticeable unless you're looking for it. I can always wait and see if it gets worse and just get it painted in like a year or two, but then maybe my paint will have faded by then and I'm not sure how that works (do they paint the original color or paint the color exactly as it currently is, fading and all? Or heck, will my paint fade at all? I keep it parked in the shade 8 hours during the day at work in a parking garage and not in the shade at my apartment. I keep it waxed too).

I keep hearing that once you get a car repainted, it's never the same. The lady at the body shop told me with the processes they use today, you can barely even tell (but I'm sure it's just her job to say that.)

So what what you do?

I would have no problem having them repaint it plus it will get worse if you do not and Yes you are correct down the road if the paint starts to fade on the car and then you have them shoot a shiny bumper do it now IMHO I would.

Sean

[Legend]

Sorry to hear...

Man, this paint thing is starting to be the topic on the board!

Maybe it's not just the water based paint...maybe it's the process GM is using? Sure seems to be lots of these threads...and we are what, 1 year later?

[TxPlates]

Millions of cars are repaired and painted every day. If they're willing to repaint it, let them do so, as with the current warranty, the shop will warranty the paint work they do on your vehicle for the lifetime you own it (baring they do not go out of business). They will get the original paint code to mix the paint and then they do a test spray before applying to your vehicle to make sure they have color matching, they're not going just going to take the paint code and that's it and hope it matches. They will make sure it's the proper code and tinted to the color of your vehicle. Now also keep in mind, and this is currently the same with your vehicle, because the bumper is plastic and the the panels on your vehicle are not, there will always be a slight shade difference due to the way the paint adheres to the material. Most people will never notice, it's pretty apparent on Toyotas. But point being, the chipping is going to get worse, let them go ahead and take care of it.

[aban]

Sorry this may be a stupid question but do all the new models have that back up censor and how does it work does it start beeping in the car or is there an indicator on the speedometer?

[philipdistefano]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm just really scared that it won't look as good as it's supposed to. I'd rather have cracks in the paint around the backup sensors than repaint my entire bumper and not like how it comes out. As it currently is, it's barely noticeable unless you get up close or are looking for it.

Any other advice? :(

[Mac the Knife]

aban- you hear atone inside the car when they are active, alittle loud but ok

[Tarl]

all depends on what you wanna do and how much time you wanna spend on it. I'd just go in, inform the dealership and get a FREE bottle of touch up paint and "touch it up".

If it gets worse advise them you'll like it repainted. Just have the service department inspect it and log that into their computer so its on file and in their system. Then it will be a hassle free repaint down the line if you need it. As you said, nobody is gonna notice that unless you point it out. Your facia up front prob already has a nick or two that bad due to pebbles or debris hitting you at cruising speed.

The decision is yours as to what you wanna do now and how much you wanna push for.

[moultron]

I actually like the back up sensors. I use them daily and they are very helpful.

ABAN, To answer you question, there is a beep that starts to go off when you get within about 4 ft of anything directly behind you or off to the the 1st couple feet to each side of the car in the rear. As you get closer the tones get more rapid and when your within 12" of the object it becomes a solid tone. It works perfect every time.
Hope that answers your question.

[baysinger]

Before I would have it repainted I would try to find some matching vinyl to apply to the sensors. You could always remove it if you do not like it. These sensors are very obvious anyway so the vinyl would not make them any worse.

[djm96z28]

I would not get the entire bumper repainted for such a small spot(s). Go get a bottle of touch up paint from the dealer and carefully cover the areas. It's such a little area that no one will see it.

[Thrillz]

I would go to the detailing section and see what the junkman says on this topic. This guy knows his stuff. Good luck

[xshortd]

Originally Posted by philipdistefano

I was claying my car today and as I got to the back and was making my way around the backup sensors, a piece of paint chipped off of the edge of the circle. :( When I looked at the others, they were ALL cracking and it looks like just a matter of time before the paint chips off of the other ones too. My Camaro is barely 4 months old, and I've only had it for a bit over 3 months. How is this happening already? Is this happening to anyone else?

Here's some pictures. Cell phone pictures, so ignore the quality, but what I'm talking about is clearly visible. The first picture is of the one that already chipped, and the second picture is of one of the other ones.

I feel your pain, i noticed that mine were cracking, not peeling yet. it looks like literally those sensors were forced in there, im gunna wait until they peel or whatever to say something to my dealer. I am very unhappy with the paint quality. i have numerous paint defects in my wheels, my back has a paint defect in the paint, and now the sensors...whats next???