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For 1990-2009 cars only

PAINT TOP COAT DELAMINATION REPAINT ENTIRE BODY ABOVE MLDG

Subject: PAINT TOPCOAT DELAMINATION (REPAINT ENTIRE BODY ABOVE THE BODY SIDE MOLDINGS)

Models Affected: 1985-90 GRAND AM MODELS - 1988-90 GRAND PRIX MODELS

This bulletin has been revised to change labor times and material allowances and to specify the procedures involved. This bulletin cancels and replaces bulletin 90-10-45A issued 4191. Please discard bulletin 90-10-45A.

CONDITION:

---------- Some 1985 thru 1990 Grand Am models and 1988 thru 1990 Grand Prix models may be subject to topcoat delamination after exposure to sunlight and humidity.

CORRECTION:

----------- 1. Verify that the condition is delamination of topcoat by applying a piece of tape firmly over the suspect area, and pulling upward quickly. If the top coat and clear coat flake or peel away from the primer, leaving the primer intact, the top coat is delaminating and the following service procedure should be performed.

2. Refinish entire body above the body side moldings using the following refinish procedure. It is important that all surfaces above the body side moldings be refinished, as these surfaces may show the same delamination (peeling) condition at a later time, causing customer comebacks.

It is equally important to remove all glass moldings, body moldings, emblems, door moldings and quarter glass prior to repairs.

3. Remove original finish coat of paint down to electro-coat (Elpo) primer, making sure that factory pretreatment and Elpo primer are still intact for good corrosion protection.

4. Finish sand exposed Elpo primer with 240 grit sandpaper to assure removal of any chalky residue on the Elpo primer that may remain as a result of the degradation of the primer.

NOTICE: DO NOT SAND THROUGH THE ELPO PRIMER TO BARE METAL OR ADDITIONAL METAL PREPARATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO RESTORE THE ORIGINAL CORROSION PROTECTION.

5. Remove all dirt from the cracks and surface of vehicle.

6. Clean sanded surface with grease and wax remover.

7. Spray entire prepared area with a coat of DP40/401 anti-corrosion primer (PPG/Ditzler) or equivalent. Follow manufacturer's instructions and recommended dry times.

8. Apply 2 to 3 medium wet coats of primer-surfacer to primed surface of the vehicle, making sure to follow manufacturer's instructions for application.

9. After allowing adequate drying time, wet sand with 400 grit (or finer) sandpaper or dry sand with 320 grit (or finer) sand paper.

10. Repeat steps 5 and 6.

11. Apply 1 medium wet coat of primer sealer, following manufacturer's directions.

12. Apply 3 to 4 medium wet coats (or until primer color is hidden) of Acrylic/Urethane Enamel color. Apply Clear coat after color. Follow manufacturer's directions.

13. Reinstall all previously removed moldings and windows.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Labor Operation Number: T3260

Labor Time Grand Am Model 2 Door: 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KN Plus 0.4 Mix Time

Grand Am Model 4 Door : 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KN Plus 0.4 Mix Time

Labor Time Grand Prix Model 2 Door: 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KR Plus 0.4 Mix Time

Grand Prix Model 4 Door : 26.0 Hours Plus Material Allowance KR Plus 0.4 Mix Time

Important: The above allowances include ALL TIME for the R and R of glass moldings (removal or tape off of vista vents or sun roof glass), door moldings, body moldings, stationary quarter glass, luggage racks and the stripping of color coat and refinishing of surfaces above the Body Side Moldings.

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.