Auto body repair & detailing: New Clear Coat Chip, extreme weather conditions, nissan 350z

Question
Hi William,
Last year on Christmas Day I hit a deer in my 2003 Nissan 350Z! After returning home and contacting the insurance company, I went to a local body shop to have all the work done. This particular body shop I used was the only one in my area that had warranties for all their work and warranties through my insurance company as well.

Long story short, they replaced the front passenger fender, and the front bumper. They matched my paint color, and then painted both the bumper and fender, and were supposed to blend the hood as well.   I got my car back from the body shop in the beginning of March 2009, and as of 2 - 4 weeks ago I noticed on the hood of my car the paint has chipped.  A few days ago, I took the car back to the body shop that did all the repairs/paint and the manager said they don't actually blend anything on the hood, that they just add a clear coat finish to the entire hood. The shop also claims the paint chip was cause by extreme weather conditions and/or a rock, and the warranty in which they provide will not cover it to be fixed.

I personally do not agree with that! Although I am not a painter of any sort nor am I extremely knowledgeable on the process of auto repairs, paint refinishes, etc, but I do consider myself car enthusiast. I have always taken good care of all my cars, and their paint. I have never before had this type of problem with paint or a body shop.    Since March, we have not had any unusual weather......snow, hail, sleet, etc...just wind and heat as I live in West Texas.  My car is only driven to work and back home, never anywhere else. Roundtrip is 12 miles, through town at a speed of no more than 40 or 45mph! Monday - Friday 8-6, the car sits in a covered garage with no exposure to weather elements, and the rest of the time is outside.  I could very easily be wrong, but I would think there would be some kind of physics involved with rock chips.  It seems to me there is a difference between traveling at a high and low rate of speed.  I can’t help but think that the velocity in which a rock is thrown from the car tire in front of you would be considerably higher if that car is traveling at a high rate of speed, as opposed to a low speed. I know the shape and size of the rock is a huge factor, since rocks are like snowflakes, no two are the same.  I also can’t help but think that there is a difference between an 8 month old clear coat and a 7 year old factory clear coat, since my understanding is the clear coat thins out over time and weather conditions.

I have searched like crazy trying to find explanations of why this would happen, but I am not having much luck.  I do have a lawyer, and if need be I will pursue legal action but I would like to avoid that is possible to have things taken care of.  Any explanations of why my paint is doing this or suggestions on how to go about getting the body shop to fix the problem under warranty would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you so much for you help in advance!
Jackie

Answer
Jackie, as far as a paint chip, paint is paint- not kryptonite. Yes, a rock will chip paint at even low speeds. Even the very best refinish materials out there can't compare with the durability of the original factory finish. At the factory they're painted under ideal conditions, where humidity and temperature is controlled, and paint applied by robots in multi-million dollar spray booths. No way a guy with a spray gun can compare with that, even in ideal shop conditions on an ideal day. Some may claim to be able to- in 25 years, I've never seen it. Stone chips are part of life. Now, if it's excessive, and the clearcoat has 10 or 12 chips in quick succession- then the problem is the paint. A couple stone chips is normal wear and tear. Not what you wanted to hear, I'm sure- I think you have an uphill battle trying to sue the body shop. Any judge surely has had many cars in his life, and has experienced many a heartbreaking stone chip. You might try complaining to the insurance adjuster that handled your claim, but I really doubt you will get much in the way of results. adjusters are lazy. Next time you have a problem, go to the shop of your choice- not the insurance companies choice. You make the payments, it's your car. Bill