Topic: How did the factory avoid paint chips

[PraireBronze]

How did the factory avoid paint chips where painted items are butted up directly to other painted items?  I'm specifically wondering about headlight doors and quarter panel extensions (caps).  And on fastbacks, the vent louver assembly.

[CharlesTurner]

Keep in mind that factory paint was only about 3 mils and they were usually only applying paint where it was necessary.  Usually chips occur more easily from high paint/primer build up.


I'm sure they had a few boo-boo's here and there.

[carlite65]

and remember the paint was baked.

[Dan Case]

What Reply 1 and 2 said plus superior adhesion of everything from metal pretreatment to top coat. The most durable finish systems start with the best surface preparation and treatments.  There were factory production lines tests for adhesion and intercoat adhesion to verify finished systems met specifications.

Factories did have body repair staff at final assembly.

[mtinkham]

I thought they cut plastic washers from milk bottles...

[jwc66k]

I thought they cut plastic washers from milk bottles...

That's a technique used with bolts in restoration to reduce "witness" marks (from the teeth on disc washers) while making adjustments, as in fender bolts. It works.
Jim