Advice on paint problem!!

04crew · 11-18-2004, 07:25 PM

Ok 3 months, 3000 miles, and countless arguments about why i am on this site and not watching " Trading Spaces" with my wife, I have my first problem!
On the roof of my galaxy black 04 crew i have a spot which looks to be like something was painted over while in production. To try and describe it, honestly, it looks like my truck has a nipple!!!!
I went to my dealer today and had the service manager look at it. he agreed i had a problem and told me about Nissans strict procedure with paint defects. He would have to take digital pictures, sent them to Nissan, and that would then have someone come out and take a look at it. Sounded like a very long drawn out process. But he did offer to get the ball rolling on my claim.
Here is where i need advice. To me, it looks like it is completely covered in paint and clearcoat ( well if black does have clearcoat, i don't think we have found an answer on that). The spot is on the roof, so the only one that will see it is me or someone on stilts. I just have a major fear about getting my factory paint removed, sanded, or whatever the procedure would be and then repainted. I thought i would go through the winter and see what happens but would like to know what you guys think.

DOORSHOT · 11-21-2004, 02:35 PM

If it's on your roof who cares leave it aftermarket paint due to the restrictions placed by the epa make their paint products inferior to the materials at a multi-billion dollar assy plant any new car from porsche to kia's have problems if looked at hard enough and besides nobody can see it unless they are what 6'8" the top of the truck in a 4x4 is 6.38 feet...besides the local yokel paint shop will get over spray and when you take it back the 7th time you may be able to get it perfect to have the paint peel off in a few more years...

pciley · 11-21-2004, 04:33 PM

yah, but the guy's got a nipple on his roof!!!

Get it fixed. It sounds like a PITA, jumping through hoops for Nissan's guys to come out, etc.

I guess I am a perfectionist. It WILL get fixed right, Nissan will see to that. I'm sure they won't send it down the street to Earl Scheib or anything, it will get done professionally.

BTW, EPA puts the same restrictions on car manufacturer's as they do on Body Shops. The process is probably better at a body shop in a paint booth than on the factory line with robots in an open ware house.

A good body shop can put on a better paint job than the factory can, IF Nissan will pay the $$ that is.

Over spray comes from improper preperation. If everything is covered, taped off, etc. there won't be any problems. BEing on the roof, they could even do a spot blend and you wouldn't notice the clear blend lines. After the job, a good shop will do a wet sand and the finish will be BETTER, with less orange peel, than what the factory gave you.

If they use PPG paints (most reputable shops do) which is one of the better paint brands, the paint is warrantied LONGER than your factory paint warranty.

**CaliforniaTitan** · 11-21-2004, 11:13 PM

Question...

IS your 'nipple' towars the gutters on the sides? If so, this is some type of bonding stuff there at the seal. My early '04 had a couple of these on the roof that were in fact sprayed over etc...at some points you could see what looked like someones finger was also used to take off excess. If this is what yours is, I would just leave it be. My 2 pennies.

Chris

DStewart · 11-21-2004, 11:25 PM

It's probably just a piece of dirt, I wouldn't worry abaout it if it was me.

04crew · 11-22-2004, 05:03 AM

"nipple" is dead in the center of my roof. It doesn't bother me that it is there. I am only worried about a possible rust problem later. the only reason i noticed it was whle i was waxing the truck

adjmcloon · 11-22-2004, 06:46 AM

You paid for a brand new vehicle..I'd make them fix it. The repair can't be any worse than having a nipple on your roof.

Plus you'll be able to check in on the repair and make sure it's being done right.

Just my .02

TriKKy · 11-22-2004, 07:52 AM

I have the EXACT same thing on mine, in the EXACT same spot. Honestly, if it doesnt peel/chip/rust, I couldn't care less. Nobody can see it and I really have no faith that they will fix it the right way. Nothing is ever as good as factory paint...well maybe no Nissan's factory paint...but you get the idea.

Mine is white fwiw.