Paint woes...

[LincMercLover]

Anybody check where the rear bumper goes into the rear wheel well? I noticed it's a wee bit rough back there, not enoph paint. I was working in minimal light finishing up the final touchs of waxing my car, but I'll definately check it out tomorrow.

[Logan]

Hmmm, I'll take a looksie too..

[LincMercLover]

Sorry I didn't back to this sooner. It got away from the New Posts section and slipped my mind. Anyway, The paint's there, but is a little rough. I'm guessing it's due to the material the rear facia is made out of. One other thing, the upper push pin on the passenger side back there for it managed to slip through the bumper cover. I tried to pull it out to put in back in right, but it's just not coming without pliers and messing it up. One more thing to ad to the list when I get my new front facia in at the dealer...

[Donald]

I have a problem with the edge of the gas filler door right where you grab to open it. The paint has bubbles. And I have what looks like a painted over sand speck just under the drivers door handle.

[hrtn_monky]

I too have noticed a few imperfections in the paint. I have what looks like some rework on the drivers rear door, a spec of sand (or something) painted into the deck lid and what appears to be lack of coverage on the bumper wrap near the rear wheel. The problem is the car is so exciting to pick up, I think most of us although checking out the car don't notice this stuff until you wash and wax it for yourself and get it in the day light. And the swirl marks the prep guy left were awful.

[Marauderman]

Your right about the being excited alright but the wife had the dealer guys hang over the afternoon( saturday purchase) cause she found 3 hrs worth of blemish problems and had them removed or ploished out ..she told'm that "on the lot , it's your scratches--when it goes off the lot , they become my scratches--so keep on fix'in"...made me feel good--yeah ,,you really need the sun's perspective and look on the paint or you won't fine the problems ....we still have arrangements to take it back for three more areas to get out scratches and a severe blemish on the trunk key hole area---can you beleive it--a salesman left a key chain in the trunk during a test drive and it swung a half-moon under it real good...someone has already said it I believe--these sales people at the L/M shops aren't to swiff!!

[grzellmer]

IMHO this issue of "swirls & blemishes" is too widespread to be the result of individual dealerships. Fact is, the car is great but the paint jobs tend to be poor. Though it might be that the dealerships just don't know how to deal with black paint. Two cars didn't pass the paint test when I was shopping for mine, bought the third.

One comment made on another similar thread kept emphasizing waxing the car. (Zaino!!) I disagree somewhat. Waxing a car should be to protect and keep the car looking nice, not to cover up scratches and scuffs - especially on a new car. If Team Merc is reading these posts, here is an area for improvement. "Cars that cost $35K don't come with crap paint jobs" Harsh, maybe, and I know its just one item in a well put together car, but it is so VISIBLE.

As they say, third time was charm for me. But I had a bit of luck and wasn't overpowered by the car to the point of discarding a pre-delivery inspection. I checked the car out on a sunny day, a cloudy day and at night under the streetlights

Beautiful car and one awesome ride though it is taking every once of will power to be nice to it until it reaches 1K miles (600 to go.)

Z

[chapel1]

I too have issue with the MM's paint.I found runs along the outside edge of the front doors, which I was able to hide with a black door guard protector.Also found some other flaws which no-one else ever seems to notice?I just keep her highly polished.

[sailsmen]

You rarely see "show" cars in black because every imperfection shows!

[nexstar7]

i have a blue paint chip on the hood. i think they were farting around with colors at the same time they were painting mine.

[Matt Johnson]

Swirl marks are horrible on mine. Also many small imperfections that look like dirt or other foreign material painted onto car. Don't think it's harsh at all to expect a $35K car to come with a competent paint job. Paint is something you'd think a major car company could get right in the year 2003...

The MM is the first "American made car" I've ever owned. I love the car, but I've never had these fit and finish kinds of problems with any of my other rides. It's a shame, but for some reason, it seems like it's these kinds of things that the big US companies get lazy with. Somebody's definintely falling asleep in quality control.

[nexstar7]

and thats why alot of american people buy else where. i want a 740i or even a 850 bmw. but the average guy cant a ford it. i cant . and thats why we look to american. after owning my last american car . i looked for out of usa stuff. cant a ford it. a full size merc with a v8 300 hp @ 34,000 and a bmw 740 @ $65 to $70,000. i need some faith in amercan production.

[sailsmen]

I owned a lot of BMW's in the 70's and 80's with a lot of mechanical design defects, always in the shop. Remember all the BMW, Mercedes and Porsches with the "hazed clearcoats" that were less than a year old. The BMW 4.0 V8 block rarely last longer than 40k miles, many are replaced @25k.

[mad man]

A recall may be in order man would that cost ford some money:cry:

[SaxGuy]

With so many members online, I think it might be a good idea to start sending in letters. If each member were to send in one letter, perhaps that would get their attention concerning the lack of quality control going into the paint process. They may not listen to one person, but a group of over 500?

[nexstar7]

lets get a bunch of people together on it and send a letter to FORD. i mean all over the state.

[SaxGuy]

Exactly, we as a group could make a huge difference with a little presistance. The Marauder is a great car, and it deserves to at least have a recall if their are sever QC problems such as paint...etc

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by SaxGuy
Exactly, we as a group could make a huge difference...

Except...

Ford already HAS our money and no longer gives a rat's a$$...their answer will be (pick one):

1. "Write your congressman."
2. "Tell it to the chaplain."
3. "We already have your money and no longer give a rat's a$$."
4. "No hablo inglés."
5. "Neener, neener!"

[SaxGuy]

Its still worth a shot. Perhaps even tell the news media about the issue.

[TAF]

Just be careful here, boys...Logan has "warned" before about this site being used for any "group activism".

Not saying some of you don't have a legitimate gripe...just remember the "spirit of the site".

And yes, RF...I think it would be "neener, neener, neener"

[sailsmen]

Whats the desired out come? What will make you whole?, a repaint will probably not meet your standards!

[SaxGuy]

I’m sorry to cause any stir, and I'm not trying to create an anti-anything rally. The Mercury Marauder is a wonderful car, and I will be the owner of one in less than two weeks. I just think that when you lay down the cash, you should be getting a quality product. There’s the same problem in saxophones. It's amazing what companies will try to get away with concerning the QC, but yet the actual instrument is wonderful. In a way cars and saxophones are quite a bit alike in their own perks. They both cost a lot, they both bring much joy, and you always want to make sure your getting what you paid for. This is a wonderful site, and a wonderful bunch of people sharing ideas, and new innovations. This is a wonderful community, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

[TripleTransAm]

Has any trend been noticed regarding paint thickness or quality between the early cars and the later ones?

Based on my current dillemma between 2 MMs, I find the earlier one has what 'appears' to be thinner paint, whereas the newer one looks to be dripping with paint (literally, as I discovered under the passenger doors!).

[looking97233]

HUmmm, my service writer said that their service manager said that there are known paint issues with some of the early cars.

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by looking97233
HUmmm, my service writer said that their service manager said that there are known paint issues with some of the early cars.


See, I really wish someone would have told me that earlier.:(

[RF Overlord]

I've been following this "paint woes" thread with some mild amusement...

Please understand I am NOT criticising anyone, but I hardly EVER get down on my hands and knees and use a magnifying mirror on the undersides of the door frames, nor do I cringe with embarrassment at the paint drip on the inside of my trunk lid. Now, before I get :flamer: , I'm not saying there shouldn't be accountability, nor am I excusing shoddy workmanship, but MY car looks just fine in all the areas anyone is ever likely to see on a regular basis. It's even got two parking-lot dings in it already, and I'm not hyperventilating. I love this car, and I want it to look nice, but it lives outdoors all year 'round, and it has to park at the local supermarket occasionally, and in the lot where my wife works every day, and ***** is gonna happen...I'm too busy enjoying this car to worry about whether it's been 2 weeks or 3 since I last clay-barred it, or whether my left tailpipe is ¼" off center...

OK, let me have it...

[TAF]

:stupid:

[LincMercLover]

Sorry, but I still baby mine. She gets two spots in the back where ever she may go. I'll pay for a ticket before I'll pay for a door ding.

Like I said earlier in this thread (I'm surprised it came back up!). My body shop color sanded all the imperfections out and she came back looking like black glass. I'm happy now. Now if they can only fix my damn seat that they cut, I won't ever see them again! Good writens!

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by TripleTransAm
See, I really wish someone would have told me that earlier.:(

Except I don't think any of the cars to Canada qualify as "early". Production for Canada is basically the same as US 300B production, starting sometime in October.

[Macon Marauder]

I guess I got lucky. Or maybe 'cuz mine was a "late" 300A. I don't have these paint problems so many are talking about. And my exhaust tips are level. And the steering wheel is fine. In short: I haven't noticed any of the QC issues others have.

But: I did have to get a new starter at 900 miles. And now an O2 sensor is on order. But they did fix the cigarette lighter yesterday...

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by LincMercLover
My body shop color sanded all the imperfections out and she came back looking like black glass.


Quote from the dealer: We'll buff it and put a good coat of wax on it and it will look perfect.

Wax wears off, and I don't want to keep re-waxing every week to cover up scratches and worn paint. Buffing a car WILL remove a small amount of paint.

RF, I understand your point. My car will be an outdoors only car as well. $#!t will happen, it's a year-round car. However, I want to start off with a good base. With black, one is better off protecting rather than trying to cover up. I have enough on my mind trying to keep decades-old paint looking fresh on 2 cars, I don't need a third. And for this price, yes I would expect a better finish than the one I saw on the older MM.

5-10 more minutes of agonizing, and I'll make my final decision.

[Macon Marauder]

Originally posted by TripleTransAm
Quote from the dealer: We'll buff it and put a good coat of wax on it and it will look perfect....

Yep, that sounds about right. Problem is: the grunt that buffs it probably won't have any idea what he's doing. Then it'll have even more swirl marks.

Maybe you could suggest the $200 "difference" be used to send the car to a professional detailer...

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by Macon Marauder
Maybe you could suggest the $200 "difference" be used to send the car to a professional detailer...

The Voice of Cold Hard Reason speaks well, here...that's a very good idea, Macon...

and 3TA, I wasn't aiming that volley at you, it was more or less my $0.02 worth on being anal/retentive about cars in general...I was trying to say "Do what's important, like change the oil, etc, but don't sweat the small stuff".

"Illegitimi non carborundum" :D

[martyo]

RF: You know how that Latin talk gets the women fired up! Keep this site clean!! (and, yes, I know what it really means!).

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by RF Overlord
Please understand I am NOT criticising anyone...I love this car, and I want it to look nice, but it lives outdoors all year 'round, and it has to park at the local supermarket occasionally, and in the lot where my wife works every day, and ***** is gonna happen...I'm too busy enjoying this car to worry about whether it's been 2 weeks or 3 since I last clay-barred it.

Ditto to the proverbal wise one.

In another thread here, I mentioned that I drop off my MM once in a while, for a hand wash and wax from an old time specialist of his trade. It's not that expensive, and I get a lot of other stuff done in the few hours it takes to shine her up. I don't feel I'm neglecting my Girl, but it never occurred to me before reading this thread, that I also avoid noticing all the rough spots my Girl may have. Every time I look at her, she's as fresh as our first date. Nothing wrong with allowing this Lady some time at the beauty shop, y'all know how women are about their makeup.

Best way to address minor paint issues, is stop looking for them...IMHO.

[TAF]

Ditto to the proverbal wise one

Excuse me while I....I....I....:puke:

[Paul T. Casey]

My only problem with the oaint was at the time of purchase. As I was sitting there doing the paperwork, I happened to look over , and the FAT #@SED sales mgr had his FAT @#S parked on my soon to be hood. The imperfection was noted, I refused to sign the check, they fixed it,( buffed the whole car) drove it out into the sun, and the salesman and I gave it a good once over. He even found another mark which was promptly fixed. Bottom line to me is as said before, maybe dealers can't handle shiny black paint.

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Paul T. Casey
the FAT #@SED sales mgr had his FAT @#S parked on my soon to be hood.


This is scandalous!!! How can you take them seriously after a move like that? Incredible.

[bugsys03]

if you bought your car from a franchised LM dealer you had to sign a piece of paper that stated that you and your salesman inspected your car before you signed the paperwork and that everything was to your satisfaction. unless you took delivery of an unwashed car in the dark i dont see how you can complain. my paint is awesome.

[notacop]

hey everyone--first post. just wanted to say though the car is beatiful, only 2 weeks new for me, mine has what looks to be white paint spray on the right side of the front bumper...makes you wonder...

[BOBSBADBLACKMM]

Sorry to hear all of these problems, I picked up my 300A in late October, fresh off the truck. NOT ONE problem with anything. I have never had it back to the dealer, and i'm about as nit picky as they come. It runs like a bear and looks like a show car.

[Marauder57]

I have had my Blue for less than a month and had it detailed twice....it has been raining quite a bit.....has a nice coat of wax on it.....but this AM I noticed a couple small white scratches on the hood....just cannot figure out where they are coming from....

The car looks great cleaned up...even dirty.....but it is tough paying the $30,000+ and finding little blemishes......for the most part I am very happy but I will be keeping an eye on this paint thing......

[marauder307]

Think it's been suggested elsewhere in these forums, but I found something yesterday that works like a champ...Turtle Wax Color Magic. Stuff comes with a bottle of wax and something that looks like a black ChapStik tube. You take the black Chapstik, rub it into the scratches/chips/dings (I had a bad chip on my hood, and a botched experience with a local carwash left some nasty scratches in my roof), let it sit fer a minute, and then take the wax and apply normally. Buff off the wax, and presto!

Can't see the chip in my hood anymore unless I'm right on top of it, and the scratches in my roof, while not entirely gone, are noticeably diminished. Cheap stuff too...only cost me 8$ at the local AutoZone...

[MonsterD]

I have what looks like specs of oil in my paint. Some might call them bubbles or fisheyes or something like that. You know how it looks like when you wax the car and then put the amorall on the wheels..........thats what it looks like. And I have debris in the door pillar of the drivers door above the mirror. The paint sucks, but the dealer said they would deal with it next time I drop it off.

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by MonsterD
I have what looks like specs of oil in my paint. Some might call them bubbles or fisheyes or something like that. You know how it looks like when you wax the car and then put the amorall on the wheels..........thats what it looks like. And I have debris in the door pillar of the drivers door above the mirror. The paint sucks, but the dealer said they would deal with it next time I drop it off.

This is how mine problem started. It gets worse after a short time. My MM is headed back to the dealers. Can no longer reach into a bag of detailing tricks and fix it...........................

Will post the outcome on a new thread..............

[tetsu]

My paint too is complete shyte and is so thin you can see primer if you look at it too hard. A bird took a dump on my hood. I washed it off less than an hour later and it had already eaten through my ONE layer of clearcoat. :( I think we got one coat under one coat paint and one coat clear.

I looked at a brand new Lincoln Aviator and it's paint was even worse than mine. So far, the only Fords I've seen with good paint are Lincolns with the expensive metallic white option paint.

Oh that reminds me of the white car I saw today...I'll post that in another thread......

Johnny