crappy clear coat?

[Turbo42]

uncured and soft are u kidding me these cars were on a boat for a week then sat in port for 3 weeks more no such thing

[saronian]

Originally Posted by packetandy

my question to the gang: is this a problem with smart in general, or is this a problem with self colored panels only? I have a panda, so clear coat only.

I had assumed the increased amount of embedded material was a Bay Area phenomenon, or at least a costal one. Brought on by damp nights and sunny days. Although the smart hasn't been any worse than my previous cars, and as you said, clay bars are an easy solution, I do think the clear coat is softer than most. The flexibility of the panels may require this.

Best solution I've found so far is to use a quick detailer spray after each wash. Use a wax/sealant, maintained with a quick detailer and most specks will come off in the wash.

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by babybenz

uncured and soft are u kidding me these cars were on a boat for a week then sat in port for 3 weeks more no such thing

I know, just trying to get more information, like...."Well, I did park under that bridge where they were grinding steel and the slag from the grinder was bouncing off the car" or "I did apply that toluene based protectant"!

Just fishin' my friend, just fishin'!!

[packetandy]

Thanks all for the comments.

It is good to hear the most people don't have any problem with the paint. My point was that I have noticed this problem with my other cars parked under the same conditions so I was wondering if there is something different with the smart. But now I think that I just baby my smart more, so I haven't noticed the issue on my other rides

Saronian, I think you are right about this being a local problem - the local Kragan had 20 boxes of clay bar kit right behind the cash. Apparently, it's a hot seller.

[Alchemy R]

All of my vehicles experience this.

What color is your Smart and what color is your Honda?

[rfernatt]

I had a white/black smart for a few months and through last winter and didn't notice any problems. I cleaned up the white panels for storage when I put on the Rally Red and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

[packetandy]

Thanks Alchemy, my smart is white, the Honda red - I guess the little rust spots are much more visible on white. And I am not claying the Honda no matter what...way too much work.

[Alchemy R]

yeah, my white cars show this same "fallout"... a lot more than my other colored cars.

[jetfuel]

...have they being painting the "bridge" lately?

jetfuel..like runner...just fishin'