interesting tidbits

[evoluzione]

thought i would share some of the things i've learned about the smart this week:


when the front wipers are on, if you shift into reverse the rear wiper automatically starts.

when the wipers are on, if you come to a stop (such as a stop light), they will switch to intermittent. if they are already at intermittent, they go to half speed.

if you are driving above 45 mph and have to come to a quick, hard stop, the emergeny flashers with automaticly turn on.


anyone else learn anything?



regards,

ken

[jwight]

Excellent info; please keep this stuff coming in the FAQ section.

[RLove]

There was a debate a while back on the plastic body parts as to whether the the non-solid color ones are painted or powder-coated. What I was sure was correct - painted, isn't correct. The colors are powdercoated and then coated with a UV protectant. So, in theory the panels don't require sealants, polishes, or wax.

This comes directly from a Smart trained technician.

This knowledge still won't stop me from putting a polish/wax coat on my fenders to get more shine out of 'em.

[evoluzione]

Originally Posted by RLove

There was a debate a while back on the plastic body parts as to whether the the non-solid color ones are painted or powder-coated. What I was sure was correct - painted, isn't correct. The colors are powdercoated and then coated with a UV protectant. So, in theory the panels don't require sealants, polishes, or wax.

This comes directly from a Smart trained technician.

This knowledge still won't stop me from putting a polish/wax coat on my fenders to get more shine out of 'em.

makes me feel much better that the factory trained technician thinks the body panels are powdercoated (powdercoating requires 400-600 degrees for the coating to cure - the panels will melt long before that).

he may have been confused and meant the tridion cell was powdercoated. as to the body panels, they are similar to a lot of motorcycle bodywork (you can wax them).


regards,

ken

[gamernotwatcher]

body panels are painted, the tridion are powder coated

[RLove]

Originally Posted by evoluzione

makes me feel much better that the factory trained technician thinks the body panels are powdercoated (powdercoating requires 400-600 degrees for the coating to cure - the panels will melt long before that).

he may have been confused and meant the tridion cell was powdercoated. as to the body panels, they are similar to a lot of motorcycle bodywork (you can wax them).


regards,

ken

Sorry guys. He's a car guy and knows the difference between paint and powdercoating. There just may be a powdercaoting technique that you just aren't aware of. Smart is very proud of the fact that 95% of the car is recyclable...paint doesn't work in their plan. And, yes the tridion cell is powdercoated as well.

I'm believing the guy that knows this car better than you ever will.

[ckigar]

If you signal for a lane change, just depressing and releasing the turn signal lever will cause the signals to blink 3 times. You do not have to hold it down.

You do not have to turn and hold the key to start the car, just a brief contact in the start position will get 'er going.

[evoluzione]

Originally Posted by RLove

Sorry guys. He's a car guy and knows the difference between paint and powdercoating. There just may be a powdercaoting technique that you just aren't aware of. Smart is very proud of the fact that 95% of the car is recyclable...paint doesn't work in their plan. And, yes the tridion cell is powdercoated as well.

I'm believing the guy that knows this car better than you ever will.

if smart has figured a way to powdercoat plastic then i stand corrected (i have worked with powdercoating for many years and i've never seen such a process).

as to the other part about what i know about cars, being a degreed automotive engineer probably helps with my knowledge. and i'm pretty sure within a short time span i will know the smart inside and out (my company is already developing performance products for these cars).


regards,

ken

[flywithsean]

I hate to bust up the measuring going on but I too say no to powder coating plastic.

This is off the smart website:

For example, only water-soluble paints are used for the smart's three basic colors – black, white and yellow. Painting the tridion safety cell is done by the powder-coating process. This removes the need for solvents. The body panels with molded-in color are fully recyclable

[CruisingAZ]

powder coating is as stated a baking process, plastic cannot stand up to those heats so I too will go with the fact that plastic cannot be powder coated.