GT500 Black Matte Stripe - Scratch

13RedCandy

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Good morning. I picked up my GT500 over the weekend from Alabama. I flew one way from Michigan and drove the car up. I have (2) people inspect the car before the pickup and it was said to be perfect, with no flaws.

When I arrived I inspected the car, everything was perfect, except one of the Black Matte Vinyl Stripes some fine scratches in it. Before I noticed the scratches I salesperson stated "he ran it through the Auto Butler". I did some research on the said Auto Butler and I assume it was the culprit of the the scratches.

I was 700 Miles from home, the car was otherwise perfect mechanically and esthetically, so I took delivery.

The scratches are going to drive me crazy, so I will be writing a letter to the owner of the dealer, we'll see if it nets any results, which I highly doubt!

I would love to know if there is a product that can help reduce or remove the scratches.


Also, with waxing a car with Matte Stripes, how do you wax the clear-coat paint without hitting the stripes? Open for suggestions.

Thanks for reading, Tom - Northville Michigan
 
I have a F150 Raptor with the box and hood decals and can tell you that there is nothing that I know of that will correct the scratches in the decals. Polishing on vinyl is feasible but you will shine up the matte.

As for waxing and working on the clear (polishing etc...) it takes no time at all to tape the edge of the stripes. I personally use a product like UTTG on the decals before working on the car and don't really tape the truck (a lot of practice). I machine apply to the main body and use the DA pad and finish the edging by hand (around the trim, door handles, hard trim, and soft rubber, and decals etc..) If anything gets on the decals, I clean it up right away and already have the UTTG on the decal to "protect"
 
Unfortunately my ford dealer applied auto butler to my new focus. Had a quite a bit of polishing to do. What color is the gt500?
 
Unfortunately my ford dealer applied auto butler to my new focus. Had a quite a bit of polishing to do. What color is the gt500?

I figure from his forum name that it is.... a 2013 red GT500 :Picture:
 
I have a F150 Raptor with the box and hood decals and can tell you that there is nothing that I know of that will correct the scratches in the decals. Polishing on vinyl is feasible but you will shine up the matte.

As for waxing and working on the clear (polishing etc...) it takes no time at all to tape the edge of the stripes. I personally use a product like UTTG on the decals before working on the car and don't really tape the truck (a lot of practice). I machine apply to the main body and use the DA pad and finish the edging by hand (around the trim, door handles, hard trim, and soft rubber, and decals etc..) If anything gets on the decals, I clean it up right away and already have the UTTG on the decal to "protect"

Bummer; I just might need to have them replaced eventually. I wonder if I can just get the Stripe that is damaged?

Unfortunately my ford dealer applied auto butler to my new focus. Had a quite a bit of polishing to do. What color is the gt500?

I cannot believe they run cars through these things (auto butler). In the manual it specifically states not to run this car through any automated washers...

Here are a couple of pictures.

 
I would contact the dealership and explained to them the issues you encountered and the "shared" information of when you picked up the car.... and the fact that it SPECIFICALLY states that you should not bring the car through a swirl-o-matic, and get them to discuss replacing the stripes free of charge at your local dealership (they can arrange reimbursement between the dealership). Your other option is to contact the Ford regional manager and explain the situation and they may be able to get you fixed up.

I doubt you can buy just the one stripe but regardless, you are talking about some major moola. I know the decal option on "The Beast" was $1800
 
I would contact the dealership and explained to them the issues you encountered and the "shared" information of when you picked up the car.... and the fact that it SPECIFICALLY states that you should not bring the car through a swirl-o-matic, and get them to discuss replacing the stripes free of charge at your local dealership (they can arrange reimbursement between the dealership). Your other option is to contact the Ford regional manager and explain the situation and they may be able to get you fixed up.

I doubt you can buy just the one stripe but regardless, you are talking about some major moola. I know the decal option on "The Beast" was $1800

Thank you for your reply. I just received my "Ford Your Opinion matters email". I will be expressing my concerns with Ford and advise the owner of the dealership as well.
 
Awesome car! If it was noted at delivery, someone should take care of that- either Ford or the dealer.
 
I would contact the dealership and explained to them the issues you encountered and the "shared" information of when you picked up the car.... and the fact that it SPECIFICALLY states that you should not bring the car through a swirl-o-matic, and get them to discuss replacing the stripes free of charge at your local dealership (they can arrange reimbursement between the dealership). Your other option is to contact the Ford regional manager and explain the situation and they may be able to get you fixed up.

I doubt you can buy just the one stripe but regardless, you are talking about some major moola. I know the decal option on "The Beast" was $1800

+1 hopefully he had it documented in the paperwork, makes an insurance claim a lot easier.

Awesome car just can't believe a $75K car has decals. Matte are going to be a real pain to take care of. If you have any monry left over remove them and have it painted which is the right way. They can be done with a matte base and clear coat.
 
Bummer; I just might need to have them replaced eventually. I wonder if I can just get the Stripe that is damaged?

I cannot believe they run cars through these things (auto butler).

Graphics like these look cool but the cool factor will wear off the longer you own the car and you experience how much work it is to "try" to maintain a material you cannot work on.



In the manual it specifically states not to run this car through any automated washers...


Can someone PLEASE take a GREAT picture of this verbiage in the manual and either upload it to our gallery (not Photobucket where it will disappear over time), or e-mail it to me?

Thinks about it...

If you should not run matte graphics through an automatic car wash you shouldn't run a car with scratch-sensitive clear paint through one either.

:dunno:
 
Here's the best way to do graphics if you really want them and that's to have them painted UNDER the clearcoat like my friend Steve just had done to this restorod 1969 Camaro...


1969_Camaro_Stripes_Under_Clear.jpg




:xyxthumbs:
 
Awesome car. I was in a Ford dealer recently and they had a 'market adjustment' applied to the GT500 on the floor to the tune of 20k!
 
I cannot believe they run cars through these things (auto butler). In the manual it specifically states not to run this car through any automated washers...
Can someone PLEASE take a GREAT picture of this verbiage in the manual and either upload it to our gallery (not Photobucket where it will disappear over time), or e-mail it to me?

Thinks about it...

If you should not run matte graphics through an automatic car wash you shouldn't run a car with scratch-sensitive clear paint through one either.
Hi Mike...

Below is the only automatic-car-wash information I was able to locate.
Noticed in the Owners Manual it wasn't prohibited.
(The dealership even used an "Auto Butler" on the OP'S GT500.)

But the GT500 Supplement said not to do so:
But it said/had nothing about: "Don't do it because of Matte Graphics"...that I could find though.

Perhaps the OP can enlighten further.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________


TO WIT:

Driving your Shelby® GT500®
p.24
2013 05+ Mustang (197)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)


WASHING YOUR SHELBY GT500
Do not drive your vehicle through an automated, commercial car wash
due to the vehicle’s low ground clearance, tire width and track.
Wash
your vehicle by hand, or by using a touchless commercial wash with no
mechanical tracks on the floor. Do not use a power washer or high
pressure wand on the striped surfaces or stripe edges
. Refer to the
Owner’s Manual for information on cleaning products and vehicle care.
To maintain proper cooling and aerodynamics at high speeds, your
vehicle has heat exchangers integrated with the front fascia designed to
maximize performance.
Note: Do not use a power washer or high powered spray nozzle as
damage to the fins could occur.
Note: For heavy accumulation of debris or dirt, clean with a non-metallic
soft bristle car wash brush and warm soapy water as needed.

WHEELS
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with unique wheels matched to the tires.
These wheels are more susceptible to damage due to their diameter,
width and low profile tires. To avoid damage to your wheels:
• Maintain proper tire pressure (see Tires in this supplement).
• Do not drive your vehicle through an automated, commercial car wash
due to the vehicle’s low ground clearance, tire width and track.
Wash
your vehicle by hand, or by using a touchless commercial wash with
no mechanical tracks on the floor. Do not use a commercial or high
pressure wand on the striped surfaces.


Vehicle Care ppg. 252, 253, 254

2013 05+ Mustang (197)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing
USA (fus)


CLEANING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
pH shampoo, such as Motorcraft® Detail Wash.
• Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
• Never wash a vehicle that is hot to the touch or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
• Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
• Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time. Use Motorcraft® Bug and Tar Remover.
• Note: Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle, wash
off as soon as possible.
• Remove any exterior accessories before entering a car wash.

Convertible Top and Padded Molding
For vinyl tops, wash with Motorcraft® Detail Wash.
For cloth tops, wash with a high quality convertible top cleaner and
protectant.
• Do not use stiff bristle brushes or abrasive materials or cleaners.
Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can affect the
cleanability of vinyl material
.
• Using high water pressure or wand-type car washes against the
convertible top and windows may cause water leaks and possible seal
damage.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

:)

Bob
 
Those auto butler things have the same problem an auto car wash has. Brand new, I bet an auto car wash is great (Other than perhaps some marring from some that use giant chamois brushes). The second car and every car after, however, now has the trapped dirt in the brushes hitting their paint!

I was watching a documentary on Bentley and saw how the factory inspects the paint. A guy walks around with a rotary buffer and checks every nook and cranny on the body before it goes to assembly. Only he's in a chamber that looks like a giant tanning bed surrounded by bright lights! Imagine if some of these dealers used a similar 'inspection station' instead of a dim wash bay with a couple flourescent fixtures on top. I imagine they'd finally see the damage they are doing!
 
Decals look awesome, but like everybody else said, you can't fix them. Maybe a few years down the road, have them removed and painted on.
I have a client with a Shelby GT, and he had his vinyl stripes removed and painted on. I'm sure it wasn't cheap.

You could just have them removed. I'm sure the car would still look awesome without them. If you wait 5 or 10 years, though, the paint under the stripes will look ever so slightly different, due to fading.
 
Decals look awesome, but like everybody else said, you can't fix them. Maybe a few years down the road, have them removed and painted on.
I have a client with a Shelby GT, and he had his vinyl stripes removed and painted on. I'm sure it wasn't cheap.

You could just have them removed. I'm sure the car would still look awesome without them. If you wait 5 or 10 years, though, the paint under the stripes will look ever so slightly different, due to fading.

Problem with that is, he probably paid extra for the option! I think it's reasonable to expect them to look correct. Even if, over time, they need replaced; but needed replaced on the day you take delivery is a bit much!

I think someone ought to develop a vinyl decal / tape stripe type system that works like the clear bra (just a plastic that 'sticks' to the surface with a solution). One that, over time, can just be peeled off with a little heat, the surface cleaned up, and re-applied with new.

One of the up-and-coming styles is matte paint, that cannot be polished. Nooooooo thank you. I guess I prefer a deep shine anyway; but... a paint that can't be polished or corrected? That would be horrible! I heard an interview from a BMW guy who said that if you get a scratch or rock chip, the only thing to do is to fill it in to protect it, and you shouldn't have a goal of restoring the appearance of the affected area. *shudders*
 
Problem with that is, he probably paid extra for the option! I think it's reasonable to expect them to look correct. Even if, over time, they need replaced; but needed replaced on the day you take delivery is a bit much!

I think someone ought to develop a vinyl decal / tape stripe type system that works like the clear bra (just a plastic that 'sticks' to the surface with a solution). One that, over time, can just be peeled off with a little heat, the surface cleaned up, and re-applied with new.

One of the up-and-coming styles is matte paint, that cannot be polished. Nooooooo thank you. I guess I prefer a deep shine anyway; but... a paint that can't be polished or corrected? That would be horrible! I heard an interview from a BMW guy who said that if you get a scratch or rock chip, the only thing to do is to fill it in to protect it, and you shouldn't have a goal of restoring the appearance of the affected area. *shudders*

I wonder if clear bra is already an option. Perhaps it would work.
 
I think someone ought to develop a vinyl decal / tape stripe type system that works like the clear bra (just a plastic that 'sticks' to the surface with a solution).
One that, over time, can just be peeled off with a little heat, the surface cleaned up, and re-applied with new.
They've already been developed...and are in use.
That's what most graphic art systems for vehicles are made from...PPF, and its ilk.

I wonder if clear bra is already an option. Perhaps it would work.
Many PPF manufacturers have Matte-films.
XPel is famous for theirs.

:)

Bob
 
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