Wet Sanding BMW 745 Repaint

Toto, I got a question for you. Could you please explain how you are able to determine that a panel has been repainted by usingn the paint gauge? I mean what exactly tells you that it has been repainted besides the visuals? I got my paint gauge now and I've been using it lots on my Lexus and at first the numbers were just jiberish to me but I'm starting to make sence of the numbers. But I was just curious as to how you can tell a panel/section has been repainted?
 
Nica said:
Toto, I got a question for you. Could you please explain how you are able to determine that a panel has been repainted by usingn the paint gauge? I mean what exactly tells you that it has been repainted besides the visuals? I got my paint gauge now and I've been using it lots on my Lexus and at first the numbers were just jiberish to me but I'm starting to make sence of the numbers. But I was just curious as to how you can tell a panel/section has been repainted?
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Nica: the guage should be used to get a representative sampling of the paint thickness. On my guage (don't know the brand), a BMW typically reads between 5.5 and 7.0. This indicates original paint thickness.

On a repainted panel, that reading will jump pretty high. On the BMW in the pictures, the doors had a reading of 10.0 to 11.0. The OEM doors on the driver's side were in the 5.8 to 6.2 range.

It's the big jump in the numbers that will indicate a re-paint. Likewise, a paint job that has been cut too thin (wet sanding too much or compounded too heavily) will have readings from 3.0 (dangerous) to 4.5.

Hope that helps.

Toto
 
Thank you Toto that does help, the only thing that makes it difficult about using the paint gague is that there is no database telling you what you can expect to be reading from the vehicle. I mean I wish I could go to the dealer and ask them for what types of readings I can expect for my Lexus for example. I actually did ask the dealership this question and they couldn't provide an answer to me. They said that paint is one of those things that no dealership/manufacturere can tell you what readings to expect. There is no standard reading...well at least I haven't found anything to tell me other wise.

Another question Toto. How many readings should you be taking per panel/section. Just picture me taking about 20 to 30 readings just on the door hahahaha. I'm sure I over did it but for now I'm just playing around with it and getting my self familiar with my paint gauge...oh by the way I purchased the EGT-II paint gauge. Does both ferous and non-ferous (sorry for spelling).
 
Nica: If the dealership has a body shop, they could tell you. Or, call an independent body shop and ask them. They would know.

Typically, I take readings at 3 points on the upper part of the door and 3 readings on the middle portion of the door. On the hood and trunk lids, I take 3-6 readings.

Here's the last set of pictures of the finished BMW 745i. I finally got to take some outside after a coat of Meguiar's #26:

The door shot was the side I wet sanded with 2000 grit. Definite difference~!

May07_745_DoorReflectionOutside.jpg


Outside shot of the same side

May07_745_OutsideShotSide.jpg


Trunk lid reflection...I'm please with the outcome on this car (and 7 more arrived on the transport today...WHEW!)

May07_745_TrunkReflectionOutside.jpg


Toto
 
Looks great Toto! Will the dealer let the customer know it's been repainted.
 
Gary Sword said:
Looks great Toto! Will the dealer let the customer know it's been repainted.
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Absolutely! This guy is one of the most honest people I've ever seen. That's probably the biggest reason for his repeat business. He'd rather tell a potential customer right off the bat...let them determine if the vehicle is worth it.

Plus, he'll have a lower asking price for the very reason. The car will probably not last in inventory very long.

Toto
 
Totoland Mach said:
Absolutely! This guy is one of the most honest people I've ever seen. That's probably the biggest reason for his repeat business. He'd rather tell a potential customer right off the bat...let them determine if the vehicle is worth it.

Plus, he'll have a lower asking price for the very reason. The car will probably not last in inventory very long.

Toto
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From everything you have said about him he sounds like a great guy especially after the Saturday BBQ's. None of the bimmers seem to last long after you get done with them Toto.
 
He's super to work for and with....jumps right in with the DeWalt and helps a lot...although we argue about the working height constantly..I don't want the car at "NBA" height and he does. But hey, it's all good.

He has 2 pre-purchased cars for quick detail starting tomorrow: A silver Acura and a black Lexus. Both are going to get XMT 360 on the rotary and that's it. Probably be the quickest exterior job I've done in months LOL.

See Ya folks...gotta get some sleep, work my Mon-Fri job tomorrow during the day.

Toto
 
Thanks for all the info Toto, I'll follow your advise.

The vehicle looks really good...such a nice reflection and no swirls/scratches..very nice.
 
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