Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Environmental Fallout (Acid Rain)
Caution:
Refer to Clearcoat/Ultraviolet Screeners Caution.
Note:
Always refer to the manufacturer's packaged instructions for the detailed procedures of materials used for compounding and/or polishing.
Since the severity of the condition varies from area to area, proper diagnosis of the contamination extent is critical to the success of the repairs. Perform the diagnosis under high intensity fluorescent lighting on the horizontal surfaces (hood, roof panel, rear compartment lid), after the surfaces have been properly cleaned by washing the vehicle with a GM approved Liquid Wash and Wax kit.
There are 3?€‰basic types of acid rain damage:
- Surface Level Contamination
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May be repaired by simply washing the vehicle, cleaning the surface with a silicone wax and grease remover, neutralizing acidic residue, and finesse polishing?€”Refer to Surface Level Contamination Repair.
- Clearcoat Etching
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Slight etching is still noticeable after the above washing and finesse polishing procedure. Refer to Slight Clearcoat Damage ?€“ Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing.
- Basecoat Etching
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Severe etching beyond the clearcoat into the basecoat in the affected areas will require refinishing. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
- Surface Level Contamination Repair
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- Thoroughly wash and dry the contaminated area with a GM approved Liquid Wash and Wax kit.
- Clean the affected area with silicone, wax and grease remover.
- Remove and neutralize acidic residue by cleaning the contaminated areas with a mixture of baking soda and water (1?€‰tablespoon of baking soda per 1?€‰liter or 1?€‰quart of water). Rinse thoroughly and dry the panel completely.
- Apply finesse-type polish with a foam panel. If damage has been repaired, remove any swirl marks with a dual action orbital polisher and foam pad.
- If some damage remains, refer to Slight Clearcoat Damage ?€“ Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing.
- Slight Clearcoat Damage ?€“ Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing
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- Select a small contaminated test area.
- Film thickness should be taken prior to the sanding and polishing. Refer to Paint Gauges.
- Wet sand and finesse polish the contaminated test area. If during the polishing you suspect or observe that etching has penetrated into the basecoat, too much clearcoat has been removed during sanding, or base color is transferred to the polishing pad during polishing, then the affected areas will require refinishing. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
Emblem/Nameplate Replacement
Caution: Refer to Exterior Trim Emblem Removal Caution.
The part and vehicle surface should be 21?°C (70?°F) prior to installation.
The vehicle should remain inside in a temperature ...
Exterior Trim Emblem Removal Caution
Caution: Use a plastic, flat-bladed tool to prevent paint damage when
removing an emblem/name plate.
...
Other materials:
Safety Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although
the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to
severe frontal, near frontal, or rear crash ...
Front Side Door Lock Cylinder Rod Replacement
Front Side Door Lock Cylinder Rod Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedure
Remove the rear side door window rear guide. Refer
to Rear Side Door Window Rear Guide Replacement.
Remove the rear side door ...
Front Seat Armrest Replacement
Front Seat Armrest Replacement
Callout
Component Name
1
Front Seat Armrest Cover Zipper
Procedure
Open the zipper to access the front seat armrest mounting bolt and to
remove the armrest cover
...
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