Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Environmental Fallout (Acid Rain)

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

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

Slight etching is still noticeable after the above washing and finesse polishing procedure. Refer to Slight Clearcoat Damage ?€“ Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing.

Basecoat Etching

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

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the contaminated area with a GM approved Liquid Wash and Wax kit.
2. Clean the affected area with silicone, wax and grease remover.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. If some damage remains, refer to Slight Clearcoat Damage ?€“ Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing.

Slight Clearcoat Damage ?€“ Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing

1. Select a small contaminated test area.
2. Film thickness should be taken prior to the sanding and polishing. Refer to Paint Gauges.
3. 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.