ID'ing Paint Issue

Hey all, I'm trying to ID what exactly is going on here with my paint. I bought this 2008 used a short time ago, and I'm suspecting it's some sort of clear coat failure, but, this looks peculiar to me. The problem is occuring all along the passenger side panel which sits parallel to the roof panel. It feels rough to the touch.

 

Clear fail/oxidation?

 

Given the roof strip is oxidized to no end, you probably have clear coat failure. I would start my washing the truck to get a better understanding of how bad it is.

 

Yeah, I've been thinking that as well, I was just hesitant because of a lack of any peeling and that peculiar cracking pattern. I've been looking around for DIY solutions like L'Oxide and sanding and respraying with aerosol clear coat. Would you have any experience or know of any threads going over these and their viability, or should I just be saving up for a professional fix?

 

My OCD would not allow for a DIY fix. Can't help you there.

 

I thought the roof strip had tape on it at first.

 

That strip has some strange patterns on them looks like someone rubbed something on it in two different directions and possibly got the paint a little in the process. (Maybe that is from you cleaning it to get a better look or something and I am focusing on the wrong part)

 

99.9% sure that's clearcoat failure. The key hints are the black trim strip on the roof being almost wood grain colored and the black rubber door seal being grey from exposure from the sun. And yes, I'd be willing to bet somebody messed with it already - especially the roof trim strip.

As for sanding through what's left of the clear and rattle canning some clear over it, I wouldn't recommend it. You don't appear to have much clear left and sanding through the base boat is a legitimate possibility. The fix may be worse than the original problem if you try that.

 

^This. Use the search here and you'll find many folks who've experienced this same issue in the same areas. For a long term fix I suspect you'll need a repaint on those areas and anyone you take it to will probably tell you the same. And the rubber strip(s) on the roof will either need to be replaced or possibly salvaged using a liquid type of trim restore product (i.e. Gtechniq C4, Wipe New, etc.) that actually chemically bonds to the surface, although those swirl/squiggly marks may impact how well that turns out.

 

Definitely clear coat failure has mentioned. If your not familiar with using a DA and polish I wouldn’t attempt yourself. There is a chance with a very polish like a finishing polish and the least aggressive pad you could get to look better then just keep a good coat of quality wax on it. But as I mentioned if not experienced with the polishing process don’t try it yourself.