Paint shop won't touch my truck because of Fluid Film. Ideas?

I moved to Minnesota last year and used Fluid Film to protect against rust as they salt the roads like crazy up here. It seemed to do a great job and lasted the winter. Then a month ago my car was hit (while parked). No massive damage but they have to replace/paint the passenger door and front fender and blend it with surrounding areas. However, I just got a call from the autobody shop saying they won't touch my truck because they say that the Fluid Film will really mess-up their painting system, which could cost them $10,000 to fix. They were not familiar with Fluid Film, and I mentioned that it comes off, but they said that even one little spec would wreak havoc. I need to get my truck fixed but also don't want to screw-up someone's system. Anyone have any experience with this? The Fluid Film company said they hadn't heard of this before. Any tips would be VERY welcomed. Thanks.

 

find a new company to do the work

 

I've called two other shops, and they said the same thing.

 

I cant really see how fluid film on the frame & under the truck would have anything to do with body work..? A good pressure washing will take the majority of the FF off though, if you want to go that route.

Or you can try quotes from other shops.

 

What body/paint shops?

 

Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. They said that any oil based substance will screw up their system in the paint room (I believe it had something to do with the oil particles getting aerosolized). They even said that they can't take people with certain types of tire dressing for the same reason. I mean, do they not have cars with oil leaks come through?

 

If they are a body shop in Minnesota and never work around corrosion protected frames, it’s hard to believe there still in business.

 

If they are just painting a few parts tell them to remove the parts, take them inside and paint them. That way there will be no fluid film in their shop.

 

Well, fluid film is a lanolin-based product. Unless it is all removed, the air flow from the sprayer as well as the paint booth may cause particles to become airborne and you might end up with a TON of fisheye in the paint. Plus this will get into their filters. That sucks really bad, let me tell you. If it is powerwashed off, though, I would think that the chances of it creating a problem would be minimal.

 

I would hot water power wash it, take it to a different body shop and not mention the word fluid film.

 

Bet you 90% of cars that run through those shops have oil spattered all over the under carriage, axle housings, springs, CVs, etc... Their booths haven't exploded yet.

If their equipment is so sensitive to ANY foreign object, you'd think SOP is to take it out back and power wash it first.

 

This

Or this.

 

LMGTFY.

https://www.fluid-film.com/spraying-fluid-film/

Removing Fluid Film
For easy removal of Fluid Film for the purpose of handling or inspection, a high pressure, cold-water pressure wash (1,000 – 3,000psi) is recommended. A standard, industrial strength pressure washer will suffice.

Fluid Film can also be removed by warm water detergent wash or with a commercial-grade biodegradable cleaner. When choosing a cleaner, one formulated to remove tough grease and grime deposits is advised.

Fluid Film can also be rubbed in like a wax if total removal of the product is not necessary, since Fluid Film is safe for use on most paints and plastics. This will also offer extended protection of materials.

For equipment that is to be painted following a treatment of Fluid Film, a more vigorous cleaning is advised. A high-pressure, hot water or steam detergent wash (minimum 120F) is needed. Utilizing cleaning compounds specifically formulated to remove grease/wax as a pre-treatment process for painting are highly recommended.

 

Yes, but they still have to blend the new parts in with existing parts.

 

I asked them if this was possible, and they said that they wouldn't do it because they wouldn't be able to blend with the other parts, and so the paints aren't likely to match and the quality of the work would not be up to their standards.

Yep, that's what they said, although they mentioned that there was no hope with getting it all off and just outright refused to service it. Thank you for putting into words for me.

I thought of this, but didn't want to wreck someone's system if it were actually an issue. Sounds like if I get it washed off well enough there shouldn't be any issue. Thanks all.

 

I had bumper. hood and door repainted a little while ago. I never mentioned fluid film...they never asked..
I never even thought of any issues..
My frame is always dripping with f.f:toyota:



Edited4spelling

 

Once you get it washed off and repaired,do yourself a favor and use something else. I would use FF on my lawn mower, not a vehicle I cared about. Look for a wax based protectant. I've had the same protectant on my truck since I got it back in 15'. Only applied it ONCE.

 

Well, my advisor told me I should stop taking care of my frame so it will rust out and they can repair. All I have ever done is FF a couple times.

 

What is the product you are recommending?

 

I’ve been painting for about 15 years. I’ve never had anything become airborne and ruin a paint job. I’ve even done freshly detailed jobs that are all lubed up. I also prefer to paint parts all off the vehicle as well. Including blend panels. Saves me from masking the rest of the vehicle. They should always match. Everything you’ve been told up to this point sounds like a lot of BS.