Primer between fender and front doors

[navydave]

Anyone else have this? I open my front doors and I can see primer on the lip that bends in on the front fenders. Also between the hinges too, I see primer. Is this normal or should I get the dealer to fix it? I'm sure the first time the road salt from the winter hits it it will start rusting.thanks

[Mr. Poopypants]

I just went out and checked mine, if I'm looking in the right spot, I didn't see any primer. I would get it checked out.

[navydave]

Yup , its where the fender bends in at the edge closest to the door, like a 90 degree angle. Actually, it looks like it is crimped in and then bends 90. Kinda sunken in look. I'll try and take a pic tonight.

[BOZACK]

I just waxed my car and hit the door jams too. I did not see any primer in any jam.

[navydave]

Pic of the driver side top hinge

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[navydave]

Inside shot with driver side door open, looking in

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[navydave]

Outside view, looking in the crack. Am I too picky or is this rust waiting to happen?

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[ColonelPanic]

IMHO, that is something to go complain about - when it comes down to matters like your car being a total rustbucket before its time, you can never be too picky! From what I've read and various pics I've seen, I think NUMMI isn't particularly skilled at applying paint where it needs to be applied, particularly in difficult to reach or difficult to see locations. There's no telling how much paint our Vibes (and probably anything else built at NUMMI) are missing in areas where we can't see... Do get it fixed before rust sets in. I haven't even had my Vibe 3 years now, and it's already rusting out pretty bad in certain locations - don't let yours do the same.

[navydave]

Ya, I'm gonna call the dealer tommorow and tell them they need to fix it. If they wont, I'll either go someplace else or cover it with touch up paint at least.

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »IMHO, that is something to go complain about - when it comes down to matters like your car being a total rustbucket before its time, you can never be too picky! From what I've read and various pics I've seen, I think NUMMI isn't particularly skilled at applying paint where it needs to be applied, particularly in difficult to reach or difficult to see locations. There's no telling how much paint our Vibes (and probably anything else built at NUMMI) are missing in areas where we can't see... Do get it fixed before rust sets in. I haven't even had my Vibe 3 years now, and it's already rusting out pretty bad in certain locations - don't let yours do the same.i'll second that!!!

[BOZACK]

Quote, originally posted by navydave »Ya, I'm gonna call the dealer tommorow and tell them they need to fix it. If they wont, I'll either go someplace else or cover it with touch up paint at least.If you don't get anywhere with the dealer ask to speak to a dealer rep. Dealer representatives work for GM and will definately help you out.

[navydave]

Well, I went to a local dealer, not the dealer where I purchased the car, and the body shop woman checked it out and said, "Oh thats normal. We see it all the time, especially when we take cars apart for collision repairs". She said she didnt think she would be able to do anything about it because it was considered "normal" and not a defect. If they were to repair it and send the bill to Pontiac it would just get sent back since its not considered a defect (what a joke). But she took a pic of the area and said she would show it to her manager when he got back from vacation to see if anything could be done. I guess, crappy workmanship (robotic painting misses) , come as a standard feature. I told her I was concerned about rust and she said not to worry because a sealant is electronically bonded to the surface and it shouldn't rust. (Dont know about that one). Well, if I dont get anywhere with her, I'm going to bring it to my dealership, 40 miles away and see what they can do. The least they could do is offer me some free touch up paint to cover it myself.