2005 Rocker Panel Paint Chipping

[GMJAP]

There's a thread about this somewhere, but I couldn't find it.Anyway, the paint on the rocker panels of the 2005 Vibes seems to chip easily. Some other members posted with this in their 2005, and both my Vibe and my parent's 2005 have the problem. This happens especially at the top outer edge of the panel.I just wanted to let other 2005 owner's know that GM is covering this under warranty. I brought my Vibe in for 15k service, and talked with the service guy about it. The service manager didn't think warrantly would cover it since "it's where your feet hit going in & out." (I didn't say it, but my feeling is if the seat fabric started coming off where I sit in the seat in less than a year, they better fix it under warranty ). He finally checked into it with GM and was suprised to find they'd cover it under warranty.My parents also took their Vibe in with the same problem and got it repainted under warrantly.The caveats are:1) They'll only do the repainting once. The service guys claims the repainting will be less strong than the factory paint, so it may just happen all over again.2) They don't do a complete repaint. They did a "repair" paint and clearcoat. Still better than touchup.It looks like new now, and I'd like to keep it that way. Anyone know of a 3M clear-bra type material that they can put over other portions of the car than just the hood? I'd like to get something like it on my rocker panels....

[Digger]

There is a guy selling them on E-bay (extremcity) I emailed him and he said he could selll a sheeet of the clear plastic for about $20.00. I got a bra from him but it was for a 04 not the 05. Upright guy. he backed up his product.

[binary]

Possible Dumb Question:Is this only for the rocker panels - or is it for any painted cladding that chips?

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by binary »Possible Dumb Question:Is this only for the rocker panels - or is it for any painted cladding that chips?Good question, actually, but unfortunately I don't know the answer. My experience is only with the rocker panel chipping...Quote, originally posted by Digger »There is a guy selling them on E-bay (extremcity) I emailed him and he said he could selll a sheeet of the clear plastic for about $20.00. I got a bra from him but it was for a 04 not the 05. Upright guy. he backed up his product.Hey thanks. I'll check into that.

[eilros]

I have the same issue with my 2004. I'll have to check with the local dealer and see if GM is covering the 2004s also. Thanks for the heads up.

[gargoyle]

Here is the previous thread about the chipped rocker paint...http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=17600Thanks for the info. Since they'll only cover it once, I think I'll live with it until I'm a little closer to the end of my warranty or at least until after winter. But i'm glad to know that they're acknowledging the issue and will fix it (sort of). Thanks again.

[nortsr]

After reading your post and the previous discussions on the rocker panel paint chipping problems, why not also invest in the mudguards for both the front and rear. I noticed in the first posting pictures, the person complaining did not have mud guards. I am sure they must be of some help??? Any comments???

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by nortsr »After reading your post and the previous discussions on the rocker panel paint chipping problems, why not also invest in the mudguards for both the front and rear. I noticed in the first posting pictures, the person complaining did not have mud guards. I am sure they must be of some help??? Any comments???Mudguards aren't a bad idea, but if you look at the pictures, the chipping is at the top corner of the panel. It isn't along the outside face, which is where I'd expect it from rocks and stuff kicked up and which would be protected by mudguards. I think it's feet hitting the edge as people get in & out (mine was worse on the most-used doors) and crappy paint.

[gargoyle]

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »Mudguards aren't a bad idea, but if you look at the pictures, the chipping is at the top corner of the panel. It isn't along the outside face, which is where I'd expect it from rocks and stuff kicked up and which would be protected by mudguards. I think it's feet hitting the edge as people get in & out (mine was worse on the most-used doors) and crappy paint.Yep, I agree... It's most likely from feet getting in and out because it is right on the top edge of the rocker rather than on the exposed exterior side or bottom. I'm just glad it's plastic so I don't have to worry about corrosion. I'll let it go through the winter and see how bad it gets, then I'll take it in and raise hell and get if fixed all nice and spiffy in the spring.

[GMJAP]

My rockers (esp. driver's door) were chipping again, so while in for service the other weekend I got a 3M clear protectant put on my rocker panels (same stuff as ClearBra). Can't really see it, unless you're looking for it. Hoping this helps stop the chipping....