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Car Forum / Alfa Romeo Cars / March 2005Alfa GT stonechips
Hi All, I've been the happy owner of a Stromboli Grey Alfa GT 1.9 JTD since September 04. Over the past couple of months, I've noticed an alarming number of really deep stone-chips on the front valance of the car (there must be about 20 or so). Most of these are quite deep and have gone through to the light colour primer under the top coat. A few have even gone through to the black plastic. I've only driven the car on tarmac roads and, although the roads are gritted this time of year, I can't say I've ever been on a surface that could have caused this type of damage. I've never had a car that's had as much stone chip damage in such a short period of time. Could the paint be too soft? Or perhaps the soft plastic valance itself is too soft? Have any other Alfa owners (especially GT) noticed a similar problem? I wonder if I would have a case to take the car in to the main dealer to have a look at? At this rate I'm going to have to get the whole from valance resprayed in the summer! All comments / advice gratefully received. Grahame. > Over the past couple of months, I've noticed an alarming number of really > deep stone-chips on the front valance of the car (there must be about 20 or > so). I know a few people with this complaint in the meet I go to monthly. It must be the angle of the car bumper etc. or maybe it is the paint... who knows! Get some paint dabber and cover them up . > Hi All, > > I've been the happy owner of a Stromboli Grey Alfa GT 1.9 JTD since > September 04. Lucky you! :-) > Over the past couple of months, I've noticed an alarming number of really > deep stone-chips on the front valance of the car (there must be about 20 or > so). <SNIP> > Could the paint be too soft? Or perhaps the soft plastic valance itself is > too soft? Have any other Alfa owners (especially GT) noticed a similar > problem? The quality of the paint is my main disappointment with my 147, it seems very poor. The front end is smothered in stone chips and has several small marks on the sides where people have opened their doors onto my car in car parks....and it always seems the paint comes off of my car rather than theirs! The colour is Rosso Alfa, and any deep stone chips stand out badly with the grey primer showing through. Also, despite having the official Alfa body kit fitted, there seems to be a growing difference in the shade of colour between the bodywork and the bumpers, side skirts, and roof spoiler! When the weather is better I'm planning to have a go with some t-cut and polish and if that doesn't improve things to bring it up with my dealer in May when it's due for the 3 year service. Regards Ross > Hi All, > > I've been the happy owner of a Stromboli Grey Alfa GT 1.9 JTD since > September 04. > Very nice. > Over the past couple of months, I've noticed an alarming number of really > deep stone-chips on the front valance of the car (there must be about 20 or [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > are gritted this time of year, I can't say I've ever been on a surface that > could have caused this type of damage. If it's the front valance, it can't be the condition or type of road driven on. > I've never had a car that's had as much stone chip damage in such a short > period of time. > > Could the paint be too soft? Or perhaps the soft plastic valance itself is > too soft? Have any other Alfa owners (especially GT) noticed a similar > problem? The paint on all new cars is different to the paint which was sprayed onto older cars, and Alfa will not use different paint for different models. I did hear they are all using water based paints now at the factories, how true that is I don't know. The paint used now is easily marked by hand bags ect. But as for stone chips, my 147 has none. My Brother has a dark blue 147 which easily marks just washing it, then you have to use lots of pollish. > I wonder if I would have a case to take the car in to the main dealer to > have a look at? Not a chance, they, or any car manufacturer, would just laugh at you. > At this rate I'm going to have to get the whole from valance resprayed in > the summer! Looking that way. > All comments / advice gratefully received. > > Grahame. Hi Grahame, I'm sorry to be so blunt, no affence intended but, lets think this one out eh, If you drive your car on an empty motorway for 200 miles,[no cars, we should be so lucky] no stones are going to jump up from the road in front and hit the front of your car. The only way these stone chips happen is when we travel too close to the vehicle in front. I know guys who travel close to the cars in front, and you could pick their cars out in a full carpark, because of the stone chipped fronts. If it is wet and you are driving behind other vehicles look and see how far the spray comes back towards you before dropping back onto the road, then think, if there is grit or small stones in that water, they are going to hit your paint and chip it. As I say I don't wish to affend, and only hope this can help you. Hope you get your GT fixed up soon, they are a great looking car. John, UK. > The only way these stone chips happen is when we travel too close to > the vehicle in front. That's a fair point, John, but in my case I don't think I drive the Alfa any differently to my previous car (Honda), and that was ok at the front, so it's either just bad luck or the paint isn't of the same quality..... Regards Ross >> The only way these stone chips happen is when we travel too close to >> the vehicle in front. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Regards > Ross Yes, John does make a fair point, but I have to agree with Ross on this one. Before the GT I had a 156 for 3 years and didn't have the number of stone chips on that after 3 years that I have on the GT after just 5 months. I know I haven't changed my driving habits or my usual routes, so I can only assume the difference is with the car / paint finish. No offence taken though :) Grahame. > > The only way these stone chips happen is when we travel too close to > > the vehicle in front. > > That's a fair point, John, but in my case I don't think I drive the Alfa > any differently to my previous car (Honda), and that was ok at the front, so > it's either just bad luck or the paint isn't of the same quality..... On the basis the stones that hit your screen are probably on their way down, avoiding bouncing stones by dropping far enough back would seem unlikely. They only need to be off the ground bouncing aimlessly along for a couple of seconds. Remember you hit them rather than the other way around... Hi everyone, I'm the proud owner of a AR GT 1,9JTD Distinctive since june 2004. I've driven 36.000 km and I have not experienced stone-chips, at least not the amount you describe. No paint problems with me. Try to keep some distance! Henk The Netherlands > Hi All, > [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > Grahame. |
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