[k38s]

Hey I was just wondering for those who have just recieved new STIs if Subaru is upping their paint protection game, or is it still that little slab of film in front of the rear fenders?

[chmura]

For the 100th time. ALL new cars, honda, porsche, mercedes, lexus, etc have weak paint. It is due to the EPA's stringent environmental standards that ALL manufactures have to obey. It is NOT Subaru specific. Maybe the STI has wider tires and it kicks up rocks and hits the side panels more than other cars.

I have a 2007 Lexus IS and it has soft paint too. I have a clear bra on so I dont have a problem. But other people on the Lexus forums say that they have gotten a few rock chips on the way home from the dealer after purchasing their $40+k car!!

Your best bet is the wrap your car with a clearbra the best you can. Thats what I'm going to do!

[k38s]

Chmura, I guess you didnt understand my question. I know all the paint is weak. My question is if Subaru is upping their paint protection ie. adding more clear film on the major problem areas (fender flares ect). Sorry if I was a little ambiguous.

Cheers

[chmura]

Originally Posted by k38s

Chmura, I guess you didnt understand my question. I know all the paint is weak. My question is if Subaru is upping their paint protection ie. adding more clear film on the major problem areas (fender flares ect). Sorry if I was a little ambiguous.

Cheers

Sorry about that.

You can always get a professional installer to put on additional clear bra on the sides. I think that is your best bet and not wait for Subaru to do the same thing.

[CarbonJoe]

Originally Posted by chmura

It is due to the EPA's stringent environmental standards that ALL manufactures have to obey. It is NOT Subaru specific.

The last time I checked, the EPA doesn't have jurisdiction in Japan.

[supermarkus]

Originally Posted by CarbonJoe

The last time I checked, the EPA doesn't have jurisdiction in Japan.

Yet cars from everywhere have to do things like meet our emissions standards. And almost more importantly, California emissions standards.

[chmura]

Originally Posted by CarbonJoe

The last time I checked, the EPA doesn't have jurisdiction in Japan.

Cars that are imported from anywhere in the world here have to abide by EPA/U.S. regulations and standards.

[CarbonJoe]

Originally Posted by supermarkus

Yet cars from everywhere have to do things like meet our emissions standards. And almost more importantly, California emissions standards.

There is a huge difference between emissions while the car is operating and paint used at the factory in Japan. Solvent based, water based, doesn't really matter since the paint isn't applied here.

Just like in the electronics industry, stuff made here doesn't have to be RoHS (lead free), but in order to sell it in Europe, it has to be.

[STEye]

How much would it cost to get the problem area "Rock blocked" on the rear quarter panel? 200.00?

[supermarkus]

Originally Posted by CarbonJoe

There is a huge difference between emissions while the car is operating and paint used at the factory in Japan. Solvent based, water based, doesn't really matter since the paint isn't applied here.

Just like in the electronics industry, stuff made here doesn't have to be RoHS (lead free), but in order to sell it in Europe, it has to be.

What are you going to do when your car has to be repaired? You can't use the same paint system they use abroad if it doesn't comply with our EPA standards. Look at the bigger picture.

[SCMedic]

How do you find a clear bra installer? Is it visible on th car at all? I keep reading about people covering 50% of the car with it...It has to be noticable.

[polyol]

Perhaps the paint polymer is weaker when compared to past polymers...but why then dont they go on thicker...or have a thicker clear coat. Just because they have to abide by EPA standards (which seems debatable as I have seen no evidence of such) doesnt mean they have to skimp on the paint itself.

I would be interested in a link to these new rules and regulations. I would also be interested in knowing how the new rules and regulations affect paint polymer properties. Just because the solvent carrier has changes doesnt necessarily mean that it has a deleterious effect on the polymer itself; however, I certainly wont rule that out.

It would be my bet that Subaru skimped on the mills put down when applying the coating.

[CarbonJoe]

Originally Posted by supermarkus

What are you going to do when your car has to be repaired? You can't use the same paint system they use abroad if it doesn't comply with our EPA standards. Look at the bigger picture.

I'm not going to do anything. It's up to the body shop to deal with the EPA. I don't care what solvent the paint system uses, as long as the end result turns out the right way. Lacquer, acrylic enamel, whatever, it doesn't really matter to me.

[FlyinbySTi]

Originally Posted by chmura

For the 100th time. ALL new cars, honda, porsche, mercedes, lexus, etc have weak paint. It is due to the EPA's stringent environmental standards that ALL manufactures have to obey. It is NOT Subaru specific. Maybe the STI has wider tires and it kicks up rocks and hits the side panels more than other cars.

I have a 2007 Lexus IS and it has soft paint too. I have a clear bra on so I dont have a problem. But other people on the Lexus forums say that they have gotten a few rock chips on the way home from the dealer after purchasing their $40+k car!!

Your best bet is the wrap your car with a clearbra the best you can. Thats what I'm going to do!

The paint on my Ford and my GMC have held up waaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyy better then the paint on my subaru or 3000GT. I think it has to do more to do with the cost of paint/material and the application.

[PortlandSTI]

Its cheap paint, period. But my Subaru dealer knows the issue with my rear chipping, has the photos and has been telling me Subaru is going to be doing something to help this issue. I would have thrown a bunch of clear bra on the back too had i known... too late, and now I am waiting for subaru and harassing the service manager once a week. we will see.