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May 2018 | VehicleServicePros.com 21
ysis to determine the profi tability of self-repair.”
Investment in technician training and facility
requirements may be inhibitive for smaller fl eets,
but with larger fl eets’ economies of scale, self-repair
may off er improved cost margins and more
control over the process.
Restoring rusted areas of
a vehicle
“You know the saying: ‘An
ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure,’” says PPG’s
Wirth. “Staying on top of any
potential corrosion areas by
repairing damaged fi lms and
protecting exposed areas from
moisture can add years to the
life of a vehicle.”
It is important to remove
the rust before applying any
protective coatings to ensure
good adhesion. Otherwise,
the new paint can adhere to
the rust and not the vehicle,
reducing its effectiveness.
Prepare the surface to accept
new coating by either sanding
or sand blasting, then
applying a protective primer
and topcoat or direct-to-metal
topcoat so oxidation at the
surface cannot occur.
“Don’t underestimate the
importance of keeping your
units clean,” Wirth says.
“Frequently removing the salt
from a vehicle can prevent its
attack on metal.”
Protection from the
elements can be achieved
using direct-to-metal products
that contain corrosion preventatives
such as chromates,
suggests Axalta’s Fernandez.
“If a coating is not used,
then proper sealants, which
prevent creeping of the corrosion
or repair the damaged
area immediately are good
practices. Chassis undercoating
systems are the most helpful
form of prevention against
exterior corrosion, which is the
most frequently found decay,”
Fernandez explains.
The best demonstrated
practice for restoring
damage is to remove the
corrosion completely so that
it doesn’t continue to deteriorate.
Sherwin-Williams’
Szczepanik recommends
cleaning the freshly restored
substrate and ensuring there
is either a conversion coating
pretreatment or a clean
abraded surface to apply a
primer. Th en, follow the primer
up with a two-component
urethane topcoat for weathering protection.
Wirth adds that fl eets can do touch-up work
with aerosol products at their maintenance facilities
with minimal fi nancial investment to keep
their units looking their best.
“It is always a good idea to repair and protect
any exposed metal quickly to mitigate potential
future corrosion issues,” Wirth says.
In conclusion
While vehicle paint and graphics may not seem
like an important maintenance procedure,
addressing small rust spots and corrosion
issues can prevent larger, more costly damage
down the line. And, maintaining an attractive,
eye-catching fleet can improve customer
perception of the company and help drive future
business.
Go to WWW.ISUZUCV.COM or call 866-441-9638 for additional information.
Vehicles shown with optional equipment; some equipment is dealer installed. N-Series and F-Series vehicles are assembled from component parts manufactured by Isuzu
Motors Limited and by independent suppliers who manufacture such components to Isuzu’s exacting standards for quality, performance and safety. Please see your
authorized Isuzu dealer for additional details.
© 2018 ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF AMERICA, INC.
• LCF MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK CLASSES 3 – 6
• CLASS LEADING FUEL ECONOMY
• GVWR RATINGS 12,000 – 25,950 LBS.
• MULTIPLE WHEELBASES ACCOMMODATE
BODY CHOICES 10 – 30 FEET IN LENGTH
• TWO DIESEL ENGINE OPTIONS AND
A GAS ENGINE THAT IS CNG/LPG CAPABLE
THE #1 SELLING LCF TRUCK IN AMERICA SINCE 1986
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