Sealant Application - On Corrosion Related Repairs

Classification:
BT98-O15

Reference:
ITB98-027

Date:
July 15,1998

Title:
GENERAL BODY REPAIR GUIDELINES FOR PROPER SEALANT APPLICATION ON RUST AND CORROSION RELATED REPAIRS

APPLIED VEHICLES:
All Infiniti

SERVICE INFORMATION

While performing corrosion-related or collision-related repairs, proper preparation and treatment of the metal is required to help prevent future corrosion related incidents. This bulletin describes the OEM material used and the metal treatments available.

For specific body panel composition (e.g. cold-rolled, DURASTEEL(R), ETC.) AND PROPER DETAIL REPAIR PROCEDURES, PLEASE REFERENCE THE SPECIFIC INFINITI BODY REPAIR MANUAL (AVAILABLE THROUGH DYMENT DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AT 1-216-572-0725).

Following are the types of metal being used and the anti-corrosive treatments available.

Types of OEM Steel Materials and Coatings Used DURASTEEL(R)

DURASTEEL(R)

Figure 1:

IS AN ELECTROPLATED, ZINC-NICKEL ALLOY UNDER AN ORGANIC FILM WHICH PROVIDES EXCELLENT CORROSION RESISTANCE (SEE FIGURE 1). THIS COATING INSULATES THE METAL AGAINST AIR AND MOISTURE TO HELP PREVENT RUST FORMATION.

NOTE: Infiniti genuine Service Parts are fabricated from DURASTEEL (R) SHEETS. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND YOU USE GENUINE INFINITI PARTS FOR PANEL REPLACEMENT TO MAINTAIN THE ANTI-CORROSIVE PERFORMANCE BUILT INTO THE VEHICLE AT THE FACTORY.

Phosphate Coating Treatment and E-coat

Figure 2:

In addition, a phosphate coating treatment and a cationic electro-deposition primer (E-coat), which provide an excellent anti-corrosion effect, is used on all body components (see Figure 2).

NOTE: Infiniti genuine Service Parts are also treated in the same manner. Therefore, we recommend you use GENUINE INFINITI PARTS for panel replacement to maintain the anti-corrosive performance built into the vehicle at the factory.

Anti-Corrosive Treatments

Anti-corrosive treatments can be performed:
^ Before welding (e.g.: weld-through primers and spot sealers),

^ Before painting (e.g.: metal conditioners),

^ During painting (e.g.: epoxy primers and seam sealers), and After painting (e.g.: anti-corrosive wax).

Following are general steps involved for a corrosion resistant panel repair and a general overview of each type of treatment:

1. Proper cleaning of all surfaces.

2. Use of a metal conditioner on bare steel to produce a rust preventative coating.

3. Use of weld through primer to eliminate the possibility of bare metal exposure.

4. Use of epoxy primer on all bare metal areas.

5. Proper application of seam sealer to all required panel joints.

6. Use of undercoating on wheelhouse and underbody areas.

7. Use of anti-corrosive wax to non-exposed welded parts (e.g. inside of pillar area).

1. Surface Cleaning

Use a general cleaning solvent on painted surfaces (such as PPG DX330 or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations).

2. Metal Conditioner

For panels that do not require welding, treat the bare metal in and around the area with metal conditioner (such as PPG DX 520SG or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations). For proper application, do not allow the metal conditioner to dry. You also need to wipe it off immediately with a clean cloth. This is very important if any rust-out repair is to last more than a few months.

3. Weld-Through Primers

For panels that require welding, different types of anti-corrosive treatments (primers) are available depending on the type of repair. For example:

Figure 3:

^ Spot sealer is required from spot welding (see Figure 3)

^ A weld-through primer (such as 3M Weld-Thru Coating #05913 or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations) is required for MIG-welded panels.

You must apply these primers to the mating surfaces to prevent rust formation. Elimination of this step will result in future rust/perforation incidents.

4. Corrosion-Resistant Primers

After all repair work has been performed, you need to apply a corrosion resistant primer for proper corrosion protection. For example, you should apply PPG DPP Epoxy primer (or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations) prior to seam sealer application.

5. Seam Sealer

Figure 4:

Figure 4

Figure 5:

Figure5

Figure 6:

Figure 6

Use of body (seam) sealer (such as Fusor #800 Seam Sealer or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations) prior to base coat application aids in the appearance of the repair. It is also important for proper corrosion protection (see Figures 4, 5 & 6). Seam sealer helps prevent water or mud from entering between panel joints and it also helps prevent the formation of corrosion. Please refer to the proper Infiniti Body Repair Manual for seam sealer application points.

6. Undercoating

Figure 7:

Figure 7

Figure 8:

Figure 8

Undercoating (such as 3M Rubberized Undercoating #08883 or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations) is an elastic coating applied to the underbody (see Figures 7 & 8). This undercoating helps prevent rust, and it also reduces body vibration and noise. If the undercoating is removed during body repair, it must be reapplied to the same areas. Pay attention to critical areas such as body seams and panel joints.

7. Anti-Corrosive Wax

Figure 9:

The recessed portions of the body which cannot be painted easily must be coated with anti-corrosive wax (such as Tectyl 517 Bitumen Wax or equivalent - check with local VOC regulations). This is to ensure that there will not be any bare metal exposed (see Figure 9).

Figure 10:

The Factory applies wax to various areas of the vehicle to prevent corrosion/perforation. Below is an example of the different body locations where wax is applied (see Figure 10).