Sorry for reposting (also in the local forum)

So I have some upsetting news about removing 3M chiprotectant from my S2000. I took the car to a well known local detail shop/licensed 3M applier in WA state to remove the 3M film from the front bumper, hood and side view mirrors. (It was applied to the car at the time of purchase back in 2004 and it was starting to have a slight yellowish fade to it).

The paint underneath was perfect and now has suffered 2 major paint defects.

1st day - they did about half of the car because it proved to be more difficult than expected and even though the film came off easily, the glue was being stubborn. So, they told me the rest would be finished the next day. The owner and his son (manager) did it and looked good so far.

2nd day - drop off the car expecting the same good removal process as day 1 and when I came to pick it up, I notice the defects on the passenger side. Assistant manger (1 of 2 employees who worked on it this day) comes out and says the glue was stubborn and the chipped paint was just "the name of the game" and compared it to peeling old wall paper from homes and paint chipping is a risk. He said it would be near perfect after some paint redoing. He then says I HAVE TO PAY for this and he can give me a referral to a mobile paint repair guy they use.

The defect near the fender has a linear crack as well and rippling paint next to it.


Needless to say, I am extremely upset about them not taking responsibility and their carelessness. The manager will not be in until Monday, so I have to wait to at least then to talk to this guy's supervisor.

1. Regardless of who pays, I need a very good paint shop to take care of this. Any recommendations and what are realistic expectations on how it will look?

2. Will I have to take off the bumper to get these repairs done?

3. How should I approach the manager on Monday and is it fair for me to ask them to pay for the paint with my shop of choice? What if he refuses to pay for it?

4. I still need to get the paint polished and wax to remove the rest of the residue off, which I am debating on whether for them to finish the job ($149 for wash, clay bar, polish and wax) or go to a more expensive place.

5. Should I paint first or polish/wax first to get that glue residue off?

Pictures are here:

http://s1130.photobucket.com/albums/...t=photo1-1.jpg

Thanks so much

 

FYI, you shouldn't wax new paint for 30-60 days.

 

Good to know, but bad timing since I will be needing to drive this car from WA to CA in a couple of weeks....