[Big Jon]

I had noticed a while back that the leading edges of the rear wheelarches just after the rear door shutline (if that makes sense) have started taking on a shotblasted effect; i.e. the paint is starting to become very rough as it has a lot of very fine chips down the edge.

The dealer have raised it as a warranty issue but it's not something that can be properly sorted as even if it is painted it will happen again. The rear door is flush at the top and bottom just that it sits in along the middle section leaving the wheelarch sitting slightly proud and exposed to the elements.

Anyone else had this problem?

 

[Guest]

I know where you mean. I got on top of it on my car before it got to bad. Get yourself some helicopter tape and some Isopropyl alcohol. After the dealer has done the paint job give the car a good wash and then clean the area with the Isopropyl alcohol. Cut your tape down to size and apply.

 

[Big Jon]

Well, it looks like I'm going to have a fight on my hands. The dealer submitted a warranty claim regarding the paintwork which has been turned down by Alfa as they say stone chips aren't covered by warranty .

Whilst I agree with that sentiment I would argue that these aren't stone chips per se but a gradual erosion of the paintwork. The dealer had hoped to repaint the affected area and fit the clear protective tape as Alfa themselves did to the 159 and latterly with the MiTo from the factory.

So the dealer are going to take paint depth readings and see if this helps. Looks like my next port of call is to Alfa Customer Services .

 

[davidjwbailey]

I've just noticed two leading edge chips - looks like my bonnet lid 'bounces off' the front edge when shut and knocks lumps out of the painted edge .. :-(

 

[Pattinsonpm]

Paintwork issues

I also have the same issue with the shot blasted effect on the leading edge of the bodywork where the rear drivers door sits. I have reported it to my deaelr who said he will submit a warranty claim but doesn't expect it to be successful. I have since noticed that the door sits about 5 mm too far into the opening leaving the edge exposed. The door catch is also mounted off centre. If the door had been corrected installed in thefirst place this issue would never have happened. It's an easy enough job to re align the door but that won't fix my paintwork. Have just brought this mis alignment o my dealers attention and I await their response.
Looking at Alfa's website they make some impressive claims about build quality, (Alfa Romeo build cars to the highest possible standards and each vehicle is subjected to numerous checks and inspections before they leave the factory) this one and the others must have slipped through the net !