Paint Defect

[Randyp79]

Need some advice. Bought a new Ram and when I got home I noticed a small piece of masking tape on the tailgate. As I was peeling it off I noticed there was a metal bur sticking out the the rolled side of my tailgate. It is small and about the size of a grain of rice. Clearly someone had noticed this defect and marked it with a piece of tape. The truck only has 150 miles on it.

Dealer acknowledged that there had probably been a FCA claim on it because of the masking tape marking the defect. They are willing to work with me on a repair, but not sure what to do. I'm kinda pissed that they even sold me a car that had already been involved in an FCA claims process. I initially asked them to undo the deal and take the truck back. Not sure if that's going to happen, but they are willing to work with me. Just not sure what I should look to do and see if you guys have any advice.

1. They offered to exchange for any other Ram on the lot, but they don't have anymore with billet silver which is my favorite color.

2. They offered to replace the entire tailgate.

3. They offered to fix and repaint, but I hate the idea of painting a truck with 150 miles on it.

4. Should I negotiate step rails or spray bedliner and just live defect?

Let me know what you guys think. Here are some pictures of the defect.



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[MADDOG]

I would counsel some patience and reason here. You and the dealer will be working together more in the future and a reasonable accommodation here will go a long way towards a good relationship.

That's too small of a defect to warrant returning the truck or canceling the deal, IMHO.

I'd take their offer to fix it by repainting the tailgate or their offer to replace the tailgate. There's no reason to hate what is apparently a small paint defect repair.

I don't believe they'd go for offering up other accessories in exchange for not fixing the vehicle or replacing the defective part. It would not be a reasonable demand on your part.

 

[reyn3545]

with today's clearcoat systems, especially since the truck is brand new, they can do an exact paint match that is every bit as durable as the original. After an accident, I had to replace the rear bumper and quarter panel on my 3 year old Mercedes..... and not even the dealer could spot the paint lines.

 

[Randyp79]

Thanks guys, your response has calmed me down a little. I'm pretty sure the dealer filed the FCA claim for the paint and then still offered it for sale at same sticker price. Pretty dishonest if you ask me.

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[reyn3545]

I bought a Lincoln Navigator several years ago, then soon after noticed that the right rear panel looked a little foggy. I took it back to the dealer to find out that yes, it had a scratch that had been repaired prior to sale. They explained, and the Ford zone manager confirmed, that vehicles can arrive at the destination with minor scratches, and it's common for the dealer to repair these. if its below a certain dollar amount, they are not required to disclose this to the buyer. anyway, they buffed the panel out and it looked very good for the rest of the truck's life.

Sometimes, you just don't want to know how the sausage was made..... just enjoy it!

 

[Randyp79]

They have offered to replace the tailgate with one repainted from the factory. Do you guys think you would be able to tell the difference in color at all? Would the two different batches of paint or the fact this one sat on the lot for a month make a difference in the shade or color? Thanks


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[Glen Costa]

I purchased a new Ram 1500 and noticed a ding near the rear fender during delivery that they assured me could be removed with paintless dent removal. They got most of it out but if you looked hard you could still see a little defect. Chrysler/Ram offered me a 5 year exterior ding and interior protection plan which I accepted, I would look into possibly having them repair the area with the paint blended in and insist on a plan such as i received for your trouble.

 

[Randyp79]

I purchased a new Ram 1500 and noticed a ding near the rear fender during delivery that they assured me could be removed with paintless dent removal. They got most of it out but if you looked hard you could still see a little defect. Chrysler/Ram offered me a 5 year exterior ding and interior protection plan which I accepted, I would look into possibly having them repair the area with the paint blended in and insist on a plan such as i received for your trouble.

Great idea, thanks for the info.

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[chrisbh17]

They have offered to replace the tailgate with one repainted from the factory. Do you guys think you would be able to tell the difference in color at all? Would the two different batches of paint or the fact this one sat on the lot for a month make a difference in the shade or color? Thanks


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The one month, probably not an issue. But different paint batches might be, especially if dark and or metallic.

Maybe say you'll try it but reserve the right to deny of it doesn't match well enough?

The fact it's the tailgate helps... You don't really see the tailgate and another large panel of the truck at the same time so some difference in shade probably wouldn't be noticeable.

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[HarleyRayHawkeye]

I work in a Cadillac, Land Rover, Jag dealer. We do repairs on new unsold cars on a weekly basis. From transport damage to lot damage. Not a big deal to have the tailgate fixed and painted as long as the painter does quality work.

 

[Purplert]

Yep I wouldn’t freak out over it, you gotta remember vehicles are made in bulk, things can be overlooked at least they’re are willing to make it right, that alone says a lot, it’s a new vehicle so matching paint should be simple.




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[crash68]

They have offered to replace the tailgate with one repainted from the factory. Do you guys think you would be able to tell the difference in color at all? Would the two different batches of paint or the fact this one sat on the lot for a month make a difference in the shade or color?

IMO if the dealer is offering to swap the tailgate, I would go this route. You probably won't be able to tell the difference, and like someone else stated it's the tailgate an there is no other large flat panels next to it. Make sure they swap the handle/key assembly. The factory deals in hundreds/thousands of gallons of paint at a time and the color match needs to be pretty precise.
I also bought a cap for my truck which I think is a similar Bright Silver Metallic and the cap looks like it was painted at the factory with the truck. If Leer can get a paint match that close, there shouldn't be any worry about one from the actual factory.

 

[JD Martin]

IMO if the dealer is offering to swap the tailgate, I would go this route. You probably won't be able to tell the difference, and like someone else stated it's the tailgate an there is no other large flat panels next to it. Make sure they swap the handle/key assembly. The factory deals in hundreds/thousands of gallons of paint at a time and the color match needs to be pretty precise.
I also bought a cap for my truck which I think is a similar Bright Silver Metallic and the cap looks like it was painted at the factory with the truck. If Leer can get a paint match that close, there shouldn't be any worry about one from the actual factory.

This is what I would do as well. You're never going to notice the difference based on the age of the truck, the color, and the location. Considering it's a relatively easy process taking off the tailgate, I think it's a good solution.