For 1990-2009 cars

# Bumps or Rust Colored Spots in the Paint Due to Rail or Iron Dust

Subject: | Bumps or Rust Colored Spots in the Paint due to Rail or Iron Dust, Remove Rail and/or Iron Dust. Due to the addition of model years, This bulletin supersedes 94-T-09A, which should be discarded.

Models: | 1991-1999 Saturn Vehicles

### Condition:

Paint surface has bumps or rust colored spots.

### Cause:

Rail dust, which comes from tiny iron particles produced from the friction between the train wheels and the track gets deposited on the surface of the paint. Iron dust can get deposited on the surface of the paint if the vehicle is stored near any operation producing iron dust such a steel ore yard. Rail and/or iron dust can either lay on top of, or be imbedded into the paint surface.

### Correction:

Since the severity of the condition varies from area-to-area, proper diagnosis of the extent of the damage is critical to the success of the repairs. Diagnosis should be performed on horizontal surfaces, hood, roof, rear compartment lid, after it has been properly cleaned.

There are 2 types of repair materials recommended by Saturn to repair rail and/or iron dust damage.

1. Gel-Type Oxalic Acid: Has characteristics of the liquid-type oxyalic acid, but stays where you put it because of its gel consistency.
2. Clay-type non-acid based:

• | Is a clay-type product

• | Requires surface lubricant during use

• | Has different grades available

Caution: Rail dust remover<oxyalic acid, is an acidic substance containing chemicals that will break down the iron particles embedded in the finish. When working with, use the necessary safety equipment, including gloves and goggles. Follow the manufacturers directions closely because it may require special handling and disposal.

Regardless of the materials used, follow the manufacturer's directions for application and safety. If upon inspection, some particles are still present, the various manufacturer's processes can be repeated.

After the removal process, small pits may remain in the clearcoat, and can be corrected in most cases with a finish/polish operation. Refer to Clearcoat Repair without Refinishing in the General Information section of the Body/Collision service manual.

Important: No matter which remover is used, always perform the following procedures prior to using the remover.

1. Wash the vehicle with soap and water, dry it and clean the affected area with wax and grease remover.
2. Keep the vehicle in a cool or shaded area and rinse the surface with cold water.

Once the damage has been repaired, the final step in the repair process involves polishing the repaired area of the vehicle.

Rail Dust Remover Manufacturers

DISCLAIMER: We believe these sources and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. Saturn Corporation does not endorse, indicate preference for, or assume any responsibility for the product from these firms, or for any such item which may be available for other sources.

Use Below or Equivalent:

Auto-Magic's Clay-Magic™ | Fallout Gel #E038
--- | ---
Auto_wax Company, Inc. | Car Bright Corporation
Telephone #1-800-826-0828 | Telephone #1-800-347-2439

If the rail and/or iron dust remover is not available in your area, call one of the numbers listed above for a distributor near your location.

CLAIM INFORMATION | To receive credit for this repair, submit a claim through the Saturn dealer System as follows:
--- | ---
-- | Case Type | Description | Labor Operation Code | Time
-- | VW | Rail Dust Damage -- Repair | A5575 | 0.650 hrs
Although rail and /or iron dust is not the result of any defect in the materials or workmanship, Saturn will correct the condition on vehicles during the pre-delivery process. Important: In certain cases where the vehicle finish is severely damaged and the actual repair time exceeds the published time, the additional time should be submitted in the Other Labor Hours field.