Re-visiting the sail panel bubbling issue

**trumpetmanmike** · 08-06-2017, 10:57 AM

Pretty disgusted that the sail panel issue has reared its ugly head about a year ago on my black '02 WS6. Of course I've read the posts about having to replace the panel but knowing how expensive this is and frankly just not having the means to do this repair, I have a question. Has anyone actually tried to strip all paint off the panel and do a repaint. It just seems to me that using some kind of epoxy primer/sealer before painting might eliminate the problem at least for some period of time if not permanently.

What you guy got? Any help for this old retired fart will be appreciated.

***SMWS6TA*** · 08-08-2017, 08:42 AM

I've read several threads in the past where they've tried just stripping the paint to only have it come back. It's because the adhesive that the outer panel is glued to the body leaks out still. You have to remove the outer shell and strip all of the adhesive. The hard part is carefully removing the panel. I don't know if 6LE is still selling replacement panels but they still cost a bit.

You may want to look at having a wrap placed on it to cover it.

**trumpetmanmike** · 08-08-2017, 01:48 PM

I think I know what you mean concerning a "wrap" but not 100% sure. Can you explain?

***SMWS6TA*** · 08-09-2017, 08:09 AM

Vinyl wrap. They've come a long way over the yrs. They stay long time, and hold up to washing and sun.

It's also easy on the paint in that it won't lift the clear coat off when you go to remove it. Cheaper than the permanent fix.

If I had that issue I would depending on the car color, do my sail panel in a black wrap and maybe the spoiler so that it would look like a theme.

**trumpetmanmike** · 08-09-2017, 09:27 AM

Thanks for the info. I looked it up and it comes in a lot of colors, different finishes as well as carbon fiber. I guess my only concern would be since it surely fits tight against the paint the impression of the bubbles underneath would be visable. But, its definately something to consider. By the way, the car is black.

***SMWS6TA*** · 08-09-2017, 09:30 AM

A carbon fiber wrap would look good with black. You can ask the shop that does them how it would show with the chicken pox. You might also asked them how the adhesive leaking might effect the vinyl too.

**trumpetmanmike** · 08-10-2017, 08:09 AM

Yeah, I actually thought about the carbon fiber look. I have a couple gloss black samples of the 3D vinyl and I'm gonna stick them on over two of the worst spots and see what it looks like. But what you said about the adhesive seeping out is certainly a concern. Hmmm.