ISSUE:

This procedure is being published to advise all body and paint technicians about proper procedures for preparation of sheet metal parts coated with electrodeposition primer (E-Coat).

ACTION:

When prepping a replacement body panel for installation, it is mandatory to leave the E-Coat intact. DO NOT SAND OFF THE E-COAT.

Improper preparation with excessive sanding of the E-Coat to bare metal will jeopardize the sheet metal warranty and overall customer satisfaction. In particular, the E-Coat is necessary to protect the parts from rust. Light scuff sanding using a Scotch Brite pad or wet 320 grit sand paper is recommended for minor flaws. If a minor flaw exists, wet sand or scuff out the flaw and prime the repair area. Again, do not remove all of the E-Coat from the panel.

WARNING:

LEAD CONTAMINATION POTENTIAL: THE ELECTRODEPOSITION PRIMER USED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY OVER BASE METAL ON SERVICE REPLACEMENT PARTS OR COMPLETED VEHICLES CONTAINS SMALL AMOUNTS OF LEAD FOR CORROSION PROTECTION OF STEEL. EXCESSIVE DUSTS GENERATED BY UNNECESSARY AND IMPROPER SANDING MAY CONTAIN AIRBORNE LEAD CONTAMINATION IN EXCESS OF OSHA STANDARDS. INFORMATION REGARDING THE HAZARDS OF LEAD CAN BE FOUND IN THE CHEMICAL FACT SHEETS IN THE FIGURES FOLLOWING THIS ARTICLE.

If a replacement body panel contains more than a minor flaw in the E-coat, it should be returned. Contact your Customer Service representative for instructions.

If more extensive sanding, other than that described above, is necessary, (e.g., refinishing original vehicle sheet metal) follow the procedures outlined below:

ALTERNATIVE SANDING PROCEDURES WHEN EXTENSIVE SANDING IS REQUIRED

The following procedures for sheet metal preparation by sanding or media blasting are based on tests conducted by Ford Motor Company in accordance with requirements set forth in the Federal OSHA Inorganic Lead Standard 29 CFR 1910.1025.

SANDING PROCEDURE

1. Each technician performing the sanding operation MUST wear an approved respirator with high efficiency particulate filter (HEPA).
2. Technicians should use dual action sander with vacuum collection.
3. The vacuum equipment MUST be equipped with a HEPA filter on the air exhaust. Dealers are cautioned not to exhaust vacuum air into the atmosphere. Operators are cautioned to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and the replacement of filters.

MEDIA BLASTING PROCEDURE

1. Testing has shown that plastic media blasting meets OSHA lead standard requirements and is efficient when the manufacturer's published procedures are followed.
2. The operator must wear an air supplied hood using compressed air free from carbon monoxide, oil, water, and other contamination when performing this operation. Specifics of the media blasting procedure for whole body paint removal have been previously published.

   NOTE:

   PLEASE READ THE CHEMICAL FACT SHEETS IN THE FOLLOWING FIGURES.

   
   
   
   Figure 1 - Article 94-23-4
   
   
   
   
   Figure 2 - Article 94-23-4
   
   
   
   
   Figure 3 - Article 94-23-4
   
   

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:

NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:

Information Only

OASIS CODES:

106000