I recently purchased a F150 4X4 SC. The day after I purchased the truck I prepared to wash and wax the truck. During this process I noticed that there were small particle embedded in the paint. I looked closer at the truck and found that it was literally covered with these particles. I had them analyzed. They consist mostly of iron. Since I work in the defense industry, I have access to a SEMS (surface electron microscope) Using the SEMS I was able to determine that the particles had breached the top clear coat. These particles are oxidizing causing the paint to deteriorate. The damage sites are very small, but, with time, they will grow. The sites would not become troublesome until after the warranty period had expired. I returned the truck to the dealer and explained the situation. They at first offered me a repaint or a 5 year 75K extended warranty. The repaint would devalue my truck and the warranty was statically of little value. After pointing out the facts with the warranty and the devaluation of the truck with a repaint, Ford agreed to buy back the truck.

FYI: the particles are called "trail" dust. This happened while the truck was being transported from the manufacturer to the dealer.

 

When my truck was new, back in the fall of 92. It's hood and top of cab had very bad "orange peal", anyways the dealer repainted the hood and cab. and the paint lasted for about a year. Then the hood paint started to peel really bad, so again Ford repainted the hood. according to the dealer, Ford has pretty poor paint. He told me that he's had very many cases of them. Too many!

 

 

i have heard it called rail dust. come from transporting on a train or the diesel exhaust that settles on the truck at a dealer near a major highway/freeway. It can be removed and is a lot of work. most cars in this area have it. i use a fininshing clay and silicon lube, kinda like wet sanding bit the clay is non abrasive. before doing this take the plastic wrapper off a pack of cigs and put your fingers in it. rub across the paint and you will feel the rail dust. take the clay and work a small area and try again. big differance, very smooth. you will notice the particales in the clay.

 

trail dust? that dont make sense, u said the iron particles were embedded in the paint. how does that happen on transport from manufacture to dealer. u dont have trail dust. wrong term dont u think?

 

"Rail Dust" comes from the train tracks and wheels as the truck is transported... hot and airborne it melts it's way into the paint. Think of the sparks that come off a grinder...