Exterior Plastic Parts

All 1990 Cadillacs have exterior parts made of various types of plastic materials that require specific procedures to obtain high quality refinishing results. Included in this bulletin is a chart lising the different types of plastic materials used on 1990 models. For best results when painting is required, determine the type of plastic material from the chart. Then follow the correct paint procedure, depending upon what painting material and equipment is available.

Plastic Type Symbol

Thermoset Urethane RRIM
Thermoplastic Urethane TPU
Thermoset Polyester UP (SMC)
Thermoset Urethane RIM
Thermoplastic Elastomer TPE
Thermoplastic Olefin TPO
GTX 910 Xenoy

A. General Paint Procedure For Exterior Flexible Plastics

Polyvinylchloride (PVC); Polyurethane (PUR, TPUR, RRIM, RIM); Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE); Thermoset Polyester (SMC); EPDM Rubber (supplied in prime).

There are a multitude of finishing systems available on the market for painting and/or repairing flexible plastic parts. Following is a general outline of painting procedures, including a list of available products. Refer to the manufacturer's literature available through your jobber for details on proper mixing and application.

1. Thoroughly clean part by washing with a suitable cleaning solvent* to remove all surface contaminates.

* Cleaning, Solvents:

a. DuPont Prep-Sol
b. Rinshed-Mason Pre-Kleano 900
c. PPG/Ditzler Acryli-Clean DX330
d. Sherwin-Williams R7K156
e. Acme 88; Rogers 088
f. Martin-Senour 6383

IMPORTANT: Previously painted parts that show signs of cracking, peeling, or improper adhesion must be stripped before repainting. The old finish may be removed with any commercially available chlorinated solvent stripper or lacquer thinner.

IMPORTANT: To avoid swelling do not soak parts that show signs of cracking, peeling, or improper old paint.

2. Scuff sand to an even dull appearance the entire surface to be painted with fine (400 grit) sandpaper and feather edge any damaged areas and rewash.

3. Apply two thin coats of primer, when required, per top coat manufacturer's recommendation and allow to completely dry before proceeding. (For most products, approximately 30 minutes.)
4. Prepare color coat according to the manufacturer's recommendation and apply sufficient double coats to develop the proper shade. For best results, allow a few minutes flash time between each double coat and allow to completely dry before using.

5. Following is a list of some of the products available for painting flexible plastic:

^ PPG/Ditzler Elastomeric Primer - DPX844
^ PPG/Ditzler Flexative - DX369 (Permanent Flexible Urethane Additive)
^ PPG/Ditzler Flex Additive - DX1798 (Non-Urethane Additive)
^ DuPont Flexlar - 350S (Flexible Additive)
^ Sherwin-Williams Multi-Flex - V6V299
^ Acme/Rogers Multi-Flex - 68/4068
^ Martin-Senour Flex Additive - 3084

B. Nylon - Will be supplied in prime. Use the same procedure to refinish as on sheet metal parts

C. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) - No prime required. Paint with acrylic lacquer.

D. Polyester Parts - Will be supplied in prime and/or black paint. Use the same procedure to refinish or repair as on sheet metal parts.

E. Polypropylene - Interior parts.

1. Wash surface thoroughly with enamel reducer. (Do not use wax and grease removers.)

2. Apply primer immediately and allow to dry completely before color coating.

3. Color coat with lacquer or enamel reduced and applied according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

4. Materials:

^ Cleaning Solvent - DuPont 38125 Enamel Reducer
^ PPG/Ditzler DTE-101 or DTE-102 "Bobcat" Enamel Reducer
^ Primer: DuPont 3293 G M 1052364 PPG/Ditzler DPX-800 Sherwin-Williams P3C24* Acme/Rogers 524/4524* Martin-Senour 6242*

* Good on Polyethylene and Polypropylene parts

F. GTX 910 Fender

1. The front fenders used on 1990 DeVilles and Fleetwoods are made of a rigid corrosion-resistant plastic material known as GTX 910.

2. Procedures and materials for GTX 910 plastic fender are the same as those used on rigid SMC or sheet metal parts and do not require flex agent additives.

G. Xenoy

1. Allante front and rear bumpers and DeVille lower accent moldings are made of Xenoy materials. Xenoy parts will be supplied in colors. Use the same refinish procedures as on sheet metal parts for any required paint repairs.