Drip rails on roof paint issue

[bsomedic]

Looking for some opinions here. I've searched the forum and I do not find anything that lines up with the same problem I'm having. I have a 2018 HiChroma Red. As you can see in the pictures the paint on the drip rails is cracking/crazing. Initially I thought that the dealer did not remove the protective vinyl was not removed by the dealer. Before I do anything does anyone know what is causing this?

 

[Rob M]

Discussion of Stinger paint quality (Was - Paint Chip Issue)

Look at posts #2801 and #2820 in the above discussion for examples. It is a fairly common issue. Most likely a combination of paint/clearcoat defect on these plastic pieces which have then succumbed to UV exposure. I've seen it on other cars as well, but not typically on vehicles that are so new.

Simply take it back to a Kia dealer and get them to replace the pieces.

 

[G-275488]

I have a 2018 GT Ceramic Silver. Roof rails are doing the same thing. Paint cracking very prematurely. For all the hype associated with this car. Paint should not be an issue

 

[oddball]

My dealer has been trying to figure out how to fix this for the past 5 weeks.
They have new strips from Kia, but they're only provided in black. They have a rubber-like surface, so the body shop refused to paint it. Supposedly the service tech is trying to get info from Kia on how they are supposed to be prepped and painted.......

 

[MerlintheMad]

My dealer has been trying to figure out how to fix this for the past 5 weeks.
They have new strips from Kia, but they're only provided in black. They have a rubber-like surface, so the body shop refused to paint it. Supposedly the service tech is trying to get info from Kia on how they are supposed to be prepped and painted.......

Why not wrap them? If they went crazed once they'll likely do it again. So try some other approach.

 

[VetteNZMan]

Was there a resolution on your roof rail paint? I’ve got the same issue on my 2018 GT1, very disappointing.

 

[oddball]

Took 6 weeks or so? Finally came to the conclusion that their own body shop could paint them. Went in for 30 minutes so a body guy to pop the new ones on.

 

[mhal8876]

Was there a resolution on your roof rail paint? I’ve got the same issue on my 2018 GT1, very disappointing.

Go to your dealer and they replace it for free. Had the same issue went to my dealer they took couple pics to submit a report and called me back when it's ready.

 

[G-846092]

Had the very same issue which was annoying the hell out of me. Instead of having the rails replaced, I bought some black auto trim molding, 3/4 in- 20 mm from amazon and that did the trick. Made my Stinger look better then before and now I will not have to worry about the rails fading out again.

 

[VetteNZMan]

I just wonder is any of the paint holding up on these rails. Maybe missing a flex agent.

 

[Rob M]

I just got my new ones installed under warranty. I'm hoping that they'll last with frequent waxing. Work done by Bob Bell Kia. Paint looks great for color match and application.

 

[20Stinger19]

Finally! I run into this thread I have the same issue I was wondering if mayby it was just a protective film that needed to be removed. So how do you go about in getting them replaced under warranty do you just call your local kia? thanks for info.

 

[Rob M]

You can call your nearest dealer, or better: chop up a couple onions so that you are tearing up, then drive right over to the dealership service department in your otherwise pristine Stinger. They may take a couple photos to send to Kia, and will get back to you when the parts arrive. They can paint them for you as well before the install. I think the defect may be due to insufficient flex additive in the paint. The plastic pieces are somewhat soft and flexible. I noticed mine got worse during winter... Possibly due to freeze/thaw cycles causing repeated contraction and expansion in the underlying plastic which caused gradual cracking. Sun exposure probably assisted the expansion process too. My Stinger is parked outside, and the side with the worse crazing does get a little more sun exposure.

 

[20Stinger19]

lol worse comes to worse, is there any trim we can put ourselves that match the dark chrome color of the cars?

 

[MerlintheMad]

think the defect may be due to insufficient flex additive in the paint. The plastic pieces are somewhat soft and flexible.

They are steel, not plastic. Ask @rocket23

 

[Rob M]

They are steel, not plastic. Ask @rocket23

Thanks for pointing that out.

I just went back and read that thread. I did see my new ones and assumed they were plastic since they were black. You would think they would make them out of ABS plastic, which is hard and fairly easy to paint. This gives me more confidence...that they will craze again in a couple years, lol.
Stainless steel hidden all over the Stinger. Should be nicknamed DeKorean.

 

[rocket23]

They are steel, not plastic. Ask @rocket23

The strip itself is steel. But the rubber drip that is adhered to it may be the culprit. So we have 3 layers if you will. Steel, adhesive rubber strip, then the paint.

 

[MrPapsman]

Had mine replace under warranty last week. Painted to match by dealer (Gunther).

 

[Dodger Blue]

Mine started doing the same thing. It's like this on both sides.

Probably gonna have them replaced, color matched, and then black out the roof with a vinyl wrap or something. I like that look.

 

[Greymojo]

My blue stinger doing same thing. I found carbon fiber replacements. Going to try them out. 59.00. INC 3m adhesives.