Is it just me or is the paint job from the factory really weak? I swear every week I'll find a new little chip in the paint from road crap. You would think by now they would have really solid paint on cars. Guess not.

PS I have a black on black GT.

 

When I looked at mine last night on the dealer lot I was actually happy to see that my paint was put on thick in all the areas (didn't check inside gas door though). Not sure about paint durability my 03 Tacoma's paint comes off pretty easy too.

 

When it's up against rocks at 60-70mph, all paint is weak. That's just how it works. Buy some touch up paint and don't sweat it.

 

I'm disappointed in the paint job as well, it seems to chip very easily. I know that it chips more easily than my Acura. And last night I finally had a tiny pebble hit the windshield and it caused a mark about the size of a penny. Disappointed in that quality as well!

But, the rest of the car I love!!!!!

 

So now the glass is weaker as well? :scratch:

 

Paint chipping and thin paint seems to be a common discussion item on most new cars. I think EPA regulations might be contributing factor. The easiest solution to the problem is to add the invisible film to the bumper and part of the hood. I don't care much for the appearance of it, but it does look much better than a chipped up hood. There is a black GT in our parking lot that has the film on the hood.

 

Soooo glad I didn't get black this time around. All cars are beautiful in black but it'll drive a sane man crazy.

 

It's my understanding that the EPA mandated a reduction in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in automative paint (in 1999 I believe but I could be wrong). VOCs help paint adhere to the body. Without them, paint is more likely to peel or chip. It's not a Ford specific issue.

 

Well, it certainly seems like it. I know that other cars I've had have been hit with comparable sized pebbles, bounced off, and not ended up with the mark I have on the Mustang.

Are you trying to say that there aren't quality differences in windshield glass?

 

Since I have silver it's a little harder to see the chips but I seem to get them easy. I have at least one chip on all four corners of the car. Don't ask me how

 

I believe automotive glass has been getting thinner over the years in order to save weight. The windsheild in the Acura I had a couple years ago would chip VERY easily. I finally had the windsheild replaced but it wasn't long until it had chips in it as well. My Mazda6 has been a little better. I've had a couple of significant hits (they sounded significant at least) that didn't cause any damage.

 

I'm trying to say that a lot more depends on size, speed, and direction of the offending projectile. Either way, I can't see accusing the new Mustang of having a relatively weak windshield.

They're almost 2 tons of metal, glass, and rubber hurtling through space. Occasionally they are going to meet hard things in their path and be (however slightly) damaged. My advice is to relax, and take pride in your damaged, but enjoyed badge of courage.

 

Well at least they are only visible up real close...still love it and I tihnk it's built real well other than that.

 

I remember a guy on Stang net complaing about this same issue when the 05 first came out. He found that it was something done to only the black cars in the intial production run.

He took his back to the dealer and Ford had to repaint is car. Think it was a known issue. Might want to check your build date and contact Ford customer support.

 

Well, I don't claim to be an expert on highway projectiles. I do know that others have complained about the windshield on the 05 Mustang getting dinged easily. I also know that I have been hit several times in other cars that I've had and it did not cause this type of mark on the windshield. And it certainly wouldn't surprise me if Ford decided to use a lower quality of glass to keep the cost low. So, I can see accusing the new Mustang of having a weak windshield, and apparently, so do others.

And I'm plenty relaxed, heading for vacation tomorrow and insurance is taking care of it with no deductible.

 

the pebble must have hit just the right place...i have seen cars that were rear ended and looked like a cement truck hit them when only a small car did...again just hit the right part of the car to cause that type of damage..

 

I had a 1998 Mountaineer that I broke 4 windshields on in 3 years. Three of them in one summer when they were working on the road I travel to work. I also took a stone on my 2002 Mountaineer and broke it in the first 6 months I owned it.

 

Nice. Hard to beat that.

 

i just had the entire front... facia, hood, and faded fenders painted, ford covered it all.....

i had like 24 chips!!!
just got it back and it looks new again!!!

 

Mine's 5 months and 4 days old, driven daily, and not a single paint chip. I look it over closely every week while washing it, and so far, I'm real happy with the paint quality.

But I have very few highway miles, where most chips probably happen.

I'd say the only way to avoid paint chips is to have the 3M Xpel clear bra installed. I saw it installed on a friend's black Infiniti FX35, and it's not really noticeable at all.