How did GM do it

[wmhjr]

To try and get back on topic, I'll again bring up the idea that there's a difference between not only what you GET with a great custom paint job and a factory job, but what you WANT from it.

Case in point that I tried (apparently unsuccessfully) to make earlier. I constantly get ooohs and aaahhhs for the paint on my "project". While there are absolutely flaws, it is literally mirror smooth, and huge depth, pretty much glows, and looks a mile deep.



It also shows every single flaw, fingerprint, speck of dust, etc. If I take it and park it next to my 2008 MB E350, the MB will look "cleaner" and "nicer" even if it hasn't been cleaned for 3 weeks and has been driven 2500 miles - but the Pontiac was dusted 2 days ago. The paint on the Pontiac needs to be kept immaculate or it just starts to look, well, dirty and messy. I know it's a combination of factors, but the total lack of any orange peel, surface imperfections, etc just REALLY create contrast with anything. And pics? Every darned thing reflects.

Bottom line is that I think manufacturers probably consider this stuff when deciding what kind of finish they really want. I don't think it's just a "let's save some money" kind of thing. I think there is more research and science behind this than people - INCLUDING guys who paint custom cars for a living - realize. People building a ground up custom build, or a custom show car, or even a "nice" driver have very very different goals and objectives in mind. My Pontiac has never been and will never be touched with a hose to wash it. My daily drive is lucky to see a hose once a month. And with a daily commute of 80 miles just for work alone, year round, there is some wear and tear.

To be really honest, haven't we seen threads on this forum where people building cars mention how they regret the "fancy" paint jobs? You think auto manufacturers that are scrutinized for quality after 100k miles - not just after 12 months - don't consider this? Just a thought. Remember, some of the same brands that are getting thrashed here because their paint isn't as "smooth" as some people like have hand rubbed wood interior components from the factory. Not plastic. Not veneer. Hand rubbed, polished, walnut or burlwood. It's just my opinion but based on what I see and what I experience, I think there's a very real possibility that some of these companies know what they're doing - and it's not an accident.