1) I've been to some local Chevy dealers and have noticed that every lot has at least one car where the rear Bow tie is 'defective'. (See pix) It is not on the surface but inside the Bow tie. Would anyone have an idea as to what could cause this?


2) Would someone know what the HHR Molded Splash Guards Part #12499528 are made from? Polyurethane, plasticoat, rubber (I doubt it) etc?

Thanks in advance.

 

1) don't know what causes this, but my 08 and my mother in law's both had that happen. My 2006 never had the issue.

 

Water gets in to it and damages the gold coating.

I am not sure why some do it and some don't? Car washes with high pressure? Not sure. THis has happened for years on many Chevy vehicles, my 88 S10 bow tie also did this as have many others I have seen over the years.

As for the guards, I am not sure of the exact name for the matieral but they are of a high grade viynl. GM has used this for years and it holds up well. My 97 Sonoma had them for years and they are still on it with the new owner. No discolor, warp or anything else. The are paintable with a flexable paint too if one is so inclinded.

Either way the flaps are as high of quality you will find in a semi ridged molded flap.

 

Happened to my 08 three months after I bought it and was replaced under warranty. Almost two years later and no problem.

 

This has been discussed here before.

I believe GM's official statement is it is due to an acid type chemical that is part of the ingredients of some car soaps and car washes (I use a cheap drive-thru type car wash, on rare occassion. I convinced the owner/manager to show the the 55 gallon barrel the "soap" comes in......yep, it had it and I had the delamination problem, which was corrected by the dealer).

You may be able to find part of the TSB in one of the older threads, if you search.

 

Thanks, guys. That makes sense.....car wash water ingredients. Now my wife's curiosity (and mine) are satisfied. The car was a rental and is out of warranty so I guess a vinyl overlay decal should do the trick.


Thanks to hyperv6 for the flap answer. That's why I asked because I would like to paint the HHR on the flaps with a close touch up match if I can.

 

I took a stab at the car wash causing it ans looks like I was not far off. I also took a guess you were looking to paint too. If you use enough flex agent you should be fine.

Just watch backing up near curbs as they will catch and scrape.

 

Disgruntled Ford owners spray a toxic concoction (made up of bleach, turpentine and moose urine) on the bow ties and then scurry away. They do this in the dead of night. Started in Maine and has moved across the nation. This guy was caught two months ago at a Chevy Dealer in Wala Wala, WA.

 

Glad to know who is responsible for all the bad Bow ties.
Thanks.......

 

If carwashes are to blame, it explains why I don't have this issue.