pf993

I am inspecting a red 97 993 and all vertical surfaces read between 5-6 mil, horizontal surfaces between 4-5 mil. Does this sound right to you.

swmic

I was told by a 911 expert, who owens his own shop in the western suburbs of Philly (I don't want to use his name without permission), that the paint thickness should be around 4-5 mils. He measured my car a few months ago at this thickness. I imagine a little variation on horizontal and vertical surfaces would be expected. Color may have some effect also.

SKM

4-5 mils is the most common original factory paint thickness. Occasionally I see readings up to 5.5 mils. Readings over 6 mils indicate more than the original factory finish - can also include refinishing at the factory or port of entry. When you see a reading over 5 mils, take more readings with the paint meter as they can occasionally provide inconsistent readings. Also check the jambs for overspray and masking lines.

pf993

should I be concerned if it is metering out between 4.0-6.0 mil.? Does it sould like this car is all original paint. I assume that a fenderor hood repaint would make the thickness north of 8 mil. What do you think

SKM

I'd assume a re-paint with any readings over 6 mils and 8-ish would be common for a re-painted panel. Under 6 mils, I'd take several readings on each panel to determine consistency and also compare those readings to the other panels. Also, I'd carefully examine the jambs and edges of the panels visually and buy running your fingers over them. Factory paint should be glossy and smooth (even with the factory orange peel/texture). Sometimes you'll feel subtle differences in the finish before you see them.