Hi all,

I'm having a PPI done and the tech. has access to a paint thickness gauge. I'm wondering what the Porsche values should be (1996 993TT, Midnight Blue), and if there are specific places to take the readings.

Thanks in advance,
Charlie

 

The thing to do is take readings all over the place and they should all be approximately the same; when you find a reading that varies significantly, that's a sign of paintwork. Typical areas that are checked would be quarter panels, doors, hood, etc. You can tell almost as much by just running your finger over the edges of things, like door jambs, the hoodline, etc. ... it should all be smooth, any sign of roughness usually means it was taped and painted. You can also look for the original stickers, and check that the visible fasteners have the dot of red or yellow paint on them that the factory used to signify that the bolts were torqued to spec.

 

Generally we find that original newer Porsche paint reads at 4.5 - 5.5, or very close. As stated, consistency is important. Repaints will usually show an 8.0 - 12.0 range. Also, you may find spots where you find no reading, in which case you have found Mr. Plastic Filler or run across a Corvette.

 

Thanks fellas!

 

The inside surface of the front and rear lids have (on purpose) less paint thickness than elsewhere so don't worry when you notice that and the lack of clearcoat.