Preparing the panel for primer (Range Rover 3)

General information

Replacement body parts have an initial cathophoresis primer coating as part of the panel protection that complies with the general warranty against body corrosion.

DO NOT remove the primer before painting the part. In the case of a local defect in the surface of the part, soil should be removed only from a small area necessary to correct the defect before performing repair work.

As far as possible, correct the panel defect by mechanical action without heating. To remove rust or paint runs on exterior surfaces, sand the primer if necessary. Use the following procedure:

• 1. Wipe the panel with a cloth dampened with solvent.
• 2. Etch the cleaned surface with phosphating.
• 3. Re-prime the defective surface by etching separately with an acid-based compound and then with a two-component primer, or immediately apply a combination of etch and preparation compound (primer/filler).

For panel repairs, the following operations must be performed.

Welded panels

• 1. Remove the original primer from the joint of the old and new panels and clean the joint surfaces of the panels to a metallic sheen.
• 2. If the panels are spot welded, weld through the zinc primer layer, joining the flanges of both panels. Spot weld while the ground is still wet, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• 3. Treat the welding spots with a protective compound, where they are available.
• 4. Wipe the panels with a cloth dampened with solvent.
• 5. Treat bare metal surfaces with phosphating.
• 6. Remake the surfaces to be joined.

Sectioned parts

When replacing a part or a whole sectioned part, the basic steps are the same as for the repair of welded panels, as discussed above, except for the following:

• 1. Remove the primer from the mating surfaces of the old and new parts, cleaning them to a metallic sheen.
• 2. If the lap joint is to be spot welded, run it through the zinc primer while it is still wet, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• 3. Carry out plug welding with inert gas where possible.
• 4. Wipe the panel with a cloth dampened with solvent.
• 5. Treat bare metal surfaces with phosphating.
• 6. Re-machine the surfaces to be welded, as is done when correcting defects.
• 7. Treat the inside of the cork joint with an appropriate cavity filler.

Adhesive panels

• 1. Strip the primer on the mating surfaces of the old and new parts and wipe with a cloth dampened with solvent.
• 2. Apply adhesive mastic to clean metal surfaces to be joined where recommended.
• 3. If the joint is to be spot welded, weld through the zinc primer layer.
• 4. If the joint is to be welded in an inert gas atmosphere, arc welding or gas welding, apply zinc primer to the adjacent surfaces of the parts, but leave the welded surfaces unfinished.
• 5. Use appropriate spot or plug welding to secure the panels when joining their flanges.
• 6. Wipe the panel with a cloth dampened with solvent.
• 7. Treat bare metal surfaces with phosphating.
• 8. Re-machine the surfaces to be welded, as is done when correcting defects.