Updated on November 5, 2015
CHRYSLER TO COAT VEHICLES WITH THOMPSON’S WATER SEAL DURING CLOSURE OF FACTORY PAINT SHOP
Liquid sealant chosen after attempts to wrap SUVs in vinyl turns into jumbled, sticky mess
A two-month closure of a factory paint shop overdue for an upgrade has led to Chrysler’s decision to coat hundreds of newly-built vehicles with Thompson’s Water Seal.
“That (expletive) sticks to everything,” complained Chrysler paint shop worker Humberto Kaminski of the blue vinyl wrapping covering both him and the Grand Cherokee in the foreground |
Chrysler began exploring alternatives to painting the Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees assembled at the factory about six months ago, after the decision was made to upgrade the shop, said spokesman Dobie Chuck Upnotz.
“We experimented with vinyl wraps, but some of our guys can’t cover a sandwich with Saran Wrap,” said Upnotz.
Chrysler also tried using wallpaper and plaster, but, according to Upnotz, “In the end, everybody liked the looks of the Thompson’s Water Seal best, especially in Acorn Brown.”