Exterior Cosmetic
Last Update: March 12, 2003
Part 3: Wholesale Certification Minimum Standards
Exterior Sheet Metal and Paint Standards Acceptable Damage
Damage that would be considered normal wear and tear, does not make the panel or component
objectionable, and is not easily seen. Examples include minor parking lot damage, scratches that
do not break the paint, palm dents associated with normal closing of the hood and deck lids
(etc.), and less than one half-hour metal repair labor. Other examples are minor nicks, cuts, and
scuffs. Damage to the bumpers should be viewed objectively.
Unacceptable Damage
All small dents above normal wear and tear, abuse, poorly repaired paint and metal, a scratch or
multiple scratches that break the paint making a panel objectionable due to quantity or length,
are to be considered unacceptable.
Condition of Paint
The condition of the vehicles overall finish must not detract from the vehicles appearance.
Faded, cracked or substandard paint repairs are not acceptable. An increase in the orange peel
or poor color match of the finish is the most noticeable effect when a panel has been repaired. If
the finish of the vehicle has been compromised by being excessively chipped or scratched it is
unacceptable.
Prior Repairs Standard:
Prior repair does not automatically exclude vehicles eligibility in the program. The number of
panels having been repaired and more importantly the quality of the repairs are the items to be
evaluated. A proper repair will not only include removing the damage completely, but also
matching paint color and texture. It is important to realize that when a panel has sustained
sheet metal damage, the finish of the vehicle has also been altered from its original condition.
Substandard body and paint repairs are not acceptable.
Recommended Test Procedure:
The vehicle must undergo an extensive visual inspection to determine if it has had prior repairs.
The repairs must be of a quality that requires trained personal recognition. If there are any
apparent signs of structural alteration or damage, the vehicle must meet the NAAA Structural
Guidelines.
Standard:
Prior repair does not automatically exclude vehicles’ eligibility in the program. The number of
panels having been repaired and more importantly the quality of the repairs are the items to be
evaluated. A proper repair will not only include removing the damage completely, but also
matching paint color and texture. It is important to realize that when a panel has sustained
sheet metal damage, the finish of the vehicle has also been altered from its original condition.
Substandard body and paint repairs are not acceptable.
Recommended Test Procedure:
The vehicle must undergo an extensive visual inspection to determine if it has had prior repairs.
The repairs must be of a quality that requires trained personal recognition. If there are any
apparent signs of structural alteration or damage, the vehicle must meet the NAAA Structural
Guidelines.
Bumpers Standard:
Acceptable Damage
Small nicks and scratches
Minor dents
Proper alignment of bumper
Unacceptable Damage
Severe bends, twists, tears, or punctures
Bent, twisted, or gouged moldings/guards
Bent or broken metal
Severe sandblasting of paint, excessive chips, large scratches and/or gouges
Peeling of painted surfaces
Damaged/broken filler panels or shields
Cracks in paint or bumper
Peeling chrome
Misaligned bumpers
Recommended Test Procedure:
Bumpers are subject to considerable wear. It is important to view bumpers carefully. Excessively
damaged bumpers may require replacement. View each end of the bumper carefully to ensure
the bumper is aligned properly with body panels. This could be a possible indicator of further
damage due to previous repairs.
Grille/Header Panels Standard:
Acceptable Damage
Minor chips or scuffs
Small scratches
Unacceptable Damage
Bent, cracked or broken grilles
Severe sandblasting
Peeling paint/chrome
Recommended Test Procedure:
The grille area is susceptible to serious damage. Grilles that are painted or have bright metal
must be inspected carefully.
Moldings/Trim/Ornamentation Standard:
Acceptable Damage
Minor chips
Small dents
Nicks or scratches
Unacceptable Damage
Missing items
Broken or dented
Gouged, scratched, or torn
Permanent stains
Peeling paint
Recommended Test Procedure:
Visually inspect for damage to these items. They may be minor enough to be brought back to an
acceptable level by normal appearance reconditioning.
Glass Standard:
Acceptable Damage
Minor windshield chips without legs
Minor chips not in the line of drivers sight
Unacceptable Damage
Glass must have no apparent substandard repairs
Apparent cracks
Chips that have legs
Stars or bulls eyes
Deep scratches
Windshield wiper scoring
Sandblasting that affects visibility
Recommended Test Procedure:
The glass must be visually inspected for cracks, stars, bulls eyes, or heavy scratches. The glass
should be visually inspected for substandard repairs. Always inspect the glass carefully. The
number, severity and location of damage will be the criteria used to determine if the glass
damage is acceptable or unacceptable.
Fuel Door Openings
Minor scratches, paint chips or minor dents at or around the fuel door opening are considered
normal wear and tear. These items are acceptable. However, fuel doors that have been sprung
or have signs of abuse are considered unacceptable damage.
Gas Cap Standard:
The gas cap must meet OEM standards and have no cracks or splits on the gasket.
The gas cap must be fully tightened.
Recommended Test Procedure:
It must be verified that the cap meets OEM standards. Then it must be inspected to ensure there
are no cracks or splits in the gasket. The cap must be fully tightened to guarantee that proper
pressure will be held in the gas tank. Improper pressure will cause the MIL (malfunction
indicator lamp) to illuminate.v
Vinyl Roofs Standard:
Acceptable Damage
Minor scuffing
Unacceptable Damage
Tears
Seam separations
Distortions in the vinyl due to rust on the underside
Recommended Test Procedure:
A thorough visual inspection of the top should be performed to look for telltale signs of
unacceptable problems.
Convertible Top Standard:
The
The
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top must be aesthetically pleasing.
motor must be fully operational. The top must be completely functional.
top must retract and go up easily with no binding conditions.
rear window glass (or plastic) should be clear and have no objectionable defects.
Recommended Test Procedure:
A visual inspection should be performed on the top to look for any significant defects. The top
should be lowered to position and all attachments should be present and in working order. The
rear window glass should be clear and transparent. It should not be scratched or have any other
objectionable defects. If equipped the boot should be present, presentable, and functional. There
should be no binding conditions present in the full range of motion of the top. There should be
no gaps between the weather-stripping and the glass that would create leaks or wind noises.
The top should be easily secured to its mounting points and all of the locking safety features
should be credible. All weather-stripping must be present and in good condition.
Wheel Covers, Trim Rings and Center Caps Standard:
Acceptable Damage
Minor scratches and gouges
Unacceptable Damage
Dented, cracked, or broken
Excessive scratches or gouges
Repairs to wheel covers are unacceptable
Recommended Test Procedure:
These components will have some normal wear and tear related to their location on the vehicle.
All items must be appropriately matched sets. If the unit has wheel covers requiring wrenches,
these must be with the unit.
Wheels Standard:
Matched set
Good valve stem condition
No major defects or gouges in rim or hubcap
Recommended Test Procedure:
Visually determine if all of the wheels are the same type and free of all major defects. Also check
the rim for any bent conditions. Severe gouges and scratches to the wheel are unacceptable. If
it has sustained damage, which may affect the tire, it must be repaired or replaced. Ensure the
valve stem has no cuts of damage. The wheels must be appropriately matched if they are
aftermarket and be appropriate for that model vehicle. The wheel rim is considered a safety
item.
Luggage Compartment Standard:
The trunk release must be operational.
The weather-stripping must be present and in good condition.
There should be no moisture in the spare tire compartment.
The cargo area trim and tool kit must be present and properly secured.
The carpet and mats should be present and in good condition.
The tire cover should not be broken, or have any major cracks, and be in good condition.
The wheel lock key must be present and in good condition.
The jack and lug wrench must be present and properly secured.
The spare tire must be present, in good condition, and inflated to the specifications listed on
the spare tire.
The spare tire tread depth must be acceptable.
Recommended Test Procedure:
Find the trunk release cable or depress the automatic trunk release button to ensure
functionality. A visual inspection must be performed on the trunk to ensure all of the cargo area
trim and tools are properly secured and in good condition. The spare cover will have to be
removed to check tire inflation and security of the mounting of the spare and other equipment.
The tread depth must be checked to ensure the tread is in good condition. Now, the tire
pressure can be checked and inflated to specification if required. The wheel lock key (if
equipped) must be found, inspected for integrity, and must match the lug nuts. It must then be
placed in its appropriate position.