Getting TST on your ride? Does it actually WORK? Find out...

[rcryniak]

OK, so I purchased the TST on my ride a couple months ago. I wasn't expecting it to be a miracle product, and honestly, I only agreed to it for the warranty it offered. Long story short... it claims to resist bird **** and other such hazards to paint. One day, nearly a month ago now, I went out for the daily bird **** inspection for both our cars, and I got hit pretty bad the evening before. There were numerous droppings. So, naturally I washed my beautiful SHO. While washing, to my absolute amazement, some of the piles of crap on my car completely ate through the paint. The paint on the wheels was eaten through, in one spot in a rather large sized chunk (a good 1/8" x 1/4" area), and the **** was very, very hard to clean off - like it was superglued on. There were also a couple of spots on the roof that I was able to use touch up paint (very tiny.) I don't know what these birds ate, but it ate through my TST'd paint in less than 24 hours.

I had my car at the dealership this past week to look at that, as well as an issue with the A/C evaporator freezing over on long trips, and all they could tell me was I had to file a claim with TST. I'll be doing that here shortly, but I just wanted you all to know that it pretty much doesn't work nearly as well as advertised... so if you're about to buy a new ride, and you're offered TST, give it further thought.

I'll find out soon enough if TST will actually honor their warranty and cover the painting. I'll post back when I find out.

I'm also considering doing any paint repairs myself... I have the skillset for it. I just need to get the right tools, which will be a little pricey, but then I'll be able to do paint work anytime I want, and there's long term value in that. Could anyone tell me if there's a color code for the wheels on a 2012 SHO with 20" rims?

 

[SHOdded]

TST seems to be about as reputable as the various rust protection schemes dealers have offered over the years, per a quick search. Also, someone mentioned you have to come back every 4 months or so for a reapplication?

Anyway, I hope the repaint cost is covered, fingers crossed

 

[rcryniak]

I don't remember if anyone mentioned reapplication... but it doesn't matter much, since it's only been two months? I'm a little peeved though, I expected some protection from bird **** (as advertised) and getting that junk eating through TST'd paint within 24 hours is just about as absurd as it gets.

If it weren't for the money I put into purchasing that, I wouldn't even worry about it, just get the kit I need to repaint and pick a Saturday to do it. So, if they don't honor the warranty, then it will be a fair warning to all: Don't get TST - just do your best to take care of your car.

 

[SHOdded]

Post some pics of the damage?

 

[Dave]

Good Luck finding wheel touch up. I tried the best I could find (can't remember who now) and it did not match.

 

[rcryniak]

Post some pics of the damage?

Here ya go...

You can see on the roof that the touch up paint I used isn't doing a very good job protecting the metal. I see a touch of rust forming

...on the positive side, whoever told us 2012 and under guys about the 2013 SHO fender badge fitting like a glove... you ROCK!!!!

...this incidentally is my very first physical mod... on any car... ever

 

[Calgary]

cant see your pics but yeah ive seen bird **** on my moms car for a few days and nothing happened like that. BTW i have no idea what TST is but im guessing its some extra coating.

 

[Dave]

Off to a great start Robb!

 

[Calgary]

were the temps really high that night? i couldnt imagine this happening over one night. ive heard its mostly the action of the sun and the ****.

 

[SHOdded]

New fender badges look just right.

 

[rcryniak]

were the temps really high that night? i couldnt imagine this happening over one night. ive heard its mostly the action of the sun and the ****.

It's very possible that it was hot and sunny... I don't remember that far back, lol. However, it still seems odd. Unless the bird at something special to give it acid poo... lol. I really have no idea. I was shocked. Especially since I had it TST'd

 

[Calgary]

yea i dunno what i would do. bird **** insurance?

 

[SDSHO13]

If TST doesn't cover it, your comprehensive insurance should, but you will be out your deductible. In fact, an insurance claim may be in your favor, as they may go after TST and then refund you the deductible. Check with you insurance agent if TST doesn't come through.

 

[rcryniak]

that's a really good idea, thanks!