Paint peeling to bare metal on underside of hood

[bootes]

I have paint that has peeled to bare metal on the underside of the hood on my '71 280SL. It is about the size of a softball. It is in close proximity to the exhaust manifold. Also, I had water pump problems last year and I haven't cleaned the underside of the hood yet. There is splatter stained near the peeling spot. Could the leaking water pump (have since replaced this) have caused this (moisture heating)? Any comments would be appreciated.  Thanks! Rick

[ja17]

Hello Rick,

Most likely the problem is poor paint adhesion.  Any fluids and the temperature swings in the engine compartment just agrivate the problem. The only thing that really destroys good paint under there is brake fluid.

Poor paint adhesion could be caused by improper preparation or incorrect primer prior to painting. Contamination of the metal surface with oil, silicones, etc. can also cause the paint to not hold well. I would clean things up well ,apply a good coat of wax to the paint that is left and hope it does not happen on the sunny side of the hood! Eventually you may have to strip and respray the underside hood to restore the finish.

[bootes]

thanks for your response Joe!