Yuck

I'll be darned...the 2004 LeSabre has a non-magnetic (presumably aluminum) hood.

Hopefully the combo of garaging and no-road-salt geography will forestall this calamitous crap.

Based on the fact that most start at the front, I have to wonder if the bubbling is started by something hitting the crappy paint/primer combo?

I'm thinking that maybe there is a tiny spot in the hem where paint didn't fill in, then that allows air to get inside and oxidize or whatever it is that aluminum does. And then because the primer isn't done right, it allows it to lift and oxidize underneath like rust.

So far I've noted in all the hood bubble threads that all who've "reported in" drive 2000-2003 cars...is it possible GM fixed the screw-up after 2003?

(or is it just that it is more likely with age)

Any GXP'* with this issue?

I've seen fiberglass replacement hoods for around $300. Has anyone used this or know someone who has? I know some third party fiberglass body panels can crack if they're not supported well. If you buy a new aluminum hood what'* to prevent a new one from starting?

I'd say they just haven't happened yet. Mine was just barely started. The spot was only about an inch by an inch. I also looked at a 2003 Aurora with the same issue, and it was just a small spot. The couple others I've seen were a couple years older and looked much worse. I saw one Aurora last summer (don't know what year) where almost the entire front edge of the hood was bubbled, with several 2-3 inch diameter spots that were flaked off.

at first we (bonneville club) had the impression that after 2001 that the problem was resolved. However, not long after that some people with 2002s started having the problems, and now 03s are starting to pop up with some herpes flare-ups. I believe that it is just a matter of time before they all start to blister

I am actually looking for a ram air bonneville hood for my 2000 SSEi. The hood is aluminum & is corroded through - therefore not fixable. Any links or suggestions?!? I am having a difficult time locating a reasonably priced one. Thanks.