All they did was spray over the rust. Which only traps moisture in...and get this, causes more rust.

Yup, they made it worse in many ways. It'* disgusting that GM just sits back and doesn't care. Pretty sad.

I'd definitely have a focus on what product was used for the spray. Use it as another crow-bar for your legal action:

1. What is the exact product (as in manufacturer, product line, and specific model)?
2. Is that product specifically designed for the situation where it was used?
3. What are the preparation instructions for usage of the product (such as removing all rust first etc.)?
4. What is the guarantee with the product (as in warranted for X years in X conditions) ?

This leaves you in a good position to claim against someone with documented facts and contractual commitments, and may put you in the position of pointing one entity at the other:

You: Hey paint manufacturer. why didn't it last?
PaintCo: Because improper preparation was done.
You: Hey dealer, why didn't you prep properly?
Dealer: We subbed that out to specialists.
You: They told you they knew how to perform the work properly?
Dealer: Yes.
You: Hey specialists, why didn't you prep properly?
Specialists: We did.

Etc. you get the idea. Some piece of your puzzle is going to commit someone to improper activity of some sort, then go from there. It'* not your only strategy, but can enhance your overall legal strategy.

Thank you for your input, I will be adding these questions to my case. Very much appreciated!

. . . and if they try to play dumb or stonewall:

"uhhh we don't know exactly what stuff we use"

"that'* not information that is available"

"we don't release that information"

. . . ask:

"Is it a secret?"

"Is it legal?"

"Has this information been presented to OSHA? Is there an MSDS sheet readily available in your shop for this product?"

. . . and regarding the overspray, don't forget "So you, as specialists, follow industry best practice and mask areas that are not intended to be treated, correct?" There is only one right answer to this.

If they answer with "yes we do" then pull out your pictures and ask "Well it seems mistakes were made. When will you repair these mistakes?"

If they answer with "no we don't" (yes unlikely but never know) then ask why not. Their answer is probably something like "It'* too difficult" or "That takes too much time and time is money". Then you can turn back to the dealer and press them on the issue of telling you they'd properly fix the issue by doing this procedure, however "properly" was sacrificed in favor of saving money.

The dealer, by subbing this task to [specialists] are essentially acknowledging that they are not specialists in this area and has used their experience and knowledge to find someone who is. Then, if the dealer has done their due diligence they will have something in writing from the [specialists] as to how their work will be performed in terms of workmanship and materials so they know they are sending your asset to the right folks. If the dealer did not take these standard steps to ensure quality and reputation then they are negligent when they tell you this is the correct repair. If they did then the [specialists] are negligent. Either way the argument becomes theirs and nobody can easily wiggle out of it if these basic questions are answered.

(and don't forget to click the [Thanks] button if you think a reply from someone has helped)

Excellent, those are much appreciated thoughts & questions. I will keep adding them to my complaint and case. Very much appreciate the input and suggestions here. Thank u again!

No prob, this is an interesting one. Please let us know how it goes!

(and don't forget to click [thanks] over there)

Will do 👍👍

I got to be honest. It'* comments like this that make me think you are a hard customer to work for.

First, I would like to say, there was actually a lawsuit I saw not to long ago at the beach where I live. There was a very nice car wash and the chemicals in the solution they were using to wash the undercarriage of the vehicles with was causing the undercoating to deteriorate. Could be something you may need to check into as well.

Second, The minute you mention the word sue people instantly stop listening and want to get you out the door as fast as possible. You catch more people with honey than with vinegar. Telling someone they are incompetent or they cannot properly run their dealership is not going to get you any help. I can promise you that.

Also was this done under warranty or did you have to pay to have the work done?

Have you talked directly to GM? I am surprised you have not been in touch with an area manager or someone along those lines. If you have been in touch with them, could I get the case number from you?

I personally feel like you are going about this the wrong way. However, that’* just my input. You have a legitimate problem that needs to be repaired. If it were me I would have someone show me in the policy and procedures manual what the PROPER repair for this type of work is. Trust me there is a procedure for this. Then I would contact the repair facility and have them explain to me how they repaired my vehicle. If it were not done properly I would return to the dealer and explain to them why it was not done properly. (Don’t just speculate, know the facts.) If the problem was not resolved at the local dealership I would contact the area rep. If he could not satisfy my I would contact my regional rep. Someone will take care of this for you.

GM wants you as a customer. But seeking legal help this early without exhausting all other possibilities is a problem for you. Because if you lose your case you have no chance at getting any help. A lawyer would be my last option. But again, This is just my opinion.