White residue

[garryg]

i have a 1999 safari with the painted top, it appears that there is a white residue from that leaking down the sides of the trailer at the front and back. has anyone else run into this problem and is there a solution?

[Wingeezer]

Hi Garry,

I have noticed the same thing on our 2005 classic - bought used last Fall.

All I have done so far is to try removing in with Walbernize, a combined cleaner/sealant recommended for Arstreams.

It helps, but doesn't remove all traces. I am nervous to try anything more aggressive in case I cut thru the clearcoat.

I believe you are right in that it is coming from the white paint, that was what I concluded also.


Brian

[garryg]

i have no trouble removing it but i would like to stop it from happening.

[kstampa]

yeah i have no trouble removing it either but it is annoying. probably nothing will work short of repainting the top.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by garryg

i have no trouble removing it but i would like to stop it from happening.

Just a guess, but the white paint may be oxidizing. A good polish and wax of the roof would help if that's the case.
Good luck,
Ken

[lacosta31]

Hi Garry - I noticed the same thing on the 02 we just picked up and yes it appears to be the white paint on the roof oxidizing. I took a step ladder and washed down the white roof (the wash water came out like milk) and took off most the chalky surface. Eventually I will wax it but this helped. I used Meguiar's Scratch Out polish (safe for clear coats) to get the stains off the sides.
Take care.

[tpi]

I see a little bit of that on mine-it wipes right off.

I'm certain it is the top paint with an oxidized layer. I scrub mine during wash jobs which washes away most of this oxidation. If you're enthusiastic, I have found the white top paint can be polished into a nice shine. That should cut out the white streaks.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by garryg

i have no trouble removing it but i would like to stop it from happening.

most solutions WILL BE temporary.

imagine an older car (prior to clearcoating) with paint that is gradually oxidizing away.

THAT is what we have to deal with here.

so wash it occasionally, remove the residue and wax/seal the top panel.

then REPEAT this process 1-2 time per year,

LESS if stored under cover.

TO PREVENT the oxidation of the alcoa TOP paint, one would need to COVER it with something...

CLEARCOAT for example, more paint or one of the better ROOF coatings...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f478...ite-26756.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f474...eam-20970.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f456...eam-30305.html

and while U R UP there inspect and tend to the sealants used for the many HOLES...

cheers
2air'