need info on repainting my Argosy

[Tikihut]

I was wondering if anyone could help me. I have 1977 Argosy minute 6 meter. I have some rust starting up on the dome. I would like to clean it up put some primer on it and paint the whole trailer. I just don't know what to do. Do I have to buff it out after I out the primer on? Also how much do you think it would cost to have someone put the final coat of paint on to bring it back to perfect. I would do all the prep work. I just don't have any place I could paint in. I am open to suggestions on this.
Thanks
Chris

[53flyingcloud]

Chris
Where is Schaumburg ??
I'm not sure if it's possible but, you might want to check these websites out.
They're both known for excellent paint results~!
First one is located in FL.
http://www.gmccoop.com

On the West Coast in CA is:
http://www.InLandRV.com

[Tikihut]

Schaumburg is a northwest suburb of Chicago Illinois

[74Argosy24MH]

Primer is a very short term solution. It is porous and will begin to rust quickly. You need to use an etching primer to adhere to the galvanizing, then regular primer over that. You also have to deal with the rivets, it is very time consuming to sand around them, the easiest way is sandblast. It is a big job painting these because of this. Every coat, including primer, has to be wet sanded. If you are considering having the topcoat professionally done, I would let them do the whole thing. The caps are very heavy steel and unless the rust is flaking another few months or a year won't hurt all that much.

John

[53flyingcloud]

Chris,
It sounds like you're half-way to either..lol
The reason I suggested these two locations is:
They're both excellent places to have just this type of work done. Both, as far I know, work to provide the end results that, will make your unit "shine"..
ciao

[COArgosy78]

I am surprised neither "Chas" nor "Overlander64" have responded to your post. Chas had a 22'Argosy like ours that he repainted silver and "Overlander64" has a 20'Argosy that he is putting quite a bit of work into. I don't think the outside has been repainted yet, but he definitely has it in the future and might be able to give reference to people/places. Maybe you could PM them and see how they might respond. JAT Leigh

[overlander64]

Greetings Chris!

Leigh is correct that painting is in the future for my Minuet - - probably 2005 as its interior restoration is going to take most of my available funds this year, and next year it is my dream Airstream Vacation to Alaska.

My plan is to utilize one of three auto body shops that have done work on my collector cars (one in Southwest Wisconsin, and two in Southern Illinois). I have talked to two of my three prospects, and they have been receptive to the idea - - but are a little concerned about the different material types - - aluminum and galvanized steel. I have confidence that either of the three will do a good job if they accept the job; and I don't believe that they will accept the job if they aren't confident that the results will be satisfactory. I know that in my conversations with these shops it looks like painting will be nearly as costly as polishing and Plasticoating - - current estimate is $3,250 to $4,000 for repainting on my 6.0 Metre Minuet (19' 3") - - the cost for polishing and Plasticoating on my '64 Overlander (26' 8") was approximately $175 per foot.

My suggestion would be to consider speaking with the body shop that you would be willing to trust with your personal automobile. Some will immediately rule out painting an RV while others may consider the job. In more metropolitan areas such as where you live, you might consider checking with shops that specialize in painting buses and/or semi trailers as the process would be quite similar in many ways - - including the base materials involved - - to what would be involved in an Argosy repaint.

Kevin

[Chas]

Yes,

I did paint my Minuet myself. It had the typical spotty rust on the end caps which was the main reason for the repaint. It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend and your abilities. I am sure the prices quoted to OV 64 are probably about as high as it can go. Doing everything myself already having the tools, dual action air sander, large air compressor, HVLP spray gun, etc., I probably spent around $500 on materials which I got at an automotive paint supply. I used a 2 part epoxy primer on the end caps and any raw aluminum and did the finish coat in a acrylic urethane made by DuPont. As far as doing it yourself and having a good shop do the final spray you would need to find someone willing to take it on, a friend of a friend, brother-in law or similar. Not many shops would be willing to paint anything that a walkup customer has that was prepped by someone else. If I were to ever take on another paint project I have a guy who works at a local dealership who would do it for me, a friend of my brother, who would come over and spray it in my driveway. Good luck!

Chas

[Tikihut]

Thank you for all the help and ideas. I am sure glad I found this forum
Chris