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tslanier · 01-06-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

tslanier,

Look at post 15.

Bill

Thanks very much!

Beginner · 01-13-2007, 07:31 AM

My 1990 GMC Van needed to be repainted. In spite of the fact that in my personal opinion is that clear coats are not durable, we preped it, shot the color, then clear coated. Not until I had to re do the pinch weld area around the windshield (windshield broke) and went to purchase the paint my self did i find out about the adheasion enhanser that DuPont sells for the chear coat that none of the body shops purchase here (pricey).
The clear coat hides imperfections (sanding scratches that would have to be worked out with yet a finer grit wet or dry) that would show on a one step system (no clear coat) thus cutting prep time.
My 1984 Camaro Berlinetta (one step) still polishes up just fine. In 1997 I had to redo the van due to clear coat falling off (and other body issues). It was time.
Pigmented paints, with all the enhansers and additives do seem to outlast any clear coat (two step system) by far.
I tent to agree with Andy at Inland.
His post echos my experience with auto paints.
If it has a pigment, it lasts. If its clear, 4 to 6 years at most (8 to 10 if garage kept) at least here on the east coast.
Beginner

alumibum · 01-13-2007, 12:27 PM

We are looking at purchasing a 73 Argosy. It has been sitting idle for about 7 years. A novice do it yourself handyman wanted to do some work on it...but gave up on the daunting task. He took OFF all the paint down to aluminum...doesn't look to bad at all....everything needs TLC....anyone have experience with this line? Do you know of major items we need to look out for?

Inland RV Center, In · 01-13-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alumibum

We are looking at purchasing a 73 Argosy. It has been sitting idle for about 7 years. A novice do it yourself handyman wanted to do some work on it...but gave up on the daunting task. He took OFF all the paint down to aluminum...doesn't look to bad at all....everything needs TLC....anyone have experience with this line? Do you know of major items we need to look out for?

Torsion axle rubber rods deteriorate when not used for years.

The following article will let you check them yourself.

Dura Torque Axle

Andy

overlander64 · 01-13-2007, 03:03 PM

Greetings alumibum!

Welcome to the Forums!

Quote:

Originally Posted by alumibum

We are looking at purchasing a 73 Argosy. It has been sitting idle for about 7 years. A novice do it yourself handyman wanted to do some work on it...but gave up on the daunting task. He took OFF all the paint down to aluminum...doesn't look to bad at all....everything needs TLC....anyone have experience with this line? Do you know of major items we need to look out for?

In reality, the Argosy is basically a painted Airstream. The construction method and materials are virtually identical. The Argosy typically has fewer of the "bells and whistles", but the structural and basic living systems are quite comparable. One obvious difference would be the galvanized endcaps on the exterior -- they can be the source of galvanic reaction and rust problems if not well-maintained. Beyond the galvanized end-caps, the typical problem areas would be little different from a similar era and size Airstream.

Good luck with your inspection!

Kevin

Road Ruler · 01-13-2007, 05:43 PM

There is a paintless Argosy in the area here. If it wasn't for the front rap-around window you would never realize it's true history. Looks like an Airstream.

alumibum · 01-16-2007, 07:24 PM

Thanks for the info! We took the big leap! It's now sitting in our driveway next to our 89 "Stella" the Excella. Do we have the alumivirus or what?!

Somebody stop us!!!

Do they sell airstream parts in bulk? We are looking for a 74 Argosy trailer manual now...need to do some electric and plumbing work. Stella the Excella now has her groove back. Soon to have before and after pics.

Inland RV Center, In · 01-17-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alumibum

Thanks for the info! We took the big leap! It's now sitting in our driveway next to our 89 "Stella" the Excella. Do we have the alumivirus or what?!

Somebody stop us!!!

Do they sell airstream parts in bulk? We are looking for a 74 Argosy trailer manual now...need to do some electric and plumbing work. Stella the Excella now has her groove back. Soon to have before and after pics.

Service manuals for the Argosy trailers were essentially the same as for the Airstream trailers.

Those manuals are available.

Andy

jking · 01-26-2007, 12:44 PM

Hi, all - we're about decided to have the blimp painted instead of yet another round of new clearcoat - those seem to last 3 years max. and a paint job properly prepped and primed should last fifteen. HOWEVER it would be dumb to not check with y'all first. Any comments?
Jamie

ALANSD · 01-26-2007, 12:46 PM

There are many discussions here on this subject, please try the search ....photos and more are posted . Thanks

here is just one of the threads--- http://www.airforums.com/forum...light=painting

BigAl · 01-26-2007, 01:41 PM

Hi Jamie,
I have a '94 Excella that was painted when brand new to cover a problem with a new type of clearcoat that Airstream was trying out. It did not work properly and the aluminum was badly corroded. Their solution was to cover the mess up with a paint job.
I've been told that it consists of prep, primer, several coats of paint and finished off with clear coat. Very much like a clearcoat paint finish on a car. It still looks brand new.
Al

BigAl · 01-26-2007, 01:43 PM

Jamie,
Just noticed where you live.
I will be at the April rally in Georgia. Come on and see mine if you like.
Al

GlenCoombe · 01-27-2007, 04:53 AM

Jamie, please let me know if / when you find someone who is interested in painting your coach. Finding a facility with the ability, much less the desire to take on something like a classic AS is the challenge.

Silvertwinkie · 01-27-2007, 07:06 AM

I have to say, until I saw BigAl's rig, I would have said are you nuts, clear it......but, we all looked at BigAl's rig at the rally, and even from 10 feet you'd swear it's not paint. Even up close, you really have to look. I and others were totally blown away how great it looked painted.

str8strm · 01-27-2007, 07:20 AM

guy99's Motorhome is painted, I think he said it was a Mercedes silver and it looks great

BigAl · 01-27-2007, 12:18 PM

Thanks for the compliment on my trailer Eric.
Al

ALANSD · 01-27-2007, 04:46 PM

Al -- How about some photos? I would be happy to help get them on if it is a problem...

tslanier · 01-27-2007, 05:40 PM

Acutally, at this point only my top needs redoing. What is the cost vs clearcoating?

wingfoot321 · 01-27-2007, 08:18 PM

Jking,

I concur with your 3 year assessment of clearcoat. Mine was recoated in 2002 and it made it four years before light spots became apparent. I think P&S does a fairly good job of application but, it is my opinion that clearcoat is a waste of money.

I saw one painted 34 footer this past summer which I walked past for three days before I even realized it was painted.

I think that you will have to go to the west coast to get it done right.

Just my .02

str8strm · 01-27-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

Al -- How about some photos? I would be happy to help get them on if it is a problem...

Here is a shot of Guy99's moho that was mentioned earlier. It was the third day of the rally, and we were parked next to each other, before I suspected that it was paint. Ron