Clear coat finish on top

[James Schmidt]

The top of my 93 Excello 1000 is not holding up very well. The Clear coat has come off in severaly places. I have spot sprayed these areas but am not satisfied. The sides are ok. I understand that the new models have this area painted white(on the top). Does anyone have any experience with this as an alternative to recoating the whole thing? It seems it would be less expensive to do the top and would make the rig cooler in the summer.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Jim. Plasticoat tylically lasts 3 to 4 years. Refinishing just the top in near impossible. Aiscraft stripper must be used to remove the old plasticoat. The problem is keeping the paint remover off the sides.
However, I assure you that the sides are just as shot as the roof, but it does not flex as much, therefore it doesn't peel off as fast.
There are four choices available.
1. Leave it alone.
2. Strip it and polish it, but be prepared to wax it EVERY 30 days.
3. Have it replasticoated. Again, it will only last 3 to 4 years.
4. Have someone paint it metallic silver, as we have done many times. You can see a 25 foot trailer refinished with metallic silver on our web site, inlandrv.com If done properly, it will last 20 years or more.

This subject has been kicked around for many years on many sites. The answer is the same. Plasticoat DOES NOT LAST BUT A FEW YEARS. You will hear of reported exception, but they are very, very rare.Andy

[James Schmidt]

Andy, I appreciate your always being there to give us some good advice and benefit of your experience. Since I am so far from your shop, I'd like to check on having it painted locally. Is this a special paint or is this regular automotive paint? How many coats do you recommend? Are there any preparation techniques that you can share with us?
Thanks,

[rcaldwel]

Andy,
I know from past readings that Airstream had challenges with the clear coat. On the new Airstreams 2000+ are you aware of any new or existing challenges regarding the clearcoat? Also, what is your opinion regarding the newer clearcoats and how long they will last? Thanks for your in depth knowledge and willingness to share it.

Thanks,
Bob Caldwell

[Inland RV Center, In]

Jim. It took many years of trial and error to come up with the "metallic silver" paint job.
Briefly, the coach is stripped, then sanded with 150 to 180 grit sandpaper. The shell is then cleaned so that it is chemically clean. The complete shell is then sealed at all the seams etc. Next, 2 coats of flexible epoxy primer is appled. Three coats of metallic silver is then applied. Finally, three coats of polyurethane is applied. The job is completed after all the lights etc, have been reinstalled or replaced.
The metallic silver that we use is all Dupont products. However, we came up with the formula and submitted it to the Dupont chemists for approval, which they did.
The color is not listed in any Dupont guides, nor does it have a Dupont number, as it is proprietary to us.
You can see a picture of a 25 foot on our web site, inlandrv.com
Notice the reflection on the sides of the trailer.
This is not a job that should be attempted by anyone, unless they have considerable "spray painting" experience.
We can send you a chip of it, or e-mail a color sample to you, off list.
Your not really that far from us. If you want a special job done, you have to go to the specialists, and avoid the wanna bees.

Andy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Bob. So far, the "new plasticoat" has been trouble free. There is no data that supports the life expectancy of the latest plasticoat, other than time itself.
The only problem with the new material, is that it cannot be done in the field, therefore it cannot be applied to an older coach.
The Airstream factory cannot apply it. It is applied to the sheetmetal before Airstream receives it.
How, why, no one knows.
Airstream has worked very hard for decades to come up with a "long life plasticoat."
It looks like they have finally succeeded!!!!!!
Airstream has never tried "harder", they have always tried "hardest! Andy

[tslanier]

I must read a thread from you from 02 where you gave the options for maintaining the exterior. How expensive is painting and that the best option in your opinion for the long term?

[bake315]

Originally Posted by tslanier

I must read a thread from you from 02 where you gave the options for maintaining the exterior. How expensive is painting and that the best option in your opinion for the long term?

tslanier,

For an excellent thread on painting, go here: http://www.airforums.com/forum...html#post89169

Great pics, and I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any questions about what he was able to do.