Fiberglass repair

[jillie]

The adjuster is coming out Wednesday morning to inspect the hail damage to our MH. At least two quarter-size circular cracks in the fiberglass; haven't checked the paint closely yet. Is the fiberglass repair and paint something that needs to be done at a dealers? We're not too far from a dealer but wanted to know our options.

[JMonroe]

This type of hail damage is very unusual and indicative of very large hail. As new as your coach is I doubt the fiberglass is damaged, probably just the gel coat. The most challenging part of the job will be in matching the restored finish to the original so what you want is a talented paint man.

Good luck.

[jillie]

The fiberglass is actually cracked; there are indentations where the hail hit. I didn't see the hail but heard it on the roof while I was hiding in the basement. Nearby the hail was golf ball size. It was a nasty storm.

I'm thinking that the dealer could do the fiberglass but would have to outsource the paint job.

[jojolima]

Precision Paint does some painting for Newmar repairs. I would contact them and discuss your problem. They are near the Newmar Factory and do GREAT WORK.
http://www.precisionpaintingrv.com/

[Perry White]

I'd take mine back to Newmar factory. I ripped a door off and you can't tell it was touched. Bid was cheaper than local and they us the same paint that was used when it was originally painted. Is it on top of the motorhome or on the side? If it's the top where you can't see it,you might just put sealer on it.

[Route 66]

I agree on factory repairs. Especially on a new(er) rig.

[radams]

Absolutely agree on factory repairs. Without question they will know better what else to look over, the proper materials and methods needed, and the necessary experience.

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 I agree on factory repairs. Especially on a new(er) rig.

Guess it depends on local dealer and his sources. When I had slide damage repaired, local dealer did the repair and sent it to local paint source who matched paint perfectly.

[jillie]

One crack is on the top of the back bumper, the other crack is on the top of the end cap. Each is about the size of a quarter.

We've found a shop near us (80 miles) that has a good reputation for fiberglass repair. Since we're in south-central PA, a trip to the factory is a bit too much of a drive for us for two small holes.

I appreciate your feedback and if we're ever in need of major body work (heaven forbid), we'll definitely take the time to visit the factory.

BTW, this new coach does not have gel coat but does have a protectant applied. Our old coach had the gel coat and I wish this one did too. May have to look into that.

[TXredfish]

Back in January, I had the same thing happen to my MH. We had a bad hail storm and fiberglass damage to side and front of MH. I took it to the MH dealer and they did a great job of matching the paint. They had a paint supply company match the paint for them. My MH insurance covered the job. It was 2 large breaks in the gel coat about the size of a baseball. The charge to the insurance company was $475. I also had both AC covers and a fan vent damaged which was also replaced by the insurance. Total damage was about $1100.