Questions regarding graphics and furniture

[La.Paul]

I have a 2003 Sea Breeze LX 8311, and the graphics are faded, so I have decided to replace them. I talked with the local RV dealer I have been dealing with for last 20 years, (and trust) as to who they had locally that did their paint and graphics. They referred me to a local shop. (quite a big enterprise, has been in business a long time.) I am basically going with the original stripe design, just changing colors (I am a big Saints fan, so am going with black stripes with gold pinstriping surround, and gold stripes with black pinstripe surround- the gold is an "old gold" and fairly muted, so don't think it will hinder resale in the future). My current striping is faded, but not cracked, and adhered well. My original plan was to pay for removal of old stripes, and put on new. However, when I went to get estimate, the body man said I was wasting my money paying for removal, as my stripes could easily be covered as they were in good shape. He was fairly adamant about that. I have read that it is better to remove and re-do, but I am not afraid to save money. Has anyone had experience with re-striping over old stripes?

Also, I am going to replace the magic bed and table, going with a double recliner and new easy bed. Has anyone dealt with a place on internet called discountrvfurniture.com? They have some furniture that I like that will fit. I would rather go with flexsteel, but their double recliner in 40.5 inches deep, and my slide is only 34 inches deep, don't know if I can overhang that much. Also, the easy bed has to have removable arms that will work freestanding, not surrounded by walls. Does anyone know if the flexsteel magic bed removable arms actually fit into the sofa, or do they go between sofa and wall? My current magic bed has wall on both sides, so I can't tell. It is 2 inches too short for me and walls won't let me stretch out, but I could use one like it (want to go with leather type material, rather than fabric, so will replace it anyway) if it was on opposite side of RV with no walls. You may wonder why I am not sleeping in bed, sometimes I like to sleep with dogs and they are not allowed in bedroom! Thanks.

[Steve N Sal]

The stripe issue is a tough one. They may look OK right now but being as old as they are I don't know even with re-painting them how much longer that may last. They do dry out over time and when they begin to crack there is no saving them. In his case it may be a matter of removing them that he doesn't want to get involved in. Did he give you a price of doing the job both ways? That could be the deciding factor. $$$$$$

[Dunner]

When I was looking for a MH, I questioned a dealer about faded graphics and he said they sometimes paint new graphics on.

[Vegasdan]

My advice would be to remove the old graphics and then restripe. The old graphics are going to continue to fail causing anything put on top to "let go". I removed mine with a hair dryer and plastic scraper along with my finger tips. Once off you can remove any residual adheasive (I used rubbing alcohol and it cleaned up) Then have the new graphics put on.

[desobelman]

It always helps when posting questions about your RV to give as much detail as possible. You did tell us what brand, year and model of your RV, but where you live can help with advice.

Those of us living near you may be able to direct you to a specific service, dealer, etc. close to where you live. Always better to get a referral from someone with experience.

I, too, had/have a NRV motorhome. My 1998 Dolphin had problems with fading fiberglass panels and peeling graphics. All the advice I got for that was to remove old decals and paint on new design. Painting of faded fiberglass panels was the only solution there, too.

Good luck!

Happy Trails!

Darryl

[Richard S.]

In the OP's profile he lives in Monroe LA.

[WSRG]

You can get the original graphics from K.E.G. at 714-841-1131. Ask for Al.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[La.Paul]

Thanks for the replies. I do live in Monroe, La. and keep the coach under cover. I will call K.E.G. Monday. I had looked at thier web site in the past, and they only advertised graphics for Rage'n and Weekend Warrier trailers, didn't know they had the packages for other NRV products.

Unfortunately, in 2003 NRV used ABS plastic for the bay doors, front and rear caps on my model RV, so I am not able to paint on those surfaces, will have to use vinyl graphics. My first choice would have been to remove old graphics and paint new ones if not for that. I think I will insist on removing the old graphics as well.

How about the furniture question, anyone dealt with products for discountrvfurniture.com?

Thanks.

[chboone]

I too have one of my Dolphins starting to come off. Have not decided to replace with a decal or have it painted on.
Here are two links for removing decals and the surface preperation before the new decals are applied.

RV Restripe Central - Removal
RV Restripe Central - Surface Preparation

Chuck

[Dunner]

Ok, so you replaced the decals or the ones on any vehicle are still good. What is a good protectant to use on them? I used 303 on my Dodge decals and one of them peeled. I don't know if the 303 caused it or the Sun or it was not prepped properly when the body shop applied it.

BTW, thanks for the links. Bookmarked them.

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Ok, so you replaced the decals or the ones on any vehicle are still good. What is a good protectant to use on them? I used 303 on my Dodge decals and one of them peeled. I don't know if the 303 caused it or the Sun or it was not prepped properly when the body shop applied it. BTW, thanks for the links. Bookmarked them.

I use boat wax on the whole rig over the graphics as well. Then 303, but I really don't like the way the 303 leaves streaks.

[Dunner]

I'll stick with Wash-Wax-All for the outside and Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant for the inside plastic for now as both have a UV protectant.

303 does work. I had a boat cover that I had to have the threads re-sewn almost every year. I sprayed them with 303 and the only threads that rotted were where I missed.

My graphics are good now and I want to keep them that way. Too much work and money to replace.

[wsimmons]

I own a 1997 Sea Breeze 5th, the graphics on the street side terribly faded. Purchased new graphics from NRV and had them installed by a RV repairs place. They installed them directly over the original, what a mistake. The original graphics in addition to being faded were also full of cracks. About two years after the new graphics had been installed the cracks started telegraphing through them. This past summere we started to remove the stripes again only to find the cracks had also gone into the gel coat finish and we had to have the gelcoat repaired. We now are having an issue trying to restore the shiny gloss to the gel coat before installing the new stripes. The faded stripes came off easy with a razor blade scraper, we found that using a hot air gun caused the adhesive to get real gummy and really hard too get off even with solvents. So, my advice, remove the old before installing the new.