Community Forums

bkphotog · 03-22-2011, 02:18 PM

Hi Guys,

Well here is another fine problem that I am looking for suggestions for corrections of this problem. I think the Clear Coat is peeling off on just the roof edges. The paint underneath seems to be fine. Is this a problem for a new painting of the clear coat? Should I just take it to a auto painting shop or should I take it up to Coburg to have Monaco re-do the clear coat

Check out the pics

The General · 03-22-2011, 03:57 PM

Bill,

It's a bit soon for this to happen so I would call Monaco to see what they suggest or can do for you. If travel too far due to cost of fuel or $ too high from them then I would take to auto paint shop for a great estimate.

Steve

JFC · 03-22-2011, 04:50 PM

I had a clear coat problem with the rear cap on my 2002 Ambassador. Monaco was no help as it was well out of warranty. Yours is so new they might be of help. I had my entire rear cap stripped, repainted and clear coated at a truck repair/paint garage. At the time (2005) the cost was $1200.

SPA48 · 03-22-2011, 05:14 PM

I have the same problem in the same area as You Bill!!!!! I'll bet Monaco WON"T help You!!!!! Mine is on the top sides as Yours and I Received an estimate of $3000 but then again that guy was NUTS!!!!! If anybody sends you a way to take the old clearcloat off please let me know---I'm willing to try and do my own spraying!!!!!!!

Good Luck

Tha_Rooster · 03-22-2011, 05:30 PM

This topic was on a forem awhile back I also have clear coat peeling on top of my front cap, I purchased clear coat in a can by dupli-color I will try it this weekend. Their was another brand someone suggested but I found this one at local auto parts for about $5.00.

bkphotog · 03-22-2011, 05:56 PM

Thanks Guys

My real concern on this problem is that this cancer might continue down the sides of the MH. The color scheme on this MH is the "GREAT LAKES rendition. So far it is only happening on the roof panel although I might have just a touch of it on the rear cap right where it bends downward over the back. I will have to get up there again to confirm.

I also feel like this is happening too soon for a 2007 unit.

I live in central / south California near Santa Barbara and we have had a different winter this year. Alot of frost most mornings on the top of the MH. This cancer seems to be intensified this year.

Going to Coburg (MONACO) would involve a 2-3 day trip and a whole bunch of gas. I may still call them but I might end up somewhere else closer. I am looking for suggestions of RV paint shops closer to our home if someone might have some experience with an establishment.

Thanks
Bill

rex · 03-22-2011, 06:03 PM

Well guys, yep, it is clear coat peeling and there is nothing I found that would make it look right except repainting. Yes you can get a can of clear spray and spray the peeling area, but the edges where it peeled will still show.

I went to several auto body shops and got estimates. All said the same thing, first they didn't want the job, second it would all have to be sanded off, third the base coat also would have to be repainted in addition to the clear coat as it also had to be sanded in order for new clear coat to adhere to it.

So what to do. My coach was peeling on the front and rear cap, and along the sides in several places. Estimates for just the front and rear cap was $2,100. One shop said wait a year for the rest to peel off and save some sanding labor and repaint the whole coach - cost $3,300.

A friend referred me to Mannheim auto auction company. They have several locations around the US. Took it to their location in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and had it all repainted - cost $1,650 and they did a great job.

My coach did not have full body paint, only the basement area along the sides and a good bit more on front and rear. If you have a Mannheim near you, give them a shot. The shop I went to needed the work. Did the job in a week.

Dutch Star Don · 03-22-2011, 07:30 PM

My front and rear cap are doing the same thing. The rear jsut started to bubble on the top of the cap out of view. As a temporary fix, I wet sanded the area and used a small touch up sprayer and resprayed the top of the rear cap (about 12" x 36"). I used a one step paint from an auto paint supply after they matched the colors on my refer door.

A few months ago the front cap started to go and really was peeling like a sunburn. It was on the top of the cap, but could be seen from some vantage points (makes me crazy). I masked off at the curve just abpove the marker lights and wet sanded the area down to the primer in a few spots. I used my gravity sprayer (Harbor Freight) and laid down several coats. It actually came out better than I expected. Because the joint between the two paint jobs is right at roll in the roof, it's difficult to see. It will get me through until I find someone to repaint and feather in the repair.

nutensteve · 03-22-2011, 08:08 PM

I have noticed the same problem on my coach also. I only have it on the sides where it curves into the roof, no problems on the front or rear cap...yet. I noticed my neighbors 08 Dutch Star is suffering the same problem. Nice to see it isn't Monaco specific this time.

LeeB · 03-22-2011, 11:48 PM

My clear coat was peeling on the front. I masked off the area and sanded, then I painted it with black bed liner. My coach is DARK green. Unless your standing right on top of it and looking for it you can not tell the difference.

danes-on-tour · 03-23-2011, 06:31 AM

Bill

You are not alone. This unfortunately would appear to be the norm rather than an exception. Se my thread about this from November last year.

I ended up making the repair my self and although it doesn't look like it's a factory made repair I can live with it since it's way up high. The surface is now not completely uniform in colour but its bearable.

I took a putty knife and carefully scraped all (or nearly all) flakes off. I then sanded the surface with a very fine sand paper before applying 3 layers of clear coat. Be careful when sanding because the paint is very thin - and I mean VERY thin. In some place the factory paint was kind of nobly and when sanding these "nobly's" off a white layer would appear like freckles.

rex · 03-23-2011, 07:41 AM

If you decide to remove the flaking area, West Marine sells plastic razor blades made for scraping without scratching. Yes they really work. If you use a metal putty knife, file the corners round with a file to prevent scratching the paint if you slip.

bkphotog · 03-23-2011, 08:00 AM

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

Right now I am still researching this problem. I have some feelers out to a couple of Rv Repair / Paint shops for free estimates. I will see what their estimates come in at ($) before I decide what to do concerning this problem. Right now the weather in Southern California is still pretty nasty, so I am not going to do anything just yet.

As for doing it myself this is still a possibility. I was not aware that "clear coat" came in spray cans. I will have to get out to a auto supply store to see what is available. Thanks all for suggestions on that aspect of handling the problem.

Bill

LeeB · 03-23-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex

If you decide to remove the flaking area, West Marine sells plastic razor blades made for scraping without scratching. Yes they really work. If you use a metal putty knife, file the corners round with a file to prevent scratching the paint if you slip.

Rex I wish I knew this BEFORE I stared scrapping off my Graphics. (about the plastic razor blades) I am right in the middle of scrapping mine and have made a couple of gouges that I am not sure what to do with. Bondo Maybe?????