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BOOKWORM · 10-15-2009, 10:14 PM

Bought it used last Spring.

There was some kind of peeling/flaking on the surface of the Decals.
Now after the first rainstorm of the year, the sidewalls and tail cap are suffering from the same thing.

It's as if the whole coach had been wrapped in cellophane and now the cellophane is breaking up. If I catch an edge, I can push with my finger and patches/strips will peal off.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is it?? Clear Coat, New Coach Option, Aftermarket treatment??
2. What do I do now. Especially, how do I remove all the stuff that is left without damaging what is under it.
3. Then what do I do??

RV Wizard · 10-16-2009, 03:01 AM

It sounds like it is the clear coat and was probably not cared for properly (cleaning and polishing with a UV protectant). You might give Vivilon Restores Faded Paint, Metal or Fiberglass a contact to see if this is a viable option as I think it would be.

Old Bounder · 10-16-2009, 07:50 PM

A '97 Bounder had no clear coat originally. It had no body paint, other than the basement doors. Mine certainly doesn't. I strongly suspect that a previous owner has attempted to spray something on it (clear coat) to get it to shine and it is now failing. I'm not sure how you correct it at this point.

justimagination · 10-16-2009, 10:15 PM

loulong is absolutely correct, your motorhome came from the factory with no clearcoat applied. This is a cheap fix notorious in the market of auto's as well to make a sale. Normally no sanding is ever done for adhesion, it is wiped down with a pre-cleaner and then sprayed. My knowledge comes form 30+ years in the AutoBody Buisness, and I've seen all the tricks.

My Southwind as well did not come with any clearcoat, fortunately mine is in great shape, even the factory stripping.
My suggestion, spend a week-end with a small pressure washer and have @ it. Once started it will fly off with pressure. Then get some good Polish/Cleaner and spend another week-end waxing, Wax ON-Wax Off. Good Luck,
David G.