Community Forums

go oil · 12-26-2013, 10:26 AM

S it worth it to pay the money for diamond kote on a new dutchstar or should I save my money and just wax it often?

Papa_Jim · 12-26-2013, 10:50 AM

I guess it depends how long you're going to keep the coach. If you'll be the first owner, trading it in in a few years, maybe the shield is a good thing. It will protect the front from stone chips, and it'll look good when you trade it in.

If you're going to keep the coach for many years, then I think it's a trade off. After enough years, the shield will be worn out and will need to be removed. Good luck with that without damaging the front end, probably having to repair and repaint the front, which negates the entire purpose of using the shield in the first place.

Anyway. I think you get my drift. My experience was having to remove a 13 year old shield, which practically destroyed the finish on the front of our coach. So I elected to not install a new shield, and I'll have to repair/repaint damage as necessary.

Jim

Ramets · 12-26-2013, 11:22 AM

We have Diamond Shield on our 2000 Dutch Star pusher. It's been on for 5 yrs. now, put it on after a custom paint job. I watch it closely because I've seen what it has done to other coach's. However I saw it being removed recently by some guys who obviously knew what they were doing, because when they were done you'd never have known it had been their. Myself if I had it to do over again I'd probably go with a bra, not that the Diamond shield hasn't worked. Went to Alaska and nary a ding. It also makes it easy to remove bugs because you can use a pretty stiff brush on it with no damage.

GaryKD · 12-26-2013, 12:18 PM

Hi go oil,
I'm also in the bra camp. Bought my coach new and it had DS on the front. Followed the instructions to keep it clean and it still went bad. I had to remove the DS and then have the front repainted. Put a bra on the front and have been happy ever since.

harleychief · 12-26-2013, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

I guess it depends how long you're going to keep the coach. If you'll be the first owner, trading it in in a few years, maybe the shield is a good thing. It will protect the front from stone chips, and it'll look good when you trade it in.

If you're going to keep the coach for many years, then I think it's a trade off. After enough years, the shield will be worn out and will need to be removed. Good luck with that without damaging the front end, probably having to repair and repaint the front, which negates the entire purpose of using the shield in the first place.

Anyway. I think you get my drift. My experience was having to remove a 13 year old shield, which practically destroyed the finish on the front of our coach. So I elected to not install a new shield, and I'll have to repair/repaint damage as necessary.

Jim

go oil - I think he's got it right. If you do get DS know that it's NOT maintenance free. Like other clear bras it requires you to moisturize it with products made for the purpose. Also daily cleaning to get bugs off will greatly extend the life. Living in the south I know firsthand that lovebugs will etch the DS if you don't take them off regularly. Rocks can "chip" the DS, if that happens you have to cover the "chip" with clear nail polish. Another thing that I've seen (on my coach) is mold growing under the DS. Not sure how/why this happens but if you search you'll see there are others that have the same issue.
If I was going to buy new I'm not sure I would spend the money on DS and look at other things (bras, shields, etc.)

Charlie

Clayobx · 12-26-2013, 03:18 PM

Get the DS! Use Rejex to protect it, never a problem removing residue and especially if traveling south during Love Bug season you'll be glad you have DS and it was treated with Rejex. Just my opinion but well thought out!

Pigman1 · 12-26-2013, 03:41 PM

I had a 2008 Allegro Bus that I had Diamond Shield installed in the factory. It didn't stop stone chips in the paint, it just made them impossible to repair. The junk is too soft to polish and dulled when you try to rub out stains and hard bugs imbedded in it. I peeled mine, and got some front sections repainted where the chipped paint came off with the DS. When we had the 2013 Bus custom built, I ordered it WITHOUT DS. Yep, it came through with the junk installed. Tiffin peeled it and repainted the areas where the paint came too (without cost). I used a bra on the '08 after it was removed, and have a bra for the '13. We do a LOT of travel on dirt and gravel and have no problems with the bras. I can fix paint chips, I just can't fix them under Diamond Shield.

racer0624 · 12-26-2013, 06:14 PM

I've had diamond shield on two coaches including the one we have now. bad stuff. It got dull. I now have their nano shield product which is Newmar's std product and love it. It's stayed nice and shiny. I put on a heavy coat of 303 prior to each trip and don't rub it off until I get to my destination or home, whichever works.

benge1 · 12-27-2013, 12:05 PM

Amen to that answer. Been there done that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

I guess it depends how long you're going to keep
the coach. If you'll be the first owner, trading it in in a few years, maybe the shield is a good thing. It will protect the front from stone chips, and it'll look good when you trade it in.

If you're going to keep the coach for many years, then I think it's a trade off. After enough years, the shield will be worn out and will need to be removed. Good luck with that without damaging the front end, probably having to repair and repaint the front, which negates the entire purpose of using the shield in the first place.

Anyway. I think you get my drift. My experience was having to remove a 13 year old shield, which practically destroyed the finish on the front of our coach. So I elected to not install a new shield, and I'll have to repair/repaint damage as necessary.

Jim