Community Forums

bigskymt · 06-01-2011, 04:19 PM

While the Diamond Shield on our KSDP has protected the front end it shows damage where every rock or even bugs have hit it. No complaints here, it's seven years old.
Has anyone had experience with the 3M protectant?
We will be removing the Diamond Shield and are looking for replacement suggestions.
Thanks to all.

RickO · 06-01-2011, 04:51 PM

I think the mask which came on ours is 3M but the purchase docs only call it a "protective mask"... which was a factory installed $1365 option. It's held up pretty well now after four years although they apparently installed it over some water spots and my dealer had to remove a section of it to replace... which took off some paint which they had to repair and then wait to cure.

Be sure to use the search function to research the removal of these. It ain't easy and can cause paint damage.

Good luck....

Rick

Iron Man · 06-01-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigskymt

While the Diamond Shield on our KSDP has protected the front end it shows damage where every rock or even bugs have hit it. No complaints here, it's seven years old.
Has anyone had experience with the 3M protectant?
We will be removing the Diamond Shield and are looking for replacement suggestions.
Thanks to all.

Diamond Shield has a new product. Newmar is using it on the 2012 Essex/King Aire. I saw it and noticed it is far more transparent and shiner looking than the Diamond Shield I have on my Essex.

bigskymt · 06-01-2011, 05:56 PM

Thanks RickO and Iron Man: Our Diamond Shield did not hold up as well as many of the claims on previous posts I've found in my IRV2 search. Ours did not clean properly when using methods provided by Diamond Shield or preserve as well as claims in my search. I can not rule out care/or lack of by the previous owner so cannot condemn Diamond Shield. It did protect the front end, however, as it was intended..
After 7 years it's soft, easy to damage, dull and marked from flying objects.
This is an insurance job so removal, cost etc. is not a concern. It will be applied over new paint (a long story). I'd like to take advantage of the latest technology and protect our coach with the best product.
I'll look into Iron Man's recommendation and welcome all others.
Thanks again.

InfinityJim · 06-01-2011, 06:03 PM

Armor Coat.

DutchStar38 · 06-03-2011, 11:55 AM

No matter what I did our Diamond Shield (DS) turned black so I spent 3 weeks slowly removing it. I bought a can of xylene and man that stuff really helped. After I removed a section I would throughly wash it with a mild soap/water. Many people praise DS but mine went bad and I don't care what they come up with now I will just keep it the way it is.

bigskymt · 06-03-2011, 12:57 PM

DutchStar: I wonder if your high humidity causes the black. My biggest complaint is the damage inflicted to the product from flying objects. While I'd expect a stone to damage it, actually make a hole in it, I also expect bugs to cause no damage.........like a painted surface. Not the case: this product is soft and large bugs leave a mark that usually can't be removed. At 65F you can push your fingernail into it and start to peel it off.
Again, it might be an age issue or I'm expecting too much.

mikron · 06-03-2011, 01:19 PM

Just installed a leather mask/bar.

DutchStar38 · 06-03-2011, 06:09 PM

Bigskymt, I think you are absolutely correct. The black and whatever was all on the outside. Now the front of our coach looks like new. The paint clearcoat is still on there but that ugly Diamond Shield is history. But one thing I can say is if you put the xylene in a spray bottle and keep the DS wet it comes off almoast in one piece. If I have to have the front repainted later on then so be it.

bigskymt · 06-03-2011, 06:47 PM

DutchStar: the repair shop will be removing it (and doing a lot of fiberglass work too

). They asked if I wanted to stick with Diamond Shield or try something else.
mikron: I'd love having a bra to protect the front end and my wife can make a custom fit and any style we (she) decides on. Not wanting to drill all the holes for snaps or twist locks is my only concern.
thanks

Renden · 06-04-2011, 01:46 PM

I once had a bra on my Porshe 911 and it did a lot of damage (wind)- (dust underneath) etc......a big pain.....no more bras and I won't put one on my Rig - keeping the Diamond Shield, for whats its worth

Dav5942 · 06-06-2011, 06:49 AM

DS is worthless and a LOT more work, IMHO! Just spent 6 hours getting the love bugs off after a short 100 mile drive. Have had painted front ends without any protection that have help up fine-just clean at the end of every driving day.

chief400 · 06-07-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchStar38

Bigskymt, I think you are absolutely correct. The black and whatever was all on the outside. Now the front of our coach looks like new. The paint clearcoat is still on there but that ugly Diamond Shield is history. But one thing I can say is if you put the xylene in a spray bottle and keep the DS wet it comes off almoast in one piece. If I have to have the front repainted later on then so be it.

Where did you get the can of xylene, do you have to mix it, would you care to explain a little more as mine after 7 years looks awful. thanks

mercerc44 · 06-07-2011, 08:48 PM

Talked to a Diamond Shield tech this past winter. His suggestion was to use dilute bleach every few months and then put 303 on every month. With a good coat of 303, the bugs should come off easier. He said it keeps the mildew from forming under the DS.