National Sea View Cargo door repair/replacement

[jbilljr50]

I have a 2000 National Sea View 8310. I bought it new. We have used it a lot. What I consider a major manufacturer defect is National's signature, patented plastic cargo doors, etc. I have had a few mishaps and have had insurance repairs on some of these doors. Since the demise of National RV there have been a few people who have retained the molds for the cargo doors and other molded parts. The results for these repairs have been varied. The last time I had a repair job done at Giant RV in Corona, Ca. it was very disappointing. Since that time I had yet another accident and need a new job done. This time I have chosen not to use my insurance. I discovered the a company named Ortega, Mfg. in Hemet, CA does replicate the cargo door, but in fiberglass. The surface is not pebbled, but smooth. Needless to say it is not cheap. Also after the doors are made they need to be painted. So far I have more than one color due to poor matching of colors on the last repairs.

Beside the current accident which involved two cargo doors, there are other cracks which I would like to have fixed, but have learned that plastic is very difficult to repair, unlike fiberglass.

Does anyone have any good suggestions? I still like my motorhome despite the cosmetic problems and am at the age that getting a new coach does not seem like a viable solution.

Thanks in advance,

Jon H.

[chboone]

Jon,
Sorry to hear of your problems. I would suggest going to an auto body repair that specializes in fiberglass and plastic repair. I would avoid RV facilities such as Giant RV.
BTW, if your not aware of it Giant RV is no longer in Corona, both facilities have closed because of the 91 Fwy widening project.

Chuck

[chboone]

Jon,
You may want to talk to the guy in this post that is the service advisor at Mike Thompsons RV in Colton. He was in the service Department at National RV before they closed.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/poss...ce-222890.html

Chuck