Community Forums

vraines · 06-30-2013, 07:11 AM

We have a Dutch Star that had Diamond shield installed at the factory. That stuff got to looking pretty ratty in just a few years. I keep the motor home stored inside when not in use, and take good care of the paint and trim, but that feature was getting to be a real eyesore. The front end was damaged in a towing operation in April, so I had the Diamond Shield removed and the front end painted and repaired as necessary last week. Before and after photos are attached. I of course, did not want any more of that ratty shield installed, so will just wear the paint with no protection other than clear coat. The body shop did put an additive in the clear coat that softened the clear coat a little, so it may not chip too bad. The work was done by Ben,s Auto Body in Mexico Missouri. They are a top notch shop that has done work for me on collector cars and another motor home. Their price was quite fair considering the time to remove that plastic junk and the minor fiberglass repair. Check out my reflections in the photos.

srh · 06-30-2013, 07:26 AM

NICE job! You are right about Diamond Shield problems especially if it breaks and you get moisture underneath, then it looks really unsightly. If no breaks or blisters which happens rarely, then it could look nice for a long time. I have an 05 Essex and for the most part considering the age of the coach it looks respectable. Enjoy!

adonh · 06-30-2013, 07:44 AM

Looks great. My 2005 Airstream has the 3-M Paint Protector. Its the same type of product as the Diamond Shield. I am about to have this stuff removed also, what steps did they take to remove the Diamond shield. Thanks

GaryKD · 06-30-2013, 11:58 AM

Hi vraines,
I did the same as you. However, I added a bra to the front of the coach. For me it works. Depending on how you RV, you may want to consider a bra.

HighwayRanger · 06-30-2013, 02:30 PM

So what's the consensus regarding omitting the Diamond Shield on a new coach build?

Roy

adonh · 06-30-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighwayRanger

So what's the consensus regarding omitting the Diamond Shield on a new coach build?

Roy

The concept is great but unless these products have improved over time sooner or later it will fail and start to look really bad. Then most people live with since it is so hard to remove and put a bra over it. I would rather have just the painted surface and deal with that.

GaryKD · 06-30-2013, 03:12 PM

My vote would be not to have the DS in the first place.

Mr_D · 06-30-2013, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

My vote would be not to have the DS in the first place.

When I first read your answer I thought you meant the Dutch Star, then I realized you meant the Diamond Shield. (I agree BTW!!)
Friends had a 2004 DSDP with the DS on it, withing a short time it got stained from the bugs, owner tried to scrub it off with the predictable results! Not sure if he ever fixed it as they sold it shortly after due to being out of work.

Brigadoon · 06-30-2013, 05:16 PM

I also vote for no Diamond Shield. I'm in the very slow process of removal which was started today. Hope to be done in a week.

Falcon190 · 06-30-2013, 05:33 PM

I salute anyone who's tried scraping that DS off. Here's a picture of the before (on the right side) and after. I've done more since but it's really slow going. I've had to buy Goof Off by the gallon! So far it's looking great and there's no scratch marks so no need to repaint. IMHO, I'd never have that put on again.

Sammie · 06-30-2013, 05:39 PM

vraines, Just wondering! Whats a fair price for getting the front end of a coach repainted as I might just need to get it done on my 2006 Winnebago Journey. I also have the Diamond Shield which is starting to look bad.

Sammie

adonh · 06-30-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon190

I salute anyone who's tried scraping that DS off. Here's a picture of the before (on the right side) and after. I've done more since but it's really slow going. I've had to buy Goof Off by the gallon! So far it's looking great and there's no scratch marks so no need to repaint. IMHO, I'd never have that put on again.

How are you removing it. I am about to start this same project and plan on using heat from a hair dryer or a steam heat appliance and start peeling at the edges with plastic type scrapers. Then clean the residue with 3-M adhesive remover or goof off as you did. I have been looking for some cheap labor to do this job and as it turns out I got the job. Any special techniques or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

CampDaven · 06-30-2013, 06:05 PM

I opted out of Diamond Shield.
Dont want a black mask to de-bug.
21K miles. 1 chip.
A few chips does not hurt resale value.
Cloudy DS may.
Scuffing from a black mask may.
I accept bugs and chips.
Just sayin.....

HicksRA · 06-30-2013, 06:23 PM

I've got it on the front of my 05 Dutch Star. It's not really bad yet, but is starting to get some brownish spots underneath and is probably just a matter of time. I've been just keeping a good coat of 303 on it and keeping my fingers crossed.
I'd be in a dilemma if ordering a new coach. On one hand, it's kept the front nice for 8 years, but on the other hand, I know it will eventually go bad.
I've read of some people using an electric iron with a damp cloth to soften the film for removal. That's probably what I'll try when the time comes.