PAINt

[777 Driver]

Before we even parked at our destination on our first drive after taking possession of our new Anthem, I knew it was going to be a problem. Less than 15 minutes into that drive, we got our first rock chip. And, that’s not even the problem.

We stopped at the entry gate to disconnect the toad and as I re-entered the Anthem, I noticed that the cover for the passenger side camera was missing! That’s when I knew there would need to be PAINt before that was all “fixed”.

The cover arrived today in its “virgin” black. I called Customer Service and Bryan was able to send me the paint “code”. However, that’s only the beginning of the challenge. Trying to find someone locally to mix and apply the paint doesn’t seem to be possible. I can’t find anyone who uses Sickens Auto Base Plus. Although a few body shops indicated that they’d be happy to try, all suggested that it would be expensive (no firm estimate). I do have a small bottle of touch-up paint that was provided during delivery. And I found one of these:



My plan is to paint the new one using the Preval Spray System and then swap the original, professionally painted cover from the road/driver’s side to the much more visible spot by the entry door and then place the amateur piece a little more out of sight, if you know what I mean.

Have any of you tried something like this?

Does this seem like a viable plan?

As an alternative, we’ll be passing near Middlebury after our Spartan Academy (4 – 8 June). Perhaps I could find someone near there who could do a more professional job. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Take care,
Stu

P.S. After a visit from Safelite, the windshield chip is almost invisible. Unless you know where to look, you'll never see it. Hint: it's on DW's side.

[Gary.Jones]

Stu

I had some small paint issues taken care of by S&S paint, a company 15 to 20 miles south of Middlebury. They fixed the paint, and did the clear coat and did it in one overnight. They did a nice job and were sharp people. You might give them a call and see if you could send them the camera cover and the paint color that you need and have them paint it off the coach and then send it back to you for install? They do a lot of Entegra touch up paint jobs for problems determined in the 2 year AIM.

Gary

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

I had some small paint issues taken care of by S&S paint

Thanks, Gary.

The "google" machine is about to go to work.

Take care,
Stu

[Matt D]

Hi Stu, Cassy will likely answer for Mark at S&S. *(574) 862-7924‬

They are in Wakarusa, a short drive from Middlebury.

They just did a fair amount of work for us and I can’t tell new from old, and I’m kinda picky about paint.

What you’re describing is DIY if you’ve had experience with refinishing. A mail order system may not produce the desired result.

-Matt

[brobox]

Stu,
If you can use a spray can you can use one of these with the touch up paint provided thinned out. They work like a champ. I spray at about 30 PSI. It won't take much, about a 5 minute DIY job. https://www.harborfreight.com/touch-...gun-66871.html

BYW: don't be hung up on the brand name of Sikkins to do a small job like that. I would rather use DuPont anyway.

[bamaboy473]

Your coach is brand-spankin' new.

Something fell off that should have been attached.

This is a QC build issue by the manufacturer.

Send cover back to them with your story; have them get it painted by their shop.

[Anthem15]

NAPA was able to match my color cod for a small job I did. I then used 2 part clear coat.

[TurboDaveTX]

Key to Entegra paint repair is 1.) a shop who specializes in coach repair and has a paint booth large enough to paint a 45’ coach in, 2.) uses Sikens products exclusively which has a full line of paint products and 3.) has the experience to do complex graphics on large vehicles. In North Texas, the place to go is Xtreme Paint and Graphics in Nacogdoches, TX. Strange place for a specialty paint shop? No, these guys did all production paint for Fore-travel until the company was sold and they started their own company. Are they good? They are the only Prevost authorized service center west of the Mississippi River, so Prevost thinks they are good! They have done paint work on my CS twice in the past year, and I am here to tell you, they are good! It looked better than the factory paint job. Had latest injury looked at by an experienced paint guy in Florida. He said EC uses Sikens and he uses the cheap stuff and the cheap stuff does not match Sikens color coded. Other problem for him was the super clear coat EC uses is expensive and time consuming. Just run your finger across paint lines on a low end coach then your EC and you will see the difference!

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by Matt D

Hi Stu, Cassy will likely answer for Mark at S&S. *(574) 862-7924‬

Thanks, Matt.

I'll give them a call in the morning.

I'm a believer that the first four letters in the word "paint" are there for a good reason. My experience with paint has been restricted to a brush, roller and rattle can. My preference was always to pick up some overtime and pay a professional to do the job. Good for the economy, I got to do something I enjoyed a lot more than painting and a better outcome.

Take care,
Stu

[Matt D]

Rick did bring up a good point, if the cover fell off I’d ensure Customer Service is in the loop regarding the paint repair. I’d simply tell them when you’re going to be available.

-Matt

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by brobox

Stu,
If you can use a spray can you can use one of these with the touch up paint provided thinned out.

BYW: don't be hung up on the brand name of Sikkins to do a small job like that. I would rather use DuPont anyway.

Hi Chuck,

I do have, IMHO, a wide skill set. Painting isn't firmly in there.

No doubt, the brand isn't a big deal; just want it to match.

Take care,
Stu

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

Send cover back to them with your story; have them get it painted by their shop.

I have to admit that I had expected that the dealer, who was familiar with my situation, would have procured a replacement painted to match. They know the appropriate color.

I'll see how difficult this gets. At some point, I may ask Customer Service to get more involved, beyond just providing the paint info.

Take care,
Stu

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by TurboDaveTX

a shop who specializes in coach repair and has a paint booth large enough to paint a 45’ coach in,

Hi Dave,

As my high school Latin teacher used to say, "There's the rub." All I need to be painted is the cover for one side camera, perhaps 3 square inches, total. BUT, I do want it to match.

Take care,
Stu

[Flanz]

Hi Stu,

Thinking of moving my cameras from the mirrors down to the side. Where did you find the holders? Could you post the part number and where you ordered the camera holder from?

As for paint, S&S did paint for us and Mark is awesome to work with. I think you’ll be very satisfied with their work...