We've been looking at a 2004 U270 in the lighter golden garden paint. There is what I'd characterize as 25-30% affected, both on the lighter body color but particularly on the darker stripes. We understand there's nothing that can reverse this process and that it is likely to continue.
We know WHY this is happening so we don't intend this post to rehash the WHY. We're interested more in how those with this paint issue have seen it progress and how you feel it is or is not affected the value of your coach. We've been told it will remain cosmetic and not necessarily affect water intrusion or delamination of the fiberglass itself. Do you'all agree?
We're interested in more info and look forward to your input before making our final decision on this otherwise desireable coach.
Randy and Karen
I agree it probably will not affect the coach in any physical way, and it would not bother me to buy a coach like that for the right price, but not everyone thinks like me, and when you go to resell it, the prospective buyer may not think the same way I do. Or you can offer a lower price and let the savings help pay for a new paint job. [the lighter colors the better]
As I understand the crazing is actually in the fiberglass. Some years ago we looked a Vogue primavista beautiful coach but had crazing all over it. Talked to several coach repair places, they all said the only way to fixit was replace the fiberglass. That was some years ago with new primers and paint things may have changed. I guess if you can get the right deal and not let it bother you ok. I would also think resale would suffer. As always do what makes you feel good 😊
Part of the natural beauty of the vehicle.
The glass has a 140 degree plus temp issue. Visual only.
Unless it were to be a real steal, I think I would pass as it is possible that it may get worse, it would always be in the back of your mind and it WOULD hurt resale value. Too many nice late coaches out there.
Early coaches can be acceptable with flaws but the newer rigs with correspondingly higher prices are appealing to a different buyer.
Pierce
The only FT I've ever seen that had delamination was this old dear, and she was still crusing! ^.^d
This thread isn't talking about delamination, Mike. It is about "crazing" of the paint and/or underlying fiberglass. As I understand it, sorta like millions of tiny little cracks in the surface - probably not noticeable from 20 feet away, but do show up on close inspection.
Crazing can be caused by several things. The coach may have had sun damage or a tree/building/hail/etc and been repainted. The paint may have been too "hot" and caused the crazing. Always good to use a catalyzed primer/sealer before the color/clear coat goes on. With sanding and grinder marks, most regular primers shrink over time and all the scratches and blemishes show up at a later date.
Good article on paint problems at: Help With Troubleshooting Paint Problems - Hot Rod Network (http://www.hotrod.com/articles/0901sr-help-with-troubleshooting-paint-problems/)
Pierce
Gee, excuse me, the OP made mention of delam, I thought.
Only in the sense that he was asking if it would lead to delamination:
We've been told it will remain cosmetic and not necessarily affect water intrusion or delamination of the fiberglass itself. Do you'all agree?
Not a delam thread.
Roland
The rv industry had a problem with this. Past a certain temp the skin crazes a bit.
Don't paint them dark and it's not an issue
I own a body shop and I also have a 99 Airstream Cutter that has paint on it. I believe it to be the gelcoat on the siding they use then paint over. The fiberglass siding is gelcoat with paint and clear coat over it...the heat has lot's to do with it...and that's why the darker colors are the problem. I have quite a bit of white on the Airstream and no crazing...the darker colors yes. You can solve without and glasswork...just sand out the crazing and use a good catalyzed primer and repaint and clear. Just use lightest colors you can...