The coach was re-striped in 2013 with the 3M system. I've noticed a series of brown blotches on the silver when the light is right, (can't see it in this pic). The rest of the coach looks fine. Talked with the installer just now and he told me because of the slope on the nose, it is much more susceptible to UV penetration, causing the spots. He told me wax/303 does no good if the coach sits in bright sun, which ours does. The nice thing, is he still has the computer program for the stripes and will charge me $250.00 for a re-stripe on the nose, not bad. Once I get over a complete fluid/ filter/hose/air dryer service (gasp), I'll consider it. Important things first!
Our coach sits facing south and the front end is in the sunshine whenever the sun is shining--and no brown spots or any other kind.
Maybe the paint he is using?
What about adding some brown graphics to make the spots appear as part of your existing graphics? >:D :))
Could be the color added to the decals is the problem, but then, why is it just on the nose? A two-part assembly, as I'm told. I'm interested in what goes into making them; we'll be in Phoenix for my cataract operation, so I plan on stopping by the shop and finding out. I'm also interested in how to get a copy of his computer files that have all the stripe types for the GV, so others may make use of them if the "retro" style is to their liking. I like stock, just like the factory did! He did say he could make them and I could install them, PASS. ^.^d
Here's some pics I just sent the installer; very strange. Maybe I get a free re-do? Naw, not after five years, but we'll see! ^.^d
Almost looks like mould coming through.
Can't decide if it's the Playboy bunny logo or KOA symbol......
Being a WA State native, it does seem like a mould, but in Arizona, with no humidity? I'm thinking wash water got in from a poor seal, but it does not explain why only the silver. ???
I'm not going to buy a "nose bra", so I'm stuck with the message just received: "The spots are what I expected; when laminate reaches it's maximum exposure of UV radiation the material will often begin spotting, eventually turning entirely brown. I believe over time the spotting will spread throughout the nose decals. I must note that due to the angle of the nose of the Foretravel, you will always see a more rapid decal failure than elsewhere on the coach. Our current 3M products are aging better than any previous product but 3M will make no warranty available when the installation angle deviates more than 5% from a perpendicular surface."
Hmm.......... ::)
Do you know if this was a problem with the original decals?
Mike, it sounds like a Schmitty way to get out of being liable for a crappy product and/or application.
Do they really think every application has to be at precisely an angle they specify in order to not fail?
This is one of those cases like I encountered when I asked about the 10 year warranty on driveway sealer. I was told the warranty was good until I got thru the checkout. Then it was MY fault if something went bad or it didn't last: I put it on wrong. It was too hot, or too cold, or too wet, or too dirty.
Nope, they all fade in time, but never heard (till now) of the 3M problem. Going to check if there is another company that makes stripe material. It's also odd that both Megular's and 303 hype UV protection, which obviously, has done no good. All I can say is: five years does NOT cut it!
I have had the large middle striping removed from our 91 GV and am wondering which is best ---- To put decals back on or to have the striping painted on. I had some painting done on the rear of the coach and it is doing very well, so I am leaning toward painting. I'm not sure of a cost comparison, but the painting is probably more expensive. (More home work required) Have a great day ---- Fritz
I like the sharpness of the decals over paint. My sides are doing fine after it was striped five years ago, and she lives in the deep desert with full sun most of the time! It's only the "nose that I don't knows." :)
My rapier sharp mind just figured out how to avoid the spotting on my nose: "Always drive north and south and pick Parks that face the same way, avoiding those nasty UV rays!" Wadaya think? ^.^d
I personally know how bad the desert sun and UV rays are. When I moved from Oregon to Arizona twenty years ago I had brown hair and white skin, today I have white hair and brown skin, go figure.
Life expectancy with regards to colors or plastics on things here in Arizona is 6 to 7years, can't tell you how many things I had to replace because of deterioration in twenty years.
Steve
X2, we full time down here, move to north AZ in late May. It's not just the sun, it's THE HEAT that will do it to a coach! I'll take some pics today of a GV that's been sitting for 10 years. Even the tires on the shady side are shot; so shot that I told the owner I would not even drive it 10 miles to have the tires changed!
Ah, Mike. Just reread your reply #13 re your brown nose.
Back when I was working we used to say that one should not stand too close to the boss and then: "NO Brown Nose!" >:D
Ha! I did think of that term, also. ^.^d Here's a couple of pics of that old dear GV down the street, beyond tears!
That is sad!
Only thing I would want off that exterior is the side mirrors. Wish ours were located in the same position. Everytime the DW leans forward I lose the right side view, as she blocks the mirror.
After twenty years of me clearing my throat (loudly!), my DW has gotten the message! b^.^d
At times, in heavy traffic, I have contemplated getting one of those heavy pronged training dog collars and rigging a pulley system over to me so I can "correct" her bad behavior. >:D
Crazy thing is that I want maximum visibility because I am so concerned for HER safety. ^.^d
I do remind her that I intend to die first, but don't tempt me.