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Topic: Truck washes affecting coach finish (Read 524 times) previous topic - next topic

Truck washes affecting coach finish

Quote from: Neal Pillsbury –
Speaking of truck washes, I've seen so much coach damage from the East Coast "Blue Beacon" (among others) truck powerwash products, services and personnel, that I avoid them like the plague.  I've often wondered how they stay in business, considering how well some truckers and outfits maintain their rigs.
At RiverBend, we had a brand new King Aire, from Toronto, with totaled paint last winter.  And, the owner had specified (to the Brunswick, GA. Blue Beacon) no harsh cleaners or treatment.  He did pay extra for the citrus acid "shine" product that they applied to his Alcoa wheels, that seemed to have etched his Dura-Brite wheels.  The wheels gradually turned hazy and stayed that way.  One trip.  One $Mega-mistake! 

Interesting about blue beacon.  Their cleaning stuff does not seem to affect my bare gelcoat at all. 

Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Truck washes affecting coach finish

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
........................Interesting about blue beacon.  Their cleaning stuff does not seem to affect my bare gelcoat at all................. 
Bob,
The King Aire paint damage was from a Powerwasher spray pattern that was too focused or intense, not chemicals.  They may have been using an adjustable pattern spray nozzle and had it dialed down too tight, or they just ran the wand too tight to the surface.  Definite sweep patterns and marks eroded into the clear coat, though.
The wheels looked like some kind of chemical etching.  They gradually became more cloudy throughout last winter's season.
Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten
 

Re: Truck washes affecting coach finish

Reply #2 –
I had a similar problem with Blue Beacon about two years ago.  Too strong a spray caused the decals to split/bubble is certain areas.  I had warned the office staff when I checked in. Not real apparent until you look close. I did not get much satisfaction.  Won't go back.  They did a nice job on my wheels/tires and it lasted. I'll just do it myself when I can. 
Bob Thomas
Sacramento, CA
Present:  1997 U320 '40
Previous: 1997 U295 '36
Bluegrass fan, and festival emcee