Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

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Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

February 22, 2013, 07:27:46 pm

We have an appointment to do a full body paint, roof and head light conversion. I have not been a big fan of the graphics with the swirls and stripes. I have been thinking about using single color with no graphics and replacing the handles and engine cooling vent fins with chrome and stainless to set it off a little. I can't seem to find any pictures and can't remember seeing any solid color coaches. I would love to here honest opinions on how you may think this may look or if you have seen any coaches except for the stripped (naked) gel coat ones. The color I have been contemplating is a cream color like Dodge and Ford both have. They look great to me especially with chrome accents. I would also consider some kind of chrome belt on the sides and or the front. I like the idea of a light color as we live in So. Florida and it seems like it would be cooler and my experience with cars and trucks light colors are more forgiving when they are dirty.
I would love to here your honest opinions and or ideas. You will not hurt my feelings and it is a big commitment I want to be pleased with our choice.

Thanks, Phil

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #1 – February 22, 2013, 07:37:39 pm

Phil, I tend to agree on less of the graphics and a lighter color. When all the dust has settled, I do not worry what others like or dislike, but if I am happy, all is well. SO I suggest just do what your real happy with and go for it.
While I am spending your money, I highly recommend Xtreme paint shop in Nac for the best in my opinion. Had them do my painting and fibergalss mods, I feel the best mods are the headlight and the rear door for engine, mine is the split where about 60% goes up with gas struts and the lower only needs removed for air filter service, and that requires removing (2) 1/4 X 20 capscrews, simple and easy.
Either way, enjoy
Dave M

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #2 – February 22, 2013, 07:50:54 pm

FWIW,
I had an old GMC motorhome some years ago that I had repainted. I had them paint the lower area in a light metallic silver and the top white. They used to paint some cars with that scheme. I remember some mercedes being painted that way. Part of the reason I liked that scheme is that it kept the motorhome a light color (which reflects heat in Texas and is good). The other reason is frankly I liked the scheme on the mercedes and after it was done, I really did like the job. It is a lot more bland than the swirls and designs but if you did that or similar scheme, you could add some vinyl swirls if you wanted to dress it up. Just a thought.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #3 – February 22, 2013, 08:07:30 pm

My opinion (worth what you just paid for it

) is that some subtle, non-linear graphics are much easier on the eye than a single color. It would look much more finished. And much better for resale, I would think. If we were in the market, my gut reaction to a solid colored coach would be that we'd have to factor the cost of a paint job, at least to add graphics, into any offer. I know that's harsh, but it's my honest opinion.

We have seen one recent custom-ordered FT where they did white on top, gray on bottom, linear design. I did not care for it at all - it reminded me of a mid-1980's Fleetwood product.

For a light-colored, simple, classic exterior I really like some of the white/cream with blue (and sometimes a little tan) designs.

Michelle

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #4 – February 22, 2013, 08:08:04 pm

Attached is a photo of my all white with chrome 2000 U320. Jack C.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #5 – February 22, 2013, 08:21:25 pm

Quote from: philtravel – February 22, 2013, 07:27:46 pm

We have an appointment to do a full body paint, roof and head light conversion. I have not been a big fan of the graphics with the swirls and stripes. The color I have been contemplating is a cream color like Dodge and Ford both have.
I would love to here your honest opinions and or ideas. You will not hurt my feelings and it is a big commitment I want to be pleased with our choice.

Thanks, Phil

Here is something one of our members designed and had done.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #6 – February 22, 2013, 08:24:29 pm

This is one of the things that attracted us to the Foretravels of the 90's. For the life of me I can't see why anyone would want a dark-colored vehicle. When we visited Foretravel in June we could definitely feel a difference in interior temperature between the lighter colored coaches and the darker ones.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #7 – February 22, 2013, 08:28:23 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – February 22, 2013, 08:24:29 pm

This is one of the things that attracted us to the Foretravels of the 90's. For the life of me I can't see why anyone would want a dark-colored vehicle. When we visited Foretravel in June we could definitely feel a difference in interior temperature between the lighter colored coaches and the darker ones.

My coach is consistently 10 degrees higher inside than an older lighter colored coach when measured in Quartzsite with other coaches. I would never get a dark colored coach again.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #8 – February 22, 2013, 09:18:38 pm

On the other side of the coin, cold winter days will be a lot warmer inside with a dark colored coach. It gets really warm around us so we like the lighter colors. Guess it depends where you live and where you travel.

Pierce

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #9 – February 22, 2013, 09:56:28 pm

I would do a translucent like a pearl or a candy over fade to color base coat graphics. Then you get a single color with "shapes" underneath

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #10 – February 23, 2013, 02:21:31 am

Quote from: Barry Beam – February 22, 2013, 08:28:23 pm

My coach is consistently 10 degrees higher inside than an older lighter colored coach when measured in Quartzsite with other coaches. I would never get a dark colored coach again.

We had ours redone with light colors and white roof for exactly that reason. No experience with it in the hot summer sun yet, but we expect it will be much better than darker colors.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #11 – February 23, 2013, 08:07:31 am

My 2¢: I would prefer some graphics over a solid color. Like they sais, it gives it a more finished look. Keep in mind that one day you may want to sell it, so appeal to the masses.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #12 – February 23, 2013, 08:31:25 am

Our appointment Is with EXtreme. Dave Head, I have had Pearl in mind as an alternet to Cream and with subtle graphics that may work.

So how or what is the process to come up with the graphics. Does any one know how to photoshop and look at potential schemes?

Maybe we can have a contest for a deign? Any takers?

Thanks for your replies, Phil

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #13 – February 23, 2013, 08:50:01 am

Philtravel, I believe that James can send you a outline that you can sketch in and then he can refine it. Ask him.
Gary B

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #14 – February 23, 2013, 09:34:10 am

The Xtreme gang can make most any design you can dream up, I have seen graphics that I thought were impossible, best have a chit chat with James, he most likely will amaze you.
Good luck
Dave M

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #15 – February 23, 2013, 01:07:27 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – February 22, 2013, 09:18:38 pm

On the other side of the coin, cold winter days will be a lot warmer inside with a dark colored coach. It gets really warm around us so we like the lighter colors. Guess it depends where you live and where you travel.

Pierce

Downside is that dark color will radiate faster as well. It will be warmer in the light and cooler in the dark than a light colored coach. Can you remember the radiant energy experiments in physics class?

My understanding is that the lighter colors are easier on the paint because of the lower variation in skin temperatures.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #16 – February 23, 2013, 01:11:54 pm

My dream paint job on my 95 GV is metallic SEAFOAM green on roof and upper body tapering from front at bumper line to upper rear at roof line with SHAMROCK green metallic below, perhaps with the break line being a fantastical breaking wave. Any body got a winning lottery ticket ?

Gary B

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #17 – February 23, 2013, 04:38:10 pm

Quote from: J. D. Stevens – February 23, 2013, 01:07:27 pm

My understanding is that the lighter colors are easier on the paint because of the lower variation in skin temperatures.

And those skin temperatures can be shocking - Steve used an IR thermometer on 3 coaches at Camp FT one afternoon back in October. White gelcoat coach was 110 F in the afternoon sun. Our silver/grey was 130 F. The black coach was 165 F.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #18 – February 23, 2013, 04:59:45 pm

James @ Xtreme does not like to use black paint (anywhere) I understand , when my coach was in the fiberglass shop FOT, they were redoing damage on a black coach side, upper into roof area. Am not startled by the IR Temp reading.
Lots to lean
Dave M

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #19 – February 23, 2013, 05:39:58 pm

Phil, traveling back and forth across Tennessee, I have seen, on several occasions a pair of Prevost traveling together, each is a pale grey, solid color or at least they appear that way when passing on the interstate. These are not DOC, conjugal buses on the way to the state prison but private RV's, as I recall, one or both had matching auto haulers. (also had RV type windows). They DO look institutional. I suspect that they are entertainers traveling to and from gigs. They are NOT attractive at all.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #20 – February 23, 2013, 11:54:23 pm

As you can tell, Anne and I have never cared about resale-only what pleases us the most. Our coach is is mostly darker colors, but with a white roof. We rarely travel in the summer, and if we have to travel to hotter climes, we have three A/C's.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #21 – March 01, 2013, 07:43:59 am

Gosh, all I can remember of the heat and radient experiments in HS physics is the fire department and getting the rest of the day out of school.

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #22 – March 01, 2013, 08:08:16 am

@lgshoup Good one. I needed that this morning. Karma!

see ya
ken

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #23 – March 01, 2013, 08:47:33 am

I think it is cool, that you can spot a Foretravel coach ahead of you on the highway as soon as the rear becomes visible. The graphic on white is just great, not over the top, just right.

just sayin

Re: Paint & Graphics choices & opinions

Reply #24 – March 01, 2013, 08:52:09 pm

I had mine painted at FT a couple of years ago and wanted a simple scheme. I wanted a white coach with a hint of color so I choose a dark blue swish, a light blue swish and a silver metallic swish. It stays a lot cooler in the Texas heat, stays clean and easy to stay that way. I have at least 5 coats of clear coat so it is smooth and I do not have to wax it.....only use a touch of Slick Mist as a quick wipe down. I get lots of comments on the finish! Pics attached....

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