Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 06, 2025 ...

Has anyone painted the Zip Dee slide topper aluminum slats to body color?

February 04, 2024, 12:22:15 am

Looking at my coach, the aluminum slats that surround the slide topper when retracted, and the arms and hardware, are the only non-paint matched items on the coach.  I've got a few parts that already need to be painted (new A/C covers and vent covers), so I was thinking about having the slide topper slats painted to.

I know they have to pivot where the connect together, so maybe that's an issue, but has anyone done this or seen it done in the past?

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Re: Has anyone painted the Zip Dee slide topper aluminum slats to body color?

Reply #1 – February 05, 2024, 02:38:48 am

Maybe if there was a 1/2" strip where they pivot that wasn't painted. I've thought about the same issue.  And I've seen a few coaches where they were painted but have yet to check any up closer.

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Re: Has anyone painted the Zip Dee slide topper aluminum slats to body color?

Reply #2 – February 05, 2024, 11:32:01 am

Open the awning to maximize the flex and apply 1/8" tape to mark gap. Retract  and tape to cover gap to 1/8" tape previously applied. The aluminum has a hard anodized finish. This will need to be opened up to promote good adhesion.
IMO five years down the road you will have wished you had not altered by painting. Currently you have a very durable finish. Powder coating fades too.

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Re: Has anyone painted the Zip Dee slide topper aluminum slats to body color?

Reply #3 – February 05, 2024, 06:02:57 pm

Well shucks, I guess I'll leave it alone.  Thanks for killing my buzz Scott.   LOL

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Re: Has anyone painted the Zip Dee slide topper aluminum slats to body color?

Reply #4 – February 05, 2024, 07:02:19 pm

Nothing would drive you more crazy than faded peeling paint.

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Re: Has anyone painted the Zip Dee slide topper aluminum slats to body color?

Reply #5 – April 30, 2024, 01:42:10 pm

polishing and clear coat would probably last longer

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