Nomad95336
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1961 Nomad 16'
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Post by Nomad95336 on Dec 19, 2013 3:36:42 GMT -8
Good news was that I painted my trailer recently.
Bad news is that the added gloss REALLY highlights the ba-jillions of small dents from flying rocks, gravel, etc over the years striking the lower front panel.
I plan on pulling the panel off next Oct-ish to put some better insulation under the skin, so I was thinking of replacement.
Obviously, it will only be a matter of time before the new skin is cratered as well.
I was thinking about using a thicker gauge aluminum, or maybe even $tainle$$ $teel if I could afford it to cut down on the damage.
I've seen the diamond plate installs. No offense, but it just ain't my style.
Was maybe thinking about a padded auto-style mask/bra that could be pressed on to snaps mounted on the trailer skin.
Any suggestions?
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txoil
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1960 Shasta Deluxe 19
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Post by txoil on Dec 19, 2013 3:50:19 GMT -8
The snap on cover sounds like a good idea. When are we going to see pics of your trailer's new paint???
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Post by bigbill on Dec 19, 2013 5:40:20 GMT -8
I don't like bras they sometimes do more damage to the finish than they help. How about some type of a rear flap for your tow vehicle that would clip on and off as needed.
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 19, 2013 7:58:26 GMT -8
On the 57 Shasta I used a dimpled piece of aluminum. It's stronger because of the dimples but not thicker. And it's not painted so no chipping... Available from Steve Loomis at Hemet Valley RV. I just used another pittsburg lock half way down from the windows when I had the metal made. Looks great and the gravel that hits it doesn't seem to show up. The tow vehicle still has mud flaps but flaps don't catch everything.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Dec 19, 2013 10:54:09 GMT -8
Yea, I also use the Hemet Valley dimpled rock guard material on the front.
But, I run it up "a little higher". I use 32" for the height, which puts it just below the front window, it comes on the roll 48" wide anyway, so you going to pay for it. It comes with a nice high polish finish, and is "clear coated" to prevent oxidation.
The material is thin enough, that you would not need to remove the front skin, and could just "skin over it" as long as it's halfway straight. Just pull the edge rain rails, cut and fit it.
A very good improvement for a trailer with a dented up front skin. |
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Dec 19, 2013 12:52:40 GMT -8
There's also a protective coating, sort of like a car bra, but it's permanent, and you can't see it. I think it's applied directly to the paint. When we first took Hamlet out, his paint hadn't had enough time to cure, so he also has a lot of road rash. When we get around to having his front lower panel repainted, we will have the covering put on.
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Post by bigbill on Dec 19, 2013 15:50:18 GMT -8
'The tow vehicle still has mud flaps but flaps don't catch everything.
If the flaps are going to protect the trailer they should touch in the middle or be continuous all the way across plus almost drag on the road. A small flap just behind the wheels is almost worthless.
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Nomad95336
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1961 Nomad 16'
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Post by Nomad95336 on Dec 19, 2013 16:39:24 GMT -8
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Dec 19, 2013 17:06:23 GMT -8
'The tow vehicle still has mud flaps but flaps don't catch everything. If the flaps are going to protect the trailer they should touch in the middle or be continuous all the way across plus almost drag on the road. A small flap just behind the wheels is almost worthless. The "protective coating" is a 3M clear vinyl product that sticks to the paint and does a very good job as a paint and bug protector. I don't see it as doing anything to protect against rocks kicked up by the tow vehicle. It's very common on sports cars with wide wheels behind the tires on the fenders.
You need a full width mud flap as Bill pointed out, or a rock guard on the trailer.
(Sorry, wrong quote was attached, John)
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Nomad95336
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Posts: 45
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1961 Nomad 16'
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Post by Nomad95336 on Dec 19, 2013 17:10:42 GMT -8
When are we going to see pics of your trailer's new paint??? I'll see if I can't get a photo-sharing account set up soon. I know it's a lot easier to show/explain/ask with a picture...and a lot faster than my 2 finger typing technique lol. Long story short, I got the wrong paint w/ minimal time to shoot. It turns out the "off white" pint was more like "off-tan" and the turquiose paint I had hoped to use on the Stripe lower would have clashed. I just painted the whole thing, (ok and a lil bit of the tires, too lol) off white. It looks ok. Plain, but ok Gotter done the night before the wedding. yikes. The wedding guests were joking not to smoke around it because it was still off-gassing, Hey, at least I didn't have a "Wet Paint" sign in the window Anyway, using my seemingly consistent philosophy of "never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it all over again", it looks like I'll be repainting again next Fall. I need to do some structural stuff and insulation anyway. Will post pix soon |
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