The front vinyl stone guard on our 2003 Olympic Fulcher pop top is looking faded and tired.
I'm worried replacing the existing vinyl might be very involved and that using chequer plate will be too expensive.
I found one post where someone used Tautflex paint which is especially for vinyl and got good results.
Has anyone here tried it?
Photo attached but not very helpful as it's difficult to see the front, the van is away ATM.
Pete
Our front vinyl stone guard looked really second hand and everytime I went near my nephew workshop , they were busy, which was good. Before we departed on one tour I went into the shed and come out with a can of water based heritage red and hand brushed it on, the result from 10 metres beautiful, that lasted until the caravan got trashed with hail.
The front vinyl stone guard on our 2003 Olympic Fulcher pop top is looking faded and tired.
I'm worried replacing the existing vinyl might be very involved and that using chequer plate will be too expensive.
I found one post where someone used Tautflex paint which is especially for vinyl and got good results.
Has anyone here tried it?
Photo attached but not very helpful as it's difficult to see the front, the van is away ATM.
Pete
Our front vinyl stone guard looked really second hand and everytime I went near my nephew workshop , they were busy, which was good. Before we departed on one tour I went into the shed and come out with a can of water based heritage red and hand brushed it on, the result from 10 metres beautiful, that lasted until the caravan got trashed with hail.
I recommend water based paint, nothing fancy.
I found a paint site just a few minutes ago that said use acrylic paint for vinyl, that surprised me!
Vinyl paint is readily available at auto spares shops. It is in a pressure pack, readily available easy to use and leaves a professional finish. It can also be used for inside vinyl on seats and inside panels on cars.Ideal for van vinyl on the front. Looks like new again.A range of colours is available.
About 8 years ago I used the vinyl paint on my Avan Cruiseliner front, not sure of the brand now but Tautflex sounds familiar. It was OK and tarted it up for a while.
I replaced it with Aluminium 5 bar Tread Plate sheet. Not a really a hard job if you are a handy person.
My van a Jayco has a textured stone guard panel on each side front painted grey. I repainted it with a grey water based house paint brushed on. Its been there 4 years now and still looks good.
Dedicated vinyl paint as used by painters of Truck Tautliners is just way too expensive.
Use Berger Jet Dry concrete paint as it remains flexible on the vinyl and wont crack.
It is what caravan dealers use to tart up second hand vans in their yard.
I use the Grey "Cannon Ball" to match the colours on the Jayco.
Works a treat. www.berger.com.au/colour-chart/berger-jet-dry/jet-dry/greys-charcoals
what did you do with the old vinyl did you just trim off around window and side trim to put checker plate on or take all the trim and window off
cheers snap
No I removed all the necessary Hatch, trims, Flashings, etc. and peeled off all the vinyl. It just peeled of easily.
Started with the Aluminium sheet at the bottom by temporarily fastening it on. Then formed/moulded/bent it up to the shape of the front by hand. Marking it and cutting it away at the sides, as required with an 5" angle grinder and cutting disc. The aluminium is only thin.
Then formed the Hatch Opening to suit existing opening in the van boot.
Started replacing the Trims and flashings and used Sikaflex 291 White marine adhesive and screws. You will need to use masking tape to get neat edges to the adhesive beads.
All screws were replaced using equivalent Stainless Steel Screws.
This was a fairly simple job on my van for me.
You will notice the vinyl is still on the front of the van in my avatar taken pre. the Aluminium job.
Hylife, did you prime the vinyl first? And seal it after? If so, I'm interested in knowing which products you used as I'm considering using the Berger Jet Dry also... Cheers
Hylife, did you prime the vinyl first? And seal it after? If so, I'm interested in knowing which products you used as I'm considering using the Berger Jet Dry also... Cheers