Restoring fiberglass finish

[oldapeman]

This is not M/C related, so if the mods think it belongs elsewhere, please relocate this post.

I have a vintage pop-up camper trailer (1969) with a large one-piece molded fiberglass roof (cream white). The roof is great because it does not leak ever, but the finish is looking very weathered, and seems to have totally lost the "gel coat" gloss that it once had. I have cleaned and waxed it in the past, but the shiny appearance does not last.

Is there anyway to do a restore of this finish without spending megabucks? I am especially interested in a "do it yourself" option, because that is what I do. I just have no prior experience in working with fiberglass. I don't want to just paint it, because that would alter the original appearance too much.

The camper is still very functional, and has a lot of sentimental value to me and my children. I just like to try to keep it looking decent, so that the other campers at the campgrounds do not look at us like trailer trash.

 

[auntiebling]

gel coat can be reapplied. i've never done it, but everything about fiberglass/composites and painting i've seen tells me it's labor intensive but likely not terribly complicated

edit
i just read on another forum full of old farts that know random things that Sailboat paint, intended to be brushed on and will self level, might be a good option for this task.

i'm also wondering if the finish just needs a good stripping down to no-wax and polish it up then re-wax?

 

[Marine_R6]

Ever used a buffer i mean a high speed buffer. sounds like just striping it down and buffing it out would be an option without seeing it though I am just blowing smoke up your @$$.

 

[MrIncredible]

West Marine will happily tell you what you want, gouge you for it, and you can do it yourself. I've done it on fiberglass boats.

 

[ST Guy]

I seriously doubt buffing it or stripping it will work. It's a gel coat and is part of the first layer layed down in the mold when the thing is made. It's integral to the cover and is not something usually applied after the part is made. And I seriously doubt it's ever been waxed unless the owner did it. I'd just strip the various bits of hardware, trim, latches, etc. off it, give it a good sanding, and then either paint it yourself or put some temporary straps around it and the trailer to hold it in place and haul it down somewhere to get painted.

RV's are usually made without a lot of extra effort for longevity and quality. Least of all pop top campers. (I know, I've had some.)

A marine grade paint sounds like a good idea.

 

[oldapeman]

Well, I hear you all. The situation is that this is a 42 year old top, in excellent condition except that it has been in the sun and weather (uncovered) for almost that long. I understand that the original gel coat was the first one laid down when this thing was created in the mold. I would like to restore the original appearance, luster, and ease of care that comes with a shiny fiberglass surface. If I can have the gel coat reapplied, then that is what i would prefer. If that is not possible (or is cost prohibitive), then paint specifically designed for fiberglass surfaces seems like my reasonable alternative.

I had not thought about going to a marine supply shop (duh) for advice and to look over solutions, since I am not a boat guy. I had been thinking car and motorcycle bodywork.

Did you know that the 1967 Austin Healey 3000 had a fiberglass trunk lid surround? I know, because I owned one, when it was just a few years old. Yet another car I should have kept.

Thanks all.

 

[oldapeman]

I just checked out the West Marine website, and found this product:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...oreId=11151&partNumber=3745478&cid=2011Annual

Anybody have any thoughts on whether this is the right stuff?

 

[ST Guy]

At first glance, that certainly seems in the ballpark for a product you might consider.

What I would do is seach the internet for people/companies that specialize in restoring old boats. Then make a few phone calls and see what they'd recommend after explaining what you've got. 'Might be worth the toll charges, if any.

Good luck!