Big Sky Paint Chips

[mainer]

How do you avoid getting the paint from being chipped while towing? Besides putting mud flaps on the truck, is there anything that you have done to your Big Sky?

Thanks.

[racerjoe]

did you see that new chip guard that I believe 3M makes? It is a clear spray that when dry it turns into a clear vinyl panel. You tape off the area you want and spray it on. You can peel it off at any time they say. They show using it on car hoods,etc:

[richfaa]

Racer Joe I have got to look into that.. Do you have a web site for it. We have the rock tamer system on the truck it is very expensive and it helps a lot but we still get some chips. The paint is fragile.

[Captain Joe]

I have chips and touched them up with the touch up paint provided by the dealer. I was thinking that if it got too bad, I was going to look having the area applied with LineX. It comes in various colors and I am sure I could find a color that would match.

[richfaa]

This must be it. Will ask around at the rally to see if it will work on Gel Coat.

3M™ Paint Defender Spray Film, 90000


Stock Number: 60455071310
UPC: 00051115900006

Details


#9726;Invisible, seamless car paint protection applied as a spray-on liquid and dries to a continuous clear film
#9726;Completely removable and safe for clear coat
#9726;Protects any painted surface such as hoods, bumpers, fenders, mirrors, rocker panels, and more
#9726;Guards your car’s paint against rocks, bugs, sand, scratches, dings, road debris and more to keep your vehicle looking newer, longer
#9726;Includes one can of 3M™Paint Defender Spray Film 17.5 ounces, one 1-ounce packet of Wax and complete, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for application in approximately 30 minutes


Also http://www.amazon.com/3M-90000-Paint...026965-1291946

[mainer]

Racerjoe, thanks for the info, never heard of it but will definitely look into it.

Richfaa, thanks for posting the link, please let us know what you find out at the rally. I'm sure their are quite a few people who have Big Skys and have the same problem as us.

Captain Joe, do you have any idea how expensive that would be?

[racerjoe]

Rich,that is it. usually 3M makes a good product. On the lineX product,it is a great product for bed liners,should also work well from chips. I would say every applicator will probably price it by the square foot,so every area of the country will be different since it is not standard install. I have seen the 3M used at the SEMA show and I would say if it works on clear coat finishes it should work well on gel coat.But as they say, do a small area for a test first

http://3mauto.com/how-to-center/inde...aint-defender/

try this address for how it works. It looks like it runs about 30-50 dollars for the kit

[Artemus Gordon]

I saw the 3M product at Auto Zone last week. It's in stores!

[racerjoe]

I sent an e-mail to 3M asking for some info,if it will work on a gel coat finish. So hopefully we could get an answer right from the source

[racerjoe]

here is the response from 3M for using their spray
Anthony,


Thank you for contacting 3M.


This product can be used on smooth surfaces, such as painted panels and other painted or coated smooth pieces, such as chrome and trim. Follow the recommended applications procedure, making sure to wax the surface before spraying the coating. The product is not recommended on glass, textured trim, rubber trim, headlights, seals, or moldings.


Regards,


Amy C.
3M Customer Contact Center
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division
www.3m.com/automotive
1-877-666-2277
.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This document is intended to provide basic information for use in evaluating 3M product(s). The statements, technical information, and recommendations contained in this document are general or summary in nature, and believed to be current at the time the document was created. 3M, however,
does not represent that this information will be maintained as current or updated, and this information should be used accordingly. This document is not intended to replace the user’s careful evaluation of the 3M product(s) for its particular use and intended application.
WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, 3M MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OF A THIRD PARTY’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. 3M shall not be liable for any loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential (including, but not limited to, loss of profits, revenue, business, opportunity, or goodwill) resulting from or in any way related to the information contained in this document.

[bncinwv]

So, do we have a guinea pig yet? This is a very interesting topic and I am very interested in the product's results. I am assuming that the primary area of focus would be beneath the front cap? With the arrival of the new Big Sky anticipated in 4-5 weeks, this is worthy of strong considerations.
Bingo

[mainer]

Racerjoe - Thanks for sending the email to 3M and posting their response. Sounds like it would work.

Bingo - Not yet ready to be the guinea pig. I think I will wait until Rich inquires about this when he is at the rally and see what Keystone has to say too.

I would think that this topic would be of interest to anyone who has or will buy a Big Sky. Love the way the paint job looks, glad that there isn't a decal issue (hopefully) but the paint chips are not good....

Marge

[richfaa]

Good thought racerjoe in contacting 3M.I was going to do that today. let is know. I will also ask the shop that does the paint job and the folks who make the gel coat. I would not trust anyone at Keystone to know.. My main concern is will it work with Gel coat .All the PR is direct on auto finishes.

Saw that reply from 3M....It still does not say specifically Ok on gel coat.

[bncinwv]

Until more information is gathered on the 3m product, I think my first purchase will be a set of the rock guard type mud flaps that mount on the hitch receiver at the rear of the truck. I remember seeing a set (I think on John Kohl's truck) and they look like they will perform well. Something along these lines:

Rock Guards

Bingo

[gkidsdlite]

Hey folks, just a thought could the material they use on nascar windshields work for this? If so when it got scratches or became unsightly you could tear-off and it would look like new. Whaddya think?

[mainer]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

Good thought racerjoe in contacting 3M.I was going to do that today. let is know. I will also ask the shop that does the paint job and the folks who make the gel coat. I would not trust anyone at Keystone to know.. My main concern is will it work with Gel coat .All the PR is direct on auto finishes.

Saw that reply from 3M....It still does not say specifically Ok on gel coat.

Sorry Rich, when you said rally I think of Keystone.

Marge

[richfaa]

Bingo. We have the Rock Tamer system. Very sturdy, Expensive and do about 95% of the job. The Mid Atlantic Rally was the first trip with them and we still got some chips. Not as many as without them.

[Carl n Susan]

The front panel under the overhang is a textured surface on my Big Sky. The 3M product likes smooth surfaces. It doesn't sound like a fit to me.

I have tried the self-sticking clear vinyl material that comes in a roll. The textured surface was a problem once again. The clear stuff lasted about 50 miles before it came loose.

The Rock Tamers are the best solution I have found so far.

[The Oldguard]

Bingo, they had to send our unit to a local paint shop and have the whole front under side painted due to the rock chips from being transported from Keystone to Washington State Good luck with yours

[bncinwv]

Seems like Keystone would require their transporter's to use the Rock Guards or similar for transporting the Big Sky's. That may be a strong suggestion for Keystone at the Goshen rally!! Rich, can you put that on your discussion list?? Wonder how many arrive from the factory with the paint already chipped?
Bingo