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presh223's avatar
presh223
Explorer
Oct 08, 2018

Truck camper Clear Coat, can this be restored?

Hi All,

As I prepare to start using my new to me camper I'm curious about the exterior clear coat? It's a 2002 Arctic Fox 990. It looks like it has dulled in areas and is really dirty. I've buffed cars before with various abrasive compounds to effectively restore luster. Is this possible for the camper? I would probably just start with a foam pad and some mechanical wax, and then maybe cut deeper with a fine-grit compound if that didn't work. Can't see myself getting into the wool pad, seems like they maybe coated these thin, not like vehicles which seem to be more forgiving. The decals on this are all faded and withered as well so I'll remove those and try and create a level of uniformity with its finish.

Insight is appreciated.
Truck Campers

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  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2018
    Again Im pretty sure it is a texturized plastic material not fiberglas. I know for a fact my 2002 AF TT was on a wood frame.
    You can test it. Simply thumping it with your finger should tell you. As a final answer call Northwood with the units serial number and ask them.
  • presh223's avatar
    presh223
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    northshore wrote:
    I am doing the same thing with my new to me 2002 Lance 1130, Its pretty dull and faded. I got one side just about done, but its really something I do not like doing any more.
    When I was younger I could hang on to a polisher for a lot longer time than I can these days.
    It is coming along slow but sure, eventually I will get the whole thing polished up.


    Which compound/pad setup worked best for your lance?
  • presh223's avatar
    presh223
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    donn0128 wrote:
    Does Northwood use fiberglas or the textured plastic? I thought it was thr plastic stuff. If so you will nwver get a high shine.


    I've read on an earlier post fiberglass, but I don't know. Someone will chime in hopefully.
  • presh223's avatar
    presh223
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    northshore wrote:
    I am doing the same thing with my new to me 2002 Lance 1130, Its pretty dull and faded. I got one side just about done, but its really something I do not like doing any more.
    When I was younger I could hang on to a polisher for a lot longer time than I can these days.
    It is coming along slow but sure, eventually I will get the whole thing polished up.


    I know what you mean, once I performed a 4-stage cut and buff on my girlfriends car for her birthday, and it took 12 hours. Loved every bit of it, lol. I come from combat sports, so my shoulders and back definitely feel it the next day. It's funny how that polisher only weighs 5-7lbs, but man that's a lot of surface area to cover.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2018
    Does Northwood use fiberglas or the textured plastic? I thought it was thr plastic stuff. If so you will nwver get a high shine.
  • northshore's avatar
    northshore
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    I am doing the same thing with my new to me 2002 Lance 1130, Its pretty dull and faded. I got one side just about done, but its really something I do not like doing any more.
    When I was younger I could hang on to a polisher for a lot longer time than I can these days.
    It is coming along slow but sure, eventually I will get the whole thing polished up.

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