Scratched/discoloured gel coat repair 2005 expanda

[Path550]

Hi. I have a 2005 Expanda with very weathered, scratched and discoloured fibreglass panels. I've never worked with fibreglass before but I'm going to give it a crack and give her some shine back. Here is some pictures.





So the plan of attack is:
1) Sand the whole van with 1000 grit sandpaper.
2) Then 1500 grit sandpaper
3) Clean with Magic Eraser
4) Polish with Septone extra cut fibreglass polish
5) Wax with Septone fibreglass restorer and wax.

I had done a couple test runs and the deep scratches with have to stay. That's why I'm using the magic eraser and hoping the wax will seal it all up. Here is a picture of a test spot.



Not the best picture but its the best I could get. Just waiting on the 1000 grit sandpaper to arrive and the big job will begin. Really need to get a cover on it asap as well because the Pilbara sun is a killer.

 

[macca]

Speak to a boat detailer maybe. Not sure about sandpaper. There is a car detailing product called clay bar. Many companies sell it. It looks like"clay" and you sort of was your car with special cleaner and it removes lots of nasties. It will be on YouTube. Classic car guys use it. Could be wort a try.

 

[Path550]

Yeah that clay bar looks the goods. I have ordered some and will try my way on one bed end and yours on the other.

 

[dakky68]

Ours is pretty bad, too. Going to give that clay bar a try.

 

[Path550]

Better late then never. This job was finished awhile ago now and I have a couple tips to pass on. I started on the bed ends first because they where the most weathered. I cant recommend using 1000 grit because its to time consuming to repair what scratches that paper makes. So on the front I just used 1500 grit then magic easer, cut and polish and wax. The result was great and well worth the time and effort. For the sides I skipped the sandpaper and let the magic easer do all the work. I didn't use the clay bar because the magic easer seemed to get deeper into the scratches and after the cut and polish the caravan came out like new. Well maybe not new but I'm happy with end result. I've put a cover on it and its now ready and waiting for the next adventure.

 

[Bmhdg76]

@Path550 are you able to post some pics? or did you not take any before you put it to bed?

BJ

 

[Path550]

I checked my old phone and there is a couple there but not worth posting. After the next trip it will be due for another wax so ill post up some before and after pictures.