Country Coach Owners Forum

Country Coach Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums => Country Coach Archive => Topic started by: Rvmike_01 on February 19, 2003, 09:48:31 am

Title: First Trip Punchlist- Coach Armor, XL-45 (long)
Post by: Rvmike_01 on February 19, 2003, 09:48:31 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4224 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4224)
Glad you made it down to FL and presumably are having a good time there.
Were you expecting perfection from your new coach????????? Hope the bugs are worked out and that you enjoy it. Mike 2000 Allure #30493 On Wed, 19 Feb 2003 12:12:09 -0000 "wmhar48116 bill@...>" bill@...> writes:
Title: Re: First Trip Punchlist- Coach Armor, XL-45 (long)
Post by: Bill Gabler on February 19, 2003, 02:36:29 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4231 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4231)
Bill

The CCI manual says you must have the heating system switch on and the mode on furance to keep the bays from freezing. Doesn't matter what the temperature in the coach is the heat will come on when the bays need it. The bay thermostate does not know when to call for heat unless the switch is on.
When you are driving I'm not sure the heat will go to the bays when the furnace is not firing. We have never been that cold during the day.
That bracket on the wipers for the coach armor need to be tighted regularly.
Ours will loosen up about 2 or 3 times a year. We always make that bracket part of our cleaning the armor routine. I still think the armor is worth the headaces it creates. Our armor got hit by a boat on the back of a merging car at an interstate merge and broke 2 brackets. Super glue fixed the brackets and it has lasted 2 years. The merging car and boat never touched the front of the coach.

Bill G. 2001 Magna #5998
Title: Re: First Trip Punchlist- Coach Armor, XL-45 (long)
Post by: Tom Harsch on February 22, 2003, 11:21:17 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4261 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4261)
Bill mentions pocket doors that won't stay locked. Our pocket doors sometimes unlock after only a few minutes of driving; we need to check and relock them regularly while traveling.

Any one else have trouble with doors that work themselves unlocked while traveling?

Is there some sort of adjustment for the locking mechanism? Or some other fix for this minor problem?

Tom Harsch

02 Allure #30791

Quote from: wmhar48116 "
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Title: Re: First Trip Punchlist- Coach Armor, XL-45 (long)
Post by: Tom on February 22, 2003, 01:06:26 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4262 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4262)
Hi Tom

We had CC make a coupla adjustments in our one door that was a problem, and they did a good job. Problem solved. I believe they readjusted the tract.

Tom Sims
Title: Re: First Trip Punchlist- Coach Armor, XL-45 (long)
Post by: Wmhar48116 on February 23, 2003, 05:39:28 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4267 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4267)
Hi, Tom

The pocket doors hang from rollers that run in a track mounted to the ceiling. There is a nut that allows some up and down adjustment, or you could shim up the block on the floor that the pin goes into.

One of our doors was adjusted this way. Should stay put now.
The other, however, turned into a much bigger problem.
The door pin came out of it's hole, allowing the door to slide out of it's pocket. As the door slammed back into it's pocket, the pin hanging down banged against the side of the block on the floor that the pin goes into, causing the pin bracket to bend sideways and the door to split at the bottom corner.
What do they say about for the lack of a nail the shoe was lost...and so on.?
Bill Harris

03 Allure 1st Ave
30912



Bill mentions pocket doors that won't stay locked.... >
Quote
Is there some sort of adjustment for the locking mechanism? Or

some
Title: Re: Pocket doors
Post by: Herb Strandberg on February 23, 2003, 11:42:43 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4270 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4270)
I found that a little silicone spray on the latch pin of the three doors eliminated the problem. With the silicone spray as lubricant, the pin no longer ratcheted up from vibration and unlocked.

Herb

Allure 2002 #30690

Quote from: Tom & Maxine Harsch\[br\
"] > Bill mentions pocket doors that won't stay locked. Our pocket

doors

Quote
sometimes unlock after only a few minutes of driving; we need to

check

Quote
and relock them regularly while traveling.

Any one else have trouble with doors that work themselves unlocked > while traveling?

Is there some sort of adjustment for the locking mechanism? Or

some

Quote
other fix for this minor problem? >

Tom Harsch

02 Allure #30791

> -
Title: Coach armor
Post by: David & Karen on February 19, 2003, 10:20:44 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4225 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4225)
Just curious,

We purchased our coach used and it came with coach armor already installed.
After living with it for eighteen months, I am quite sure I would never purchase this option on a new coach. To me, it is just too much trouble keeping it clean and it spoils the front lines of the coach.

This is just my opinion and may not be validated by other owners.
Could we have an impromptu poll from members of this forum? The results might help a future CC owner decide yes or no on the armor.

David & Karen

2000 Intrigue 11062
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Rheavn on February 19, 2003, 10:44:08 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4226 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4226)
David & Karen,

I too purchased a used coach that had the armor. My last few coaches have had no protection and were a lot of work to keep clean.
I may be one of the few that likes them. I don't clean mine when I travel unless I wash the coach and the front always appears clean. I don't use a squeegee to clean the windshield as I see that would make a mess. I'm still waiting on the 3M as I have a friend that put some on his and it yellowed (he didn't know if it was 3M or a "like" product.)
jmho
Steve

Intrigue #10673
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Henk J Bots on February 19, 2003, 01:35:12 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4228 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4228)
I don't like this armor one bit. It takes 2 extra surfaces to clean and those 2 extra ones are hard to reach.
The purpose (I presume) is to protect the front from rock damage, so it keeps looking good. But with the usually dirty inside armor looks aren't really kept all that good.

It is kinda like people buying beautiful carpeting, and they keep the plastic layer on top of it that manufacturer installs to keep it clean for the buyer. Why buy expensive carpeting if you keep that plastic on top of it?

$1500 wasted in my opinion.

Henk Bots, 2000 Magna.
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Tom And Sherry Royer on February 19, 2003, 01:36:53 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4229 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4229)
We did a lot of research (talking to owners with coach armor) and never found anyone that would get it again. They expressed the same concerns you did, David.

When we purchased our new Allure, Damon suggested the 3M and we have never been sorry. We have been through some nasty dust storms and I have not found any cuts or nicks on the 3M. It has not yellowed and looks as good as the day we picked it up at the factory.

Sorry for the long post to your survey, but I just had to do it!

3M for us.

Tom Royer

2003 Allure 30858
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: JOSEPH CAMPBELL on February 19, 2003, 01:50:22 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4230 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4230)
I particularly like the Coach Armor. I do not mind at all needing to lower the plastic to clean behind it. I actually viewed it as a feature on Country Coach and I still like it.
The 3M coating may be a nice alternative. Tom and Sherry, the fact that your coach is a 2003 I would certainly hope that the 3M coating has not yet yellowed. Most new finishes do look new, at least for awhile.
We all have our own preferences and I'll take the Coach Armor.

"Tom and Sherry Royer " wrote:
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Walt Rothermel_01 on February 19, 2003, 03:02:33 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4232 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4232)
I concur. It's a big fat pain in the rear when washing the coach, plus for the cost of the armor you could repaint the front of the coach a couple of times.

Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Bill Gabler on February 19, 2003, 03:10:51 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4234 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4234)
David and Karen

We love/hate our coach armor but I wouldn't be without it. I love it when it does the job in front and I hate to clean it. You learn quickly that you do not clean the windshield unless you do it with a cloth and windex, unless you are in a Flying J at the truck islands. They have a hose on each island and then you can put water under the armor to get off the windshield dirt that runs down the front. I liked the armor on the Intrigue better then the Magna but now that I have a tool to get between the gen and the armor, I don't take it off as often. I vote for the armor over 3m.

Bill G. 2001 Magna #5998
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: TJ_1 on February 19, 2003, 03:25:13 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4235 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4235)
We have the 3-M. Couldn't be happier.

Tom Sims

2002 Intrigue
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Wmhar48116 on February 19, 2003, 04:16:02 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4239 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4239)
David,

Since my coach armor is now in the trash, and has been replaced with 3M film, guess what my vote is.

I have not gotten the final bill yet, but the quote was for apx $300- $400 to remove, fill and repaint the front end holes, and about $1,300 for the 3M film. If it is good enough for all the Bluebirds at Holland Motors, I figure I will give it a go also.
Bill Harris
03 Allure
30912
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: David G Grazier on February 19, 2003, 08:17:59 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4242 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4242)
I have the coach armor on my Allure. I like it for what it does.
Cleaning is more difficult with it, but there are pros and cons for everything. All things considered, I would certainly consider it if I were buying a new coach.

Dave G.
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: David & Karen on February 19, 2003, 11:22:57 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4243 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4243)
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Goo681fe on February 20, 2003, 10:58:43 am
Yahoo Message Number: 4245 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4245)
The solid sheet of Armor on our 2000 Magna is a pain to clean. The surfaces in front of the Generator are all but impossible to get to, and you can't clean windshields without putting towels to catch the run-off. The fold-down type that I've seen on the Intrigues may be a good option, but I definitely would opt for the 3M product on a future coach like the Magna. My brother has it on a 5 year old Foretravel and it still looks good. (The coach is garaged).
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Martha And Gene Merryman on February 20, 2003, 12:07:27 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4247 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4247)
David,

I always thought the coach armor was ugly so I have had the 3M product on my first (non CC) coach for one year and my 2000 Allure for 3 years. I have driven 70,000 miles including two trips to Alaska and would still not buy that ugly armor. My 3M product has not yellowed at all. Rocks can damage it, but I would hate to have been on the thousands of miles of gravel roads I traveled in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and the Yukon without it.

Gene

2000 Allure 30496
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Steve Bloom on February 20, 2003, 03:25:08 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4249 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4249)
Question for those of you who have had 3M for several years. Dings and cuts will occur, has anyone tried to replace a portion of the film? The cuts I have seen look as unsightly as the marks I have in my unprotected front cap. I think a repaint job will be close to the same price as redoing film. What am I missing?:-)

Steve Bloom

00 Ultimate Advantage
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Ron & Molly Bodee on February 20, 2003, 09:10:27 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4252 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4252)
For Steve Bloom and question on what the damages to the 3m coating look like.

My Intrigue is only a year and a half old and some 40k of miles on it, and on the small dings and chips that occur in the 3m film I have been using a small drop of the touch-up paint that came with the coach. I'm happy so far as they hardly show. I opt for the 3m covering myself.

Ron and Molly '01 Intrigue #11262 san diego
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Dick May on February 22, 2003, 01:21:34 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 4263 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4263)
I've had Coach Armor on two motorhomes since '97..... If and when I trade I will go for it again. Yes, it's somewhat difficult to clean behind it but I can stand that. I simplified the process of cleaning behind the armor by using a power screwdriver with a hex bit (had wing nuts on my first one).

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Title: Coach armor
Post by: Blynn777 on July 13, 2013, 06:35:40 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89568 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89568)
Does anyone know what the Coach Armor for a 2002 Intrigue would have cost as a option when new or what it would cost now if anyone has one for sale? Thanks
Bruce

2002 Intrigue
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Dave Trotter on July 13, 2013, 06:53:25 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89569 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89569)
Bruce,

If you're talking about the 3M nosecoat, mine was $1380.00 as an option.
I'm currently in the middle of the tedious process of removing the ugly, yellowed, mold blotched stuff.

Dave Trotter

01 Intrigue 11215
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Totenard on July 13, 2013, 09:02:52 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89571 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89571)
We had a Coach Armor on our coach, but it is not on the build sheet, so it was apparently added later--we are the third owners. I took it off a few years ago after it developed a bad crack. I would not have it back on the coach--in certain wind conditions, it started vibrating, and I found it had cracked the fiberglass on the front.

Per

95 Affinity
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Arthur Pohle on July 13, 2013, 11:20:43 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89572 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89572)
In early 2001 our 2002 # 11329 Intrigue build sheet shows $1595.00 for Coach Armor. It's still in good shape and will take rock at 60mph without cracking. Two trips to Alaska, it was invaluable.....Skip
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Gary Kirby on July 14, 2013, 08:44:13 am
Yahoo Message Number: 89577 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89577)
If you are referring to those heavy plastic sheets that I see on the front of some coaches, Summit RV in Iowa has them. I just ordered their stainless armor for the lower portion of our coach and I did see the front armor on their web site.

Gary

07 Allure 470 #31578


Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Olsarge79 on July 14, 2013, 09:40:50 am
Yahoo Message Number: 89579 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89579)
Dave,

Have you tried using a heat gun to help make the adhesive release while you pull on the film? The film on the coach is probably Scotchgard paint protection film. If it's really stubborn 3M makes a stripe removal wheel #3M-7498 that removes films without harming the paint. If you will search the web there are You Tube videos detailing both products use.

Terry

08 Affinity 6837
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Nathan Blackwell on July 14, 2013, 10:03:40 am
Yahoo Message Number: 89580 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89580)
I would like to take mine off, its in great shape just dont like the look. Do they make bras for these things? Thanks
Nathan

1998 Allure
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Greg Jones on July 14, 2013, 05:11:18 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89593 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89593)
I've got a bra on mine. Pretty mixed results - saves a lot of damage on the big surfaces but, causes some around the edges. Still though, I always use it.

Greg Jones

'03 Intrigue 11571
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Tom Harsch on July 14, 2013, 08:59:10 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89599 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89599)
Ours was also listed at $1595 on the build sheet.
--

Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Thomas W Insall Jr on July 14, 2013, 09:29:42 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89600 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89600)
EMPIRE TT, I NEVER OWNED ONE ! But they along with AR made Thorens develop the 125 II I still have. I know its obsolete, but with the straight tracking tone arm it does rather well. My Friend the retired Anglican Priest has a Technics 1100 with a Rabco straight line arm, too. Its amazing how constant his TT is. Very low flutter which my turntable has a bit. .05 as I remember. That why I want to try an Aries III. Just as I get ready to order one VPI introduces a deposited tone arm. Now I have another decision to make. I hope to get to Denver or San Francisco this fall or maybe Phoenix to audition one this fall. We have a RV rally this fall in Calistoga. I hope Judy is home so I can see her systems. TWI
Title: Re: Coach armor
Post by: Smitty on July 14, 2013, 11:31:48 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 89604 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89604)
My old Yamaha 350 TT is in our upstairs system, still sounding good with a new belt and cartridge. Our main systems TT is a VPI Scoutmaster, with an NOS ADC Cartridge that surprises.
However, neither one does me any good as far rock protection:)! Our old 3M film is in bad shape, pretty abused via someone that polished it with a buffer before we bought the rig. It will come off someday, but I'm in no rush.

Sorry I must go and start warming up my tubes now:)!

Best to all, and may the sound be with you, Smitty

04 Allure 31017