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Coach Armor

Yahoo Message Number: 2398
Does anyone out there have a magic solution to make bug removal easy?? I'm now on my second coach with this shield and swore I wouldn't buy another one after my first experience, but bought a show coach with one already on it. None of the liquid window cleaners seem to do the job without a great deal of hard rubbing which will scratch the plastic even with a soft cloth or paper towel.I always try to get on this pretty quick before thebugs harden, but that's not always possible.I once had the bright idea to protect the shield with Rainex but I checked with Mills and they told me not to put it on the plastic. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Walt Rothermel
2003Allure30811

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2401
Our CC book recommended Plexus. Not real easy to find, but does a great job on the coach armor. Seems to make it slick again and bugs come off pretty easy.

Go to someplace like www.lycos.com and search on Plexus. That is how I found a source. A vendor also had it at the rally in Perry.

Linda

Intrigue 10678

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2402
Try Driwash product. Works for me. Available on internet.

Dean

95 Magna #5280

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2404
Hello Walt,

I found a bottle of Greased Lightning at Lowe's Home Improvement Sore>
It will literately disolve the bugs. Cost--2.95-- 3.95. I also use it on the front cap. Great stuff.

Egon W. Schlottmann

'99 Allure

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2407
What I have found that's works for me is Bounce fabric softener sheets. Wash the Armor with the fabric sheets, as a rag in a bucket of water. Rinse off quick with hose. I find it best to do a little area at a time.
Carl & Barb
Allure 30419

Re: Was: Coach Armor - Now Greased Lightning

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2415
Egon,

I bought some Greased Lightning at Lowe's today. When I got it home, I saw that it said not to use it on painted surfaces. Isn't the front cap of your CC painted? How does it stand up to the GL? Do you dilute the stuff? I sure don't want to take the paint off of the Beaver!!

Glen R. Fotré, Portland, OR

glen@...
1996 Beaver Patriot/Toyota 4x4 Pickup FMCA-F36478 Good Sam-ZC0494229 BAC

Coach Armor

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4240
I have it on my '99 Allure and would not be without it. First trip out west in it an 18 wheeler came by me on some pavement that had been grooved. He threw gravel all over me-had over 20 chips in the winshield but the coach armor saved the front end from a complete re-do. Someone said that for 1500 bucks you could have the front end repainted 3 times---where? Maybe 10-15years ago.

I vote for the Coach Armor. Maybe a little hard to clean but my front end still looks great.
Egon

'99 Allure

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4241
Another vote for the coach armor. We had an 18 wheeler throw a recap tread right in front of us. It smacked the coach armor head-on, leaving only a few black streaks that came off with tar remover. After passing under the coach it actually dented the front of our toad.

Jim Ott

Intrigue 10865 ('99)

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4246
Here's my 2 cents worth. We've got a CC Prevost and because it is a Prevost CC calls it "Bus Armor." ( HA HA. Well that only means CC charges us more for it than the one they install on a fiberglass coach.) Same thing different words. I like it when we travel on highways and see and hear the stones, etc. that hit us. But when it comes times to clean the bus, I'd much rather have the 3M coating.
Now the 3M is prone to allowing damage from extremely fast hitting and large projectiles. There the damage is not to the paint but to the actual surface under it. In our case that's aluminum. Not too sure how fiberglass would be affected. The other problem I've just encountered is that one of the screws that holds the snap on the aluminum is now stripped and when I remove the hex screws that hold the armor onto the front, one snap comes along when I fold if forward. That means when I close it up one point is no longer even attached to the bus. All things being equal I'd probably order bus armor on a new Prevost while I would order 3M on a fiberglass unit.
I am not worried about yellowing since I have yet to see it actually be a problem with 3M (while other brands have had this problem I understand that the #m product does not.) Of course a lot would depend on whether we were buyin off the lot or ordering new.

Bill-PA-CC Prevost XL 1998 40'

Coach Armor

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6253
I could have sworn someone reported on a product to re-surface their coach armor, but I have searched the archives and can't find it ( of course my bride tells me I couldn't find nmy nose if it wasn't on my face). Does anyone remember it--it seems it was from NAPA or someone like that?

Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6265
While touring the factory last week I was told that CC no longer offers the coach armor as an option. In it's place is the plastic film with a suggested retail cost of $1330 if memory serves me correctly.
Like the old coach armor, the plastic shield is installed by an outside contractor not by CC people.

David and Karen,
2000 Intrigue 11062

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6267
Walt: I bought some acrylic polish at a plastic products supplier in Salt Lake. It appears that any mild polish will work. Heavy duty products will no doubt scratch the surface, but the cleaner/wax auto products work also. A good application makes it easier to get the bug off when washing. I'm told to avoid machine polishing because it might overheat or burn the surface. Good ole elbow grease does the trick. I've also used the waterless products that are commonly sold around the RV hangouts. My problem with waterless is that it works you to death! Lots of rubbing and polishing to get it off.

Larry

Intrigue 10762

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6270
I use some stuff called Plexus. I works great and doesn't scratch. The use it on airplane cockpits.
Your can order it over the internet at; Plexus Plastic Cleaner and Protectant Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant & Polish - great product, great price!
www.autogeek.net

Plexus Plastic Cleaner/Polish Classic Motoring Accessories offers more than 500 car care and detailing products, including Plexus plastic cleaner and polish.
www.properautocare.com

Plexus Plastic Cleaner- Great Price SuperiorCarCare is an online store featuring automotive accessories and car care products, including Plexus plastic cleaner and protectant. Helpful, knowledgeable staff.
www.superiorcarcare.net
Regards,
Bob

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6271
Walt,

I use Novus plastic products. It is what the coach armor people advise using. I purchased it at a plastic supply who stated it is all they use---but they sell it. My armor was 5 years old and appeared milky. I was thinking of replacing it. Novus #1 is a spray on cleaner that sprays on & wipes off. It's ok if only trying to clean dusty shield. I use Novus #2(fine scratch remover) almost exclusively. It made my shield clear again. I redo it once a year.
Very pleased with results. They have a Novus #3(heavy scratch remover) but I have not used it.

Hope this helps
Steve

Intrigue #10673

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6281
I know you can still purchase the bus armor directly from Walt at Acrylic Masters in Junction City. I have owned three CC and have Bus Armor on each one...I think it is an important safety feature. I personally know of a person who hit a deer and it did not do any damage to the front of the coach except push the sandoffs into the fiberglass. I know of another case where someone was on an accident and they believe the Bus Armor saved their lives. 3M film has problems with dirt getting under the edges of the film and then starting to lift. The paint on the coach could come off with the film if one tries to replace the film. Each and everyone of us has our own opinion...I like to put safety first. That is just my 2cents worth. Thanks,

Dale Affinity 6129

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6512
Thanks, that's what I'll use. By the way ... the manufacturer's rep said that, if my Armor is made of butyrate, it's high-impact butyrate. So ... it may not be as strong as Lexan, but at least it's better than the "low" impact stuff .

BTW, I don't like the appearance of my Coach Armor ... on the other hand, I don't like rock nicks, either. And I can't think of a solution other than to have a removable bra, and they have disadvantages, too ...

Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfr: 11/97

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 6513
Dick,

I didn't like the appearance of mine either until I waxed both sides with the Novus #2 plastic polish. Mine was almost a milky color & is now clear. If you have some bad spots you might want to try the Novus #3 which is a heavy scratch remover--I didn't try it. The #2 is a light scratch remover & worked great. The #1 is a cleaner and I seldom use. I purchased them from an area plastic supplier for $5.00 a bottle--still on bottle one.

Worked for me.........
Steve

Intrigue #10673

Coach Armor

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 14524
Anyone have a good phone number for Mills Mfg who makes Coach Armor for the front of many coaches. I tried the link in the Links list and it does not work. I also called the number on the decal that is on the armor on my coach and the number has been disconnected.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 14525
Jim, Call Walt Lambert at 541-998-6583. I am sorry I do not have a web site for him.

Dale & Candace Hollick

2005 Affinity #6370 Quad Slide
See You Down the Road!

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 14526
The website was coacharmor.com, but I checked it last night and it would not come up. It was my understanding that the company making the armor for Walt went out of business---so Walt may be out of business, too. Don't know.

Ree

Current location---San Antonio, TX

2003 Allure 30852

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 14527
When we were in JC late last year we noticed his location had moved to the south end of town. However, we did not do any business there and the fact the telephone number doesn't work may be a bad sign.
Have been contemplating removing our coach armor and will probably do so if we do not trade coaches this year so if you want spare parts...........

David & Karen

2000 Intrigue 11062
40 ft Single slide. PT
2002 Odyssey TOAD

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 14529
I have removed mine. I am about to cut up the plexiglass and throw it and all parts away. If you need any parts, let me know.

2000 Magna #5824

Re: Coach Armor

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 14540
The cleaning of the 2 extra surfaces (that take a lot of work to reach) made me remove this "feature".
An occasional nick is more acceptable to me than dealing with the cleaning (and the look of dirt streaks that seems to gather there faster than on the rest of the coach).