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03-04-2012, 01:15 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 932
SUN #246
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Help!!
Our trip home from Florida this week was a total disaster beginning with our van's brake line rupture as we were coming off I-95 in NC...I was able to pull right into a Walmart (Bless them!) at the exit, but!!-- brake fluid had spun up off the rear tire onto the front and side of the TT..a real mess and it doesn't clean off. My insurance company is sending an adjuster to look over the damage. It seems to have stained the paint in millions of small flecks. Does anyone have a remedy? I have tried cleaners and Mr. Clean Erasers, mineral spirits,etc. It is right into the paint and the corner molding. Can the Krystal-Kote finish be painted? (Then the next day we awoke to a flat tire,then torrential rains,and then got stuck in the mud in our yard and had to get pulled out....Not going back next year--three terrible trips in a row! I am a slow learner but NOT STUPID!) HELP PLEASE>>>Janalee
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__________________
1981 Sunline1350
'86 & '87 Sunline1661
'85 2100& '87 2262 Sunlines
'96 2553 & '95 1950 Sunlines
'95 and '98 Solaris 2653's
2002 Solaris T-2363
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03-04-2012, 02:13 PM
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#2
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
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Hi Janalee,
Sorry to hear about your rough times. Don't let it get you down, and I know that is easier said then done. Remember the good times and if they out weigh the bad times, well you may be ahead of the game.
Now to the TT.
Any chance of some pictures? Both at a distance and then up close so we can see what you are up against.
Brake fluid can be aggressive to the wrong surface. Again need to see what you are up against and how big the spot is.
The Krysal Kote can be removed with chemical stripper and odds are the paint under it will come off with it. However it then can be repainted as all you then have is bare silver aluminum. Again need to know how big a problem we are talking about. A body shop should be able to fix this. Acetone will cut right thru the Krystal Kote down to bare aluminum. A little on a rag and rub a spot and the coating is gone.
The brake fluid may have some the the same properties as Acetone. The issue is the brake fluid most likely discolored the white siding where it etched into the coating.
Hope this helps
John
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__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
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03-04-2012, 02:54 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 932
SUN #246
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Thanks JohnB for your fast response..
Pictures by campbugjan1 - Photobucket
This is how the front looks closeup, and about the same coverage two thirds from the bottom to the top,of the streetside panel and extending all the way to the rear.
__________________
1981 Sunline1350
'86 & '87 Sunline1661
'85 2100& '87 2262 Sunlines
'96 2553 & '95 1950 Sunlines
'95 and '98 Solaris 2653's
2002 Solaris T-2363
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03-04-2012, 03:03 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 932
SUN #246
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So as you can see JohnB..my problem is a very big problem...not just a little area. Hope the insurance will come through for me..but even then,I don't know how painting it will look as the rest of the coach is KrystalKote!!!! This is IMHO a complete distaster for me!! Just bought this Sunny ten months ago!
__________________
1981 Sunline1350
'86 & '87 Sunline1661
'85 2100& '87 2262 Sunlines
'96 2553 & '95 1950 Sunlines
'95 and '98 Solaris 2653's
2002 Solaris T-2363
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03-04-2012, 06:03 PM
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,039
SUN #897
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I am very sorry, you had such a disastrous trip! I am glad however, that you made it home safely and your brake line failure didn't get anyone hurt.
As far as your Sunny goes.... I would rate the damage right up there, with hail damage. Most insurance companies will total a TT with hail damage. If they do, you would always have the option of buying it back and having it stripped and painted professionally. The Krystal Kote would be gone, but you would have the opportunity to have it clear coated.
I don't mean to be gloomy-doomy, but wanted to offer at least one option. Please post back and let us know what the adjuster says...
Gary
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03-04-2012, 06:19 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 932
SUN #246
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Gary..I felt that they would total it..as for a buy back, I am not sure how that would work..explain please? I wonder if, after time and many washings, the spots could fade some so that I could live with them? You see, the day I purchased it, I had had anesthesia that AM, ..wasn't thinking clearly, and made a bad offer(about $1500 too much or more)..so I will really lose on a total settlement, I am sure. Janalee
__________________
1981 Sunline1350
'86 & '87 Sunline1661
'85 2100& '87 2262 Sunlines
'96 2553 & '95 1950 Sunlines
'95 and '98 Solaris 2653's
2002 Solaris T-2363
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03-04-2012, 06:24 PM
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#7
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,039
SUN #897
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When the insurance company totals a vehicle, they cut you a check for what the vehicle is worth. What they are doing, is buying the vehicle from you, for what it's current value is. They also give you the option to buy it back at a salvage price, which is usually considerably less than what they gave you for it.
It will then have a "Salvage" title and no longer be insurable, like it was before. Basically, it is giving the vehicle one last chance..
Hope that helps..
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03-04-2012, 06:43 PM
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#8
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
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Hi Janalee,
Thanks for the pic. This helps.
Just trying to help here. This is fixable, just do not know the costs.
The white aluminum molding and the center panel where the decal is applied does not have Krystal Kote on it. It is just painted aluminum. The siding above and below the decal panel, except the gold if yours has gold, does have Krystal Kote.
If the brake fluid etched the painted white of the corner edging and the decal panel, that is WOW. The Krystal Kote I can see as it is a coating and has some depth to it and will dissolve but the painted aluminum, that one I would not have expected. But you there in front of it so I will take your word on it. The question is, what type of base cleaner will cut this stuff and not take off the paint?? Good question. Mineral sprits is weak in this instance. Lacquer thinner or paint thinner lightly rubbed with a rag in small spots to see it if will work may help. I would test it on the corner molding as there is no Krystal Kote on that corner. The issue is really the Krystal Kote as it does dissolve if rubbed with a cleaner that cuts its base. I know Acetone will melt the Krystal Kote. (ask me how I know this.... )
If it is not cleanable by any means, (a car paint shop here may offer more options) then:
If they chemically stripped the siding a body shop with a computer paint match system can match the white that is on the good side of the camper on that same decal strip. Being painted it would look like the decal strip on the good side.
And then there is doing an option of re-siding that side of the camper. I have seen Krystal coated siding on other brands. It was not unique to Sunline. I do not know if Sunline had a special siding pattern though. Maybe Sunline Fan knows. The labor to reside the camper may be as much as the repaint job.
I wish you were closer I would even come over and see it up close to help the cause if I could do anything with it.
You insurance adjuster may offer some solutions. If they do not help, see if you can get in touch with a body shop that specializes in custom paint jobs. THey may be able to help on cleaners that will cut through this stuff.
Hopes this helps and you can get your camper back in action to get this off your mind.
John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
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03-04-2012, 06:50 PM
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#9
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
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Just thought of one more. WD-40. I know it will not hurt the siding as I have used it but I would not leave it on a long time. It is amazing what it will clean through.
I'll have to go read a label on a can of brake fluid to see what is in it. I wonder if it brought some rubber film with it slinging off the tire. Brake fluid will dissolve the wrong rubber compounds. And tires may be natural enough it is one of those compounds.
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
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03-04-2012, 06:58 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,357
SUN #2097
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Brake fluid will kill any paint no matter what it's covered with if you get it off as soon as it happens your fine but 2 minutes latter it's toast. You may have a case with your insurance co. it will require a repaint the spots will not rub, buff or compound out it's all most as good as any paint remover.
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03-04-2012, 08:19 PM
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#11
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mainah
Brake fluid will kill any paint no matter what it's covered with if you get it off as soon as it happens your fine but 2 minutes latter it's toast. You may have a case with your insurance co. it will require a repaint the spots will not rub, buff or compound out it's all most as good as any paint remover.
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I knew it was aggressive but did not know it was this aggressive. Any idea what is in it that makes it this aggressive?
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
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03-05-2012, 04:49 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,279
SUN #1830
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JohnB, It looks like the brake fluid deteriorated the undercoating on the van and that along with the brake fluid was splattered over the TT. No simple solution here.
__________________
Beverly & Jim
Sebring, Florida
1991 T-2363 Solaris
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03-05-2012, 05:00 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,357
SUN #2097
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It is a witch's brew of all kinds of very nasty solvents and things. There are several types the DOT type 3 and 4 are I think the worst as far as paint in concerned. I was a tech for 35 years in the car biz and there were many incidents of brake fluid on paint and the out come was never good. I think a chemistry major may understand what all of this stuff is but I feel if I can’t pronounce it there is no way it can be good. Brake fluid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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03-05-2012, 09:51 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 638
SUN #987
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mainah
I was a tech for 35 years in the car biz and there were many incidents of brake fluid on paint and the out come was never good.
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X2
Teach
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Wright Ellis and Penny Sedgley
'10 Tundra 4X4
SOB -'14 Rockwood 2604WS ( Rocky)
"Life is a cruel teacher. She gives the test first; the lesson then follows."
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03-05-2012, 10:30 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 148
SUN #824
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Ok guys, excuse the ignorance, but what is Krystal Kote? The picture to me looks like the plastic siding I have on the front and rear (top halves) of my trailer. Mine is simply white colored, not painted. The only coloring is the Sunline decal in the rear. I won't offer any suggestions as I can't figure out how to clean it from just the daily grime. It's a textured surface which seems to hold the grime. I was looking at some photos posted on the forum and I'm jealous how good some of your trailers look.
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2006 T-267SR
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03-05-2012, 12:06 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 932
SUN #246
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Thanks guys for all your suggestions..my DH has dementia so I really needed a "manly" input-this is all my problem you see..anyway, right now I guess my main concern would have to be the quesion of "will this be just a cosmetic issue I could learn to live with" or is this junk going to eat my camper?? Sounds like there is not an easy "fix".. I have too much $$$ invested in it to put more in...Janalee
__________________
1981 Sunline1350
'86 & '87 Sunline1661
'85 2100& '87 2262 Sunlines
'96 2553 & '95 1950 Sunlines
'95 and '98 Solaris 2653's
2002 Solaris T-2363
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03-05-2012, 12:19 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 932
SUN #246
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Thanks for all your suggestions..guess I now have to consider whether I can just take a depreciation settlement (providing the insurance comes through!) and then learn to live with the eyesore..I just can't sink more money into a camper I already overpaid for.! My main concern would be if the junk could eat through my camper body? Janalee
__________________
1981 Sunline1350
'86 & '87 Sunline1661
'85 2100& '87 2262 Sunlines
'96 2553 & '95 1950 Sunlines
'95 and '98 Solaris 2653's
2002 Solaris T-2363
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03-05-2012, 02:18 PM
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#18
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,289
SUN #17
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I think I'd get a couple of Auto and/or RV Repair shops to look at it and see what their suggestion & price would be to replace or clean/repaint the damaged siding.
Having this information might help you haggle with your insurance company. "IF" They want to total your trailer, and you can provide them with a reasonable "fix" for the damage (and that fix would be acceptable with you) and the price would be in line with what they want to offer to total it, they might just let you have it fixed. It's worth a try.
Kitty
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Sunny #18 2003 F-344SR #8157
Sunny #19 1997 T-2653 #5485
1999 Ford F350XLT DRW Crew Cab, Long bed 7.3 PSD
2002 VW Jetta TDI.. AKA: Kitty's Kruiser
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03-05-2012, 06:20 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,279
SUN #1830
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The damage looks cosmetic only, to me. I wouldn't give up on the camper. I'd get it repainted.
__________________
Beverly & Jim
Sebring, Florida
1991 T-2363 Solaris
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03-05-2012, 06:34 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,357
SUN #2097
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No it will only attack the paint the damage you see is what you get it won't get worse just looks yucky. Once it been cleaned (good old soap and water and a scrub brush) you could actually paint it with a small roller if you can match the color the big box stores sell little tiny paint rollers at least it would look nicer with out a lot of expense.
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