Front Cap Blues!

Hello Everyone! Hope your all having a Great Camping Summer!

Have a question about the front cap, and to be specific, the restoration of the Gel Coat.

My front cap is so faded, and I have been trying to work it our with a supposed restoring liquid to work out the streaks and fading. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to work it out and what they have used? I have waxed the whole rig twice a year since I have owned it, and usually do the front cap with at least two or more in between waxings .. However, this year the 5vr has been out at the property most of the year and been taking a beating on the front cap.

Any and all suggestions would be most helpfull....

Thanks


Mike

When I used to have a boat, I used polishing compound about once a year before I applied wax to restore the luster. This would be problematic with the decals in the way.

I used comet on mine last time, it cleaned it right up. I does seem to have lost just tiny bit of the Shine, but it feels smooth to the touch. I just waxed over it and you can't tell. It took the stains right off. I figure that I really don't care if the nose cap is shinny or not.

Hey Brad....

Comet? Did you do a mix with some water to make more of a paste or was it more of a yogurt consistency? Would have never thought of that one....

Pickle...My decals are so bad right now that maybe this will help get them off and I can have just a naked front end..... :P

naked front end

what year is your Cat?

Flyer wrote:Hey Brad....

Comet? Did you do a mix with some water to make more of a paste or was it more of a yogurt consistency? Would have never thought of that one....

I just got the cap wet, and sprinkled the Comet on my damp rag and went to town. It even took out the bug stains that have been on there for 2 years.

When I had fiberglass boats, I used 3M Finesse-It to rub out the oxidation. Depending on how bad it is, I also used Meguiar's Heavy Rubbing compound first and then used the Finesse-it. You can buy these at West Marine or auto paint stores. I also use a Porter Cable orbital buffer. You do need to be careful of the decals. Afterwards, I put on a coat of Meguiar's Flagship wax. I like the Meguiar's product because it is easy to apply and wipe off.

Hello Everyone,
I just read an article in The Good Sam Club Highways Mag. that waxing maybe part of the fading problem.All the waxing creates a build up on top of the decals.As the wax discolors it looks like the decals have faded.It said to try a wax remover on the decal and then a vinyl restorer and this may work.
Highways Nov.2008 Tech topics
oldcrow