Front black panel refurb.

[mapples]

One job finished,another starts.
Hi all,i would like to refurb the two vertical black panels each side of the draw bar.
It would probably be a better finish if i take them off first.
Apart from that i have no idea what the best way is to bring the surface back to new.All input appreciated.What have you done,or thought about doing?
          Thanks all mark.

[luke]

Sorry, can't help with the paint selection, but I can give you more choices.

On the MK4 they're are just screwed on to rivnuts on the frame, so very easy to get on and off.
I took mine to one of the local 'rhino liner' mobs that do ute tub liners etc, and had them coated.

This was a few years ago, but the receipt shows $120 for the two, and they've haven't chipped since 
(you do loose the nice smooth shiny finish though)

[mapples]

Thanks luke,that sounds like the go to me.
I'm not concerned about the non gloss finish.
It does seem easy to get them off.So i'll have a look around,see if there is anyone on the Brisbane baydide area does it. Thanks mark

[mapples]

Hi luke,just had a quote.
$119 per side.
Maybe an extra $44 per side if undercoat is needed.
Thickness will be 3mm.
That seems thick,but i have never seen this stuff before.
It get's a good rap on reviews here and there tho.
How thick was your coating.
Probably need new bolts,but that's ok,i was going to put new marine grade stainless on.
      Thanks mark

[luke]

$119 per side.
Maybe an extra $44 per side if undercoat is needed.

Ouch ! that inflation's a killer !

How thick was your coating.

Not sure how thick mine is meant to be, or how thick the panels are for that matter, but measuring the stone guards around the outside edges I'm getting anything from 2.5 to 3.8mm, with most measurements between 2.8 to 3.2mm.

Probably need new bolts,but that's ok,i was going to put new marine grade stainless on.

I can't remember if I replaced the bolt's or not, but they are 15mm long SS316.
I do remember applying Loctite when I reassembled the guards, and I also remember snapping bolt heads when I went to retrofit a quick awning . . .

Regarding bolts, my guards are coated on the front side and edges only.  The rear as well as the top & bottom are not coated, so it shouldn't affect bolt lengths.

[mapples]

It's a bit exy.
I measured the thickness of the guard,it looks about 1 mm and a bit.
But the top folds under another piece of sheet metal,a tight fit.
I'll have to ring the shop and see if he can do a sloping,rounded type edge,from the top down a bit.
If not it could look a bit odd.
Hopefully he can,or i may have to find a different coating,i could apply with a roller to give a mild stiple effect.
I did not want to do this myself.
I will go armed with a bolt to the bolt king,and see what they have.
I'm not sure,but i think someone told me stainless steel bolts can be a bit soft.These guard ones are not under a lot of stress tho.
I admire that you fitted up the awning,hope the snapped bolt wasn't too much of a pain in the bum.I wouldn't even try it,i know my limitations.
      Thanks mark

[mapples]

Sorry about the time between posts.
I rang atlas(track service agent at tamborine qld) and took the van in for a service.
We talked about the front panel refurb.He is doing it.
Will post how it went.
His work previously has been spot on.I expect it to be no different this time...mark