On Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:49 PM, Donald Thomas <don_thomas@charter.net>wrote:

> Aimee, I got this off the list not too long ago and it really encouraged
> me. I can't wait ti try it. I wish I knew who posted it.  My apologies to
> him.
>

looks like "hisport" at

http://www.westfalia.org/community/showthread.php?t=373

(BTW, to find that out I googled for "DuPont automotive acrylic enamel over
PPG urethane primer" (with the quotes, which searches for the exact
string--seemed like a pretty unlikely phrase.))

mike

>
> Don Thomas
> 82 Westy
>
> Refinishing a Westy Pop Top
>
> After years of exposure, Westy fiberglass tops lose their original gel coat
> finish and become absorbent to stains and soil. If yours is aged and you
> look closely, you can actually see exposed fiberglass cloth fibers.
>
> Refinishing means sealing the fiberglass and applying a new outer skin. One
> way is applying new gel coat (very difficult and expensive). Another is
> refinishing with automotive materials.
>
> I refinished our '74 project Westy pop top with catalyzed (appliance white)
> DuPont automotive acrylic enamel over PPG urethane primer. One quart of
> each, plus the requisite reducer and catalyst hardener.
> I used a PPG flattening agent in the enamel to get a semi gloss (dull)
> finish. Two coats of urethane primer covered the fiberglass fibers. Three
> coats of enamel finished the job.
>
> All of this refinish material is available at any automotive refinish
> supplies store. Look in the phone book. If you don't have spray equipment,
> prepare the top as instructed below, print off these instructions, and take
> both to any auto body shop.
>
>
> Many refinished pop tops look lousy because:
>
> 1. They're too shiny. The fiberglass is not smooth like sheet metal; make
> it
> shiny and it looks terrible
>
> 2. Paint failure. Without the right prep and primer, paint won't stick
> fiberglass. It starts popping off and cracking after a few of months of
> exposure
>
> This job takes maybe 3 - 4 hours of labor, if you're finicky. The trick is
> to use the right refinish materials.
>
> The result looks like a new top; not shiny, but a nice matte white finish.
> For colored tops as used on later Vanagon Westies, etc, just supply the
> vehicle paint code to the auto refinish supply shop; they will match it.
>
> Here's some more detail:
>
> - To do a good job, take the top off the vehicle. This only takes 20
> minutes
> or so. Detach the tent at the top by first marking center front and rear
> and
> then pulling off the stapled plastic strips and remaining postioning
> staples. Mark the four strips (front, rear, left, fight) Undo the hinge and
> hold up bracket fastners. Get a friend to help lift off the top and place
> upon saw horses or something. The top weighs about 80 lbs.
>
> - Clean the top with Ajax and a Scotch Brite pad, rinsing with water. This
> will quickly get all the dirt and black stuff off.
>
> - Let dry for at least one day
>
> - Scuff with 220 dry sandpaper. Don't try to smooth the finish; just
> uniformly scratch it up with the paper. It sands easily, and this will only
> take a few minutes.
>
> - Blow off and wipe down (damp cloth then dry cloth) with a 1:2 rubbing
> alcohol:water mix. Prep Sol surface cleaner will soak into the fiberglass
> and cause paint failure, hence the alcohol/water mix.
>
> - Apply two single wet coats of Urethane primer. Wait 30 minutes between
> coats. Urethane primer adheres well to fiberglass and doesn't require
> sanding like primer surfacers. Do not use lacquer based primer surfacer; it
> will not adhere long term. If you must use primer surfacer, use epoxy based
> primer. Just remember that the pop top surface is naturally irregular.
> Filling and sanding is not advised, as you will spend hours on end and
> produce a paint film that is far too thick and hence inflexible and failure
> prone
>
> - After 90 minutes, scuff primer lightly with clean Scoth Brite pad, blow
> off, and tack (tack cloth)
>
> - Apply Acryilic Enamel top coat (mix flattening agent as directed;
> typically 1:4). Wait 10 minutes between single wet coats
>
> - Let dry a couple of days before putting into service. Wait 3 months
> before
> waxing (see below)
>
> - Use stainless steel staples when reattaching tent. Line up front and rear
> reference marks, staple four corners into postion, then restaple strips
>
> - If your fastening hardware is rusty, replace with stainless steel (any
> good marine hardware store will match). 1/4" SS bolts can be used in lieu
> of
> stock 6mm bolts, if necessary
>
> - The new acrylic enamel finish should last at least 20 years if you just
> wash with auto soap once in a while (eg, Zip Wax shampoo) . Do not use
> harsh
> detergents or abrasive cleaners ever. Wax once a year, if you like. The new
> finish will not mildew or stain
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Aimee MacLeod" <emeraldcityrealty@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 11:57 PM
> Subject: 82 Westy cleaning and/or painting of the Pop Top?
>
>
>  I am wondering the best way to clean the top exterior of my camper.  The
>> white pop top is very dirty and there is moss growing between the top and
>> the seals I also want to remove.  It is water tight now and I hope that
>> cleaning the moss out won't make it start to leak.  Also, can I or should
>> I
>> paint the pop top to preserve it, and if so, with what type of paint or
>> sealer?
>>
>> I appreciate any feedback.
>>
>> Aimee
>>
>