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Post by bryanfromcanada on Sept 9, 2011 16:17:34 GMT -5
Hey Guys,
This is just a thought, but I want to add some extra rock protection to the lower front half of my aluminium skin. You know, the area on the front end of the trailer that gets beat up the MOST from rocks and debris on the road.
The current aluminium skin is beat to high hell up front and it looks pretty well like a golf ball. I was curious to know if anyone has used diamond plate as protection or is diamond plate purely just for aesthetics?
Anyone else have any ideas as to a hard, solid, pretty finished material that can used as a rock guard?
Just so there isn't any confusion, I don't mean a rock guard for the windows, I mean for the shell itself.
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Post by estesdv on Sept 10, 2011 8:55:10 GMT -5
I have seen Aluminum diamond plate. For an alternative you might check out McNicoles.com they are a wire mesh company that has tons of different styles of wire mesh, different patterns etc. We specify them in Architectural work. You might find something that looks a little retro-ish, if you're going that route.
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Post by sherwoodpfifer on Dec 5, 2011 12:40:23 GMT -5
I think I'm going to go with Diamond Plate for at least the front lower skin piece on my 71' Compact. Heck, If I like it enough I might go with it in other places too. Great idea and you can find it in both aluminum and pvc composite. Either way it's durable and light.
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Post by LittleVintageTrailer on Dec 5, 2011 21:40:52 GMT -5
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Post by sherwoodpfifer on Dec 6, 2011 16:53:18 GMT -5
Oh nice! That's exactly what I was thinking. Now that I see the picture outside of my head I like it even more. Very nice!
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Hamlet
2K Post Member
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 27, 2012 21:20:56 GMT -5
Ah, good question, Hamlet needs some, too, and we were wondering the same thing.
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Post by thehorsepeople4 on Apr 27, 2012 21:52:59 GMT -5
Call Steve at Hemet Valley RV. They have the regular diamond plate and another version that I am going to use on the Deville. I saw a piece that was being shipped while I was there several months ago. He'll be able to tell exactly how to attach it. Their number is (951) 765-5075
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 28, 2012 0:42:43 GMT -5
Thank you!
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Post by Shutzee on Apr 28, 2012 5:50:04 GMT -5
FYI: Diamond plate may not be the best solution. My husband, who works in the truck building business says you can't keep the diamond plate looking good. Once it gets beat up looking, it stays that way. You may just want to keep the "golf ball" look on the trailer. Think about it, these things are old and unless you re-skin them they are going to have some flaws. Just like people.
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Hamlet
2K Post Member
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 28, 2012 12:01:52 GMT -5
Hmm. Hadn't thought about the diamond plate getting crudded out. We did reskin Hamlet. The paint was still soft-ish when we went out on our first road trip, and there are little chips all over the lower front. Looks like we'll have to discuss some more.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 28, 2012 16:28:06 GMT -5
Has anyone done the dull finish diamond plate? That wouldn't be as hard to keep nice.
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Post by paigenmarc on Apr 28, 2012 19:12:01 GMT -5
We are going to go with diamond plate. No one can make the pattern we have in the aluminum (that I know of) and we want to cover up the road acne. Hemet valley has it and they're very helpful. I'll post pics when we get to that point.
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boandsusan
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Christmas parade 2012
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Post by boandsusan on Jun 21, 2012 9:04:37 GMT -5
We have just put, diamond plate skirts on 2 Compacts. Polish it and apply a coat of "shark hide". It seals the shine for years. Its used on pontoon boats.
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Post by LittleVintageTrailer on Jun 21, 2012 10:41:49 GMT -5
The panels we have on the Compact are just screwed on. So if it ever does get beat up looking I'd just unscrew it and install new ones.
On the Compact it was installed purely for esthetics as the front was fine. But I like the look of it and actually had the shop add more (:
However, on the 55 Bellwood we recently purchased I don't plan on installing diamond plate. At least not unless I absolutely had to as I think it looks good without it.
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vikx
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Post by vikx on Jun 22, 2012 1:11:53 GMT -5
I agree with Kel, not going to go there with my Belle. It depends on the trailer and the "look" to me. Diamond plate is really protective. It works well for dents and dings and can be replaced.
I wouldn't like it on my curvy canned hams. I think the flatter, more square fronts look great diamond plated.
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boandsusan
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Christmas parade 2012
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Post by boandsusan on Jun 22, 2012 18:51:35 GMT -5
Ditto! Or is it Double-Ditto! LOL. I don`t believe diamond plate would do a canned ham any justice either.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Jun 22, 2012 22:39:37 GMT -5
I like the padded vinyl one someone posted in the "bra" thread.
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vikx
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Post by vikx on Jun 23, 2012 0:43:44 GMT -5
Belle is NOT going to wear a BRA!!!
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cowcharge
1K Post Member
I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
Posts: 1,471
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Post by cowcharge on Jun 26, 2012 7:01:31 GMT -5
Hippie.
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