Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Fake Black Cabover Windows: How to make them shine again?

May 23, 2024, 01:14:58 pm

On our 2004 LD the 2 Fake Black Cabover Windows are dull, dingy & scratched up. We have tried 3 different types of Griot's wax w/o success. Has anyone figured out a way to brighten them w/o spray painting them? See attached pic... Thanks in advance...

Re: Fake Black Cabover Windows: How to make them shine again?

Reply #2 – May 24, 2024, 03:37:26 am

Hi TreeLee;  The black faux front windows on your '04 are built the same as my '99 were. Both done by the subcontractor (SBC) used by Lazy Daze. In your picture they still look pretty good!  I like WashwaxAll spray wax. I've had good luck with that. It might take quite a few coats to get it as shiny as you want.  If that doesn't suit you, then reapplication of paint is the answer.
    Standard fiberglass construction is to paint black styrene monomer on the inside of the form first where the 'windows' will be. I think some used a paint brush and some used rollers. As mine faded away I could almost see the brush strokes!  After the fake windows 'set up' there is probably a sprayed white layer of gel coat laid down to form the outer surface coat. Then a layer of fine glass mat (maybe) applied by hand, to reinforce the outer surface.
    After that a more mechanized method sprays catalyzed resin, and finely chopped strands of fiberglass. The so called chopper gun lays it on fast. The technique of the fabricator is most important. Woven roving is used in key areas for structural strength, then covered with a coarser layer of chopped fiberglass.  When cured the formed front cap is released from the mold. trimmed and sent to LD.  I saw several of these front nosecones arrive once during a trip to the factory (in 2017 about mid July).  A random example with some pictures:  Hand Lay-up & Spray-up - Performance Poly-Tek   ( I have no connection with this company).
     When the 'black paint wears off', that's it!  New real paint or a gel coat application is the only fix.  You can do your own job with rattle cans, maybe even just a small roller and paint tray. Getting up to the 'window' and preparation is the hard part.
     I'm sure there are commercial repair places near to wherever you are.  RonB

Re: Fake Black Cabover Windows: How to make them shine again?

Reply #4 – May 24, 2024, 10:01:28 am

I had my local RV "fix-it" guy repaint mine white a couple of years ago.  When former LD owner Sasha was in Mexico he had the painter match the color he had his Lazy Daze repainted. 

Re: Fake Black Cabover Windows: How to make them shine again?

Reply #6 – May 26, 2024, 08:26:02 am

Thank you..