Wax, Polish, Protect the Aptera Shell

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I would say it is highly doubtful -- the third wheel would be the snag?

[LTLFTcomposite]

My experience from RV days is that fiberglass that was just "gel" coated turns dull after a couple years. I always heard that gel coat is just sort of a wax that's used to make the part release from the mold. It shines when it's new but when it's gone it's gone, and while you can put a little shine back on with some of these auto polish products it only lasts a week or so. The nicer RVs these days all sport "full body paint" that is clearcoated. Unless you're constantly taking a car to one of those auto autions they have on the cable channels, waxing it every week is going to get old fast.

If the apteras are leaving the factory with a gel coat finish I predict they are all headed for paint booths in a couple years, and the ones that don't will have dull finishes.

[LTLFTcomposite]

A follow after reading this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gel_coat
it's more than just wax. It may be there are much higher quality versions of gel coat that Aptera is using that will hold up much better than what RV mfrs used in the past, which would certainly be no big surprise as a big part of that industry mostly focusses on making something that lasts long enough to get it off the sales lot. I'm still skeptical though that any molded in finish would be as durable as a good quality automotive paint/clear coat.

[Don]

Originally Posted by LTLFTcomposite

My experience from RV days is that fiberglass that was just "gel" coated turns dull after a couple years. I always heard that gel coat is just sort of a wax that's used to make the part release from the mold. It shines when it's new but when it's gone it's gone, and while you can put a little shine back on with some of these auto polish products it only lasts a week or so. The nicer RVs these days all sport "full body paint" that is clearcoated. Unless you're constantly taking a car to one of those auto autions they have on the cable channels, waxing it every week is going to get old fast.

If the apteras are leaving the factory with a gel coat finish I predict they are all headed for paint booths in a couple years, and the ones that don't will have dull finishes.

Yes, the gel coat can indeed dull to a powdery appearence if neglected. But not at the rapid speed you suggest. We bought our trailer new in 2002 (kinda rhymes, yes?) I wax it once a year. The gel coat glistens as if it were fresh from the factory. Maybe it's the ingedients used in the coating, but there has been no evidence of dulling. It is paramount to not use detergents when washing the vehicle. Even dishwater soap can strip off newly applied wax. Most auto parts stores have washing liquids to add to a bucket of water. I usually buy the super large sizes at Costco or Sams Club.

Edit: Don to quote someone you can use the quote button in that post and start a response. Less copy and paste for you and a better read for members.

[KarenRei]

Aptera stated nearly a year ago that one of the processes they were still refining was how to give it as durable of a coat as possible.

[Don]

Originally Posted by KarenRei

Aptera stated nearly a year ago that one of the processes they were still refining was how to give it as durable of a coat as possible.

Karen, Thanks for the tip. Never paid any attention to the quote button before. Heck of a lot easier. Guess I owe you a gel coat wax for your new Aptera. lol !!

[Matthijs]

Originally Posted by Don

Karen, Thanks for the tip. Never paid any attention to the quote button before. Heck of a lot easier. Guess I owe you a gel coat wax for your new Aptera. lol !!

That was my tip lol. I edited your post. If you would make me the same offer you would have a nice trip to Holland as well.

[Don]

Originally Posted by Matthijs

That was my tip lol. I edited your post. If you would make me the same offer you would have a nice trip to Holland as well.

Well, so it is and so you did. I'll be hornswoggled. I really can read you know, my problem is looking. I suppose Karen will hold me to that waxing pledge. Well, Apteras are on the small side - maybe I can wax two of them.

[NmGfan]

Originally Posted by Aptera1171

Anyone else have a vehicle that has an underside just like the upperside?

Yeah, my NmG is a white gel coated fiberglass right around and underneath like an Aptera. However, with only 5" of ground clearance it isn't visible, so no washing under there.

I do hand wash it using a coffee mug of hot soapy water and a baby sock (size 000) and rinse it using a half-pint spray bottle of tap water. In a pinch, about 10-12 shots from a Windex bottle and a couple of paper towels will do the job.

[magnru]

How about a custom car cover from Aptera to protect my Aptera from tree sap and sun rays when not in use for extended periods. Would it be a single cover or 3 covers (body+wheels)? Can I purchase one when I bring home the vehicle or will I have to purchase a generic cover from some auto store? I have a steep driveway, and at the top it angles sharply into the garage. If I can't figure a way to use my garage I will have to park my Aptera in the elements and I just don't know if composite holds up as well as metal when it comes to the hot sun beating down on it day after day, year after year. #2783h