Well Guys and Gals... I've been losing sleep over a dilemma that I've been having regarding the Astroliner. Maybe ya'll can put your collective creative genius minds together and help me figure this one out. Here goes:
Originally I was going to paint the entire exterior of the coach. But after a lot of thought and some dry runs for research purposes, I completely decided against the paint on the roof for various reasons. First, the thing is big. It's 9' tall at the tallest point and slopes downward from the top to the tail quickly. It's 7' 1/2''wide. So, I think I could get the base laid down ok because you don't have to carry a wet edge for base coat. the problem is, because of the size i don't know how I can keep the clear wet, or be able to position myself to do it. We have discussed scaffolding, but the problem is if you had it on each side you still can't reach the center from either side. If you created a walk board on scaffolding, you would have to move it on almost every pass, so you have clear that's drying as you move the scaffolding and walk board. Also, there's the issue of creating dirt every time you have to move whatever apparatus you are using. So short of a crane and I harness to be suspended over the coach, I have no idea!
So to overcome these issues, we decided to investigate a vinyl wrap. It became more and more the way to go, not only because of the logistics of the paint situation, but because of my cancer diagnosis it has become apparent that I just can't physically do it... at least for a long time, if ever. Originally, I was quoted $500.00 roughly to do the job. That was almost 2 years ago now. I called my guy the other day to get an exact quote and it has gone up to $1400.00 now. I almost got sick to my stomach. Reason being, originally he had the vinyl in stock, left over from another job and was basically just charging me for the labor. So... I got on the phone and started calling other vinyl places. Turns out, his price is still lower than anyone else around. Which I'm not surprised since I've had an ongoing business relationship with the guy for over 25 years. Also, he texted me the other day to say he would do the install for free and only charge $900.00 for the material, which, by the way, is still cheaper than I can buy the 3M vinyl on Ebay. The install would be free because he just wants to help knowing I've been sick and just don't have camper funds anymore. Still, it's just not in the budget for us with medical bills in the hundreds of thousands now.
Therefore... I'm looking for ideas, suggestions, think-tank stuff here. I have no idea now how to paint, or cover the roof. Take a look at the pictures and see if you can come up with ideas. I'm stumped and it's very frustrating to say the least. And... I'm not going to do anything like my dad suggested, (jokingly) which was to roll some paint on and call it good. Maybe if it was just a roof, but on this one the face, roof and tail are all one thing, so something like that just won't work.
On another topic, the project goes on with the interior build. My awesome brother just keeps plugging away, giving up his Saturdays with his family or whatever else needs done because he has committed to helping me see this thing through in spite of my illness. He has also generously donated all of the birch so far for the interior walls and cabinets. Also, a local cabinet builder who has been my friend for 40 years or so is helping with the galley cabinet in order to pitch in on the project. So in the midst of a devastating disease, I have amazing people in my life who believe in my project and want to see me go camping someday. That's being blessed my friends. I'm truly blessed in the midst of the storm...
Sorry for the book I've written here... Just thought my creative tnttt friends might have some ideas. Thanks in advance for any input you might have!
by ELM » Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:25 pm 
Just a wild idea ----