Auto-Sleepers Topaz, Handbook

Page: 87 / 108

10-1
CARE OF YOUR MOTORHOME
GENERAL
In order to keep your Auto-Sleeper in first
class condition, periodic maintenance will be
required to both the bodywork, windows,
upholstery and other parts of the conversion.
This maintenance should be carried out as
follows:
Servicing
Servicing of the conversion is the
responsibility of your local franchised Auto-
Sleeper dealer to whom all queries should be
referred. Your local base vehicle commercial
dealer should carry out servicing of the base
vehicle.
GLASSFIBRE BODYWORK AND
ACRYLIC WINDOWS
General Cleaning
At regular intervals, you should wash the
fibreglass bodywork with a recognised
cleaner for use on fibreglass gel coats. A car
shampoo without wax is recommended.
Should marks remain, use a cleaner with
chemical and abrasion agents formulated for
use on gel coats.
Discolouration
Fading or discolouration of the gel coat is a
natural ageing process caused by ultraviolet
light. To overcome this, use a mild abrasive,
which removes a thin layer of the discoloured
surface. This will restore the bodywork to its
original colour and surface lustre. Since
discolouration develops gradually, it should
not be necessary to carry out this procedure
more than every three years. Frequent use of
abrasive materials can reduce the thickness
of the gel coat, to a potentially harmful extent.
Removing Scratches from Bodywork
Scratches can be removed from both gel and
painted surfaces. The method depends upon
the depth of the scratch, as care has to be
taken to avoid penetrating the paint or gel
coat. Very fine, hairline scratches can be
removed by rubbing across the line of the
scratch with rubbing compound. Slightly
deeper scratches should be lightly wet
sanded first using very fine (2000 grit or finer)
abrasive paper. Rubbing compound will then
remove the flatting marks created by the
abrasive paper. For deep gouge type
scratches, where the paint or gel may have
been penetrated, you should first seek the
advice of your supplying Auto-Sleeper dealer.
Cleaning Interior Plastics
Interior plastic parts, such as the shower and
wash basin, should only be cleaned with
warm soapy water, or non-abrasive cleaners
specified as being suitable for use on plastic
items.
Removing Scratches from Acrylic
Windows
All windows, except the chassis cab and
Luton, are manufactured in acrylic. Over time
these become scratched and their clarity
impaired. An Acrylic Window Polish removes
unwanted scratches and blemishes leaving a
clear, haze free finish. Minor scratches can
be polished out directly.
Recommended Materials
G3 Paste Compound: This is a cutting
compound and polish, recommended for use
on painted surfaces and GRP. It is ideal for
removing the traffic film that builds up on
glassfibre coachwork and not only restores it
to its former glory, but adds a high level of
polish as well.
G10 Extra Fine Grade Liquid: This is again
ideal for polishing surfaces and removes swirl
marks and very fine scratches. It is less
abrasive than G3 yet has the same polish
properties and cleans and restores
discoloured surfaces. It is ideal for use on
dark colours. Can also be used to polish out
scratches on plastic windows.
Finishing Cloths: These are very fine grade
cloths, woven and thus easily washable that
are recommended by Farecia for use with
their materials.
The above can be purchased from our
Service Centre, Willersey (01386) 853511.