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Old 07-15-2011, 03:31 PM   #1
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Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Our 04' PH top had developed a large amount of small cracks in the gel coat and eventually started to leak when it rained. After a bit of research I weighed my options. To have the top sprayed with LineX or Rhino Liner by a local shop was going to be $1200, even if I did ALL of the prep work. SMB West gave me a slightly lower price but I live 15 hrs from there so that wasn't going to work either. Instead of having it done I decided to do it myself and purchased the Raptor Liner that SMB now uses on their PH tops.
The Raptor liner comes in an easy to use kit that also includes the sprayer and hardener. I got it on amazon.com for $114 shipped. Not bad at all. I ordered the black non-tintable product because having a matching top is not that important to me since most of the van is black and dark green anyway.


The directions called for sanding and cleaning the surface in preparation and that was about it other than it did not recommend applying it in very hot temperatures.



I removed the cargo box, solar panel, awning and rubber gasket that was on the penthouse. Sanding took about 2 hours with a palm sander.

Next was masking and covering the van, this was a bit hard and having two people is a must!

Spraying began and was very easy to apply. I had the air compressor set at 50psi.









All of the photos show when the liner was still wet, hence the inconsistency of the finish.
I had enough left over to do my steps and front bumper as well. Looks great! I need to get a photo with all the stuff back on. We have had a ton of torrential downpours here and no leaks. The Raptor Liner is thick and waterproof. I applied 3 coats to the top, waiting an hour between coats.
For a bit of time and sweat, I got the top done for under $200 and I am very satisfied with the outcome.

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Old 07-15-2011, 04:02 PM   #2
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Looks great! Will you do mine for $300
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Old 07-15-2011, 05:16 PM   #3
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Great post and great job , the black really compliments the overall color scheme Saline !
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Old 07-15-2011, 05:17 PM   #4
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

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Old 07-15-2011, 06:50 PM   #5
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Nice!

Did you just remove the bolts that hold the top to the PH brackets, spray the top, and then re-install the bolts? Any issues with re-fitting the bolts? Did you use fresh butyl rubber under the washers? Lastly, do the black plastic plugs that hold the edge gasket in place just pop out and then back in?


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Old 07-15-2011, 09:49 PM   #6
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Thanks fellas!
Phil- you buy the beer, I'll help!

Herb- The plastic grommets popped out easily but I still ended up breaking 3 of them. They are a standard upholstery item that you can find at most auto parts places. I removed all the hardware and used Goo Gone to get the old butyl off. Once the top was sprayed and dried I used new Butyl on all the bolts. I left the bolts in place when I sprayed, just taped the threads.
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Old 07-15-2011, 10:11 PM   #7
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Heck, I'll buy a keg. It's the drive to Fruita that I have to find time for.

Phil
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Old 07-15-2011, 10:29 PM   #8
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

I did the same and also coated my 35 passenger bus with it, but tinted to match the colors i wanted. Raptor liner is great and so easy to apply. Nice job.
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Old 07-17-2011, 09:38 AM   #9
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Good to hear it works well! I am thinking of doing the same but I don't think they make it in white.
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Old 07-18-2011, 10:33 PM   #10
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Re: Re-finishing the PH Top (Raptor Liner)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roonie
Good to hear it works well! I am thinking of doing the same but I don't think they make it in white.
I thought SMB was using Raptor lining???
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