Protecting truck paint from dust storms

[sparkletarte]

I'm bringing down my work truck, so we can make the 2 day trek in style and comfort, which has a big custom made aluminum canopy with a decal-and-paint job on it. I already know I have to cover up my advertising. I've read that the dust storms can act like sandpaper on vehicle paint. I would be very sad if my canopy was ruined. I'm going to bring some cloth sheets to cover it up with. Do I need something else, more heavy duty? Does anyone have experience with the alkaline dust reacting with painted (and unpainted, on the inside) aluminum and vinyl decals? She'll be getting a thorough bath once we get back to Reno...any suggestions for where to go a hand wash? What other precautions can I take?

And if you see a big white dodge deisel pickup and canopy with Endless Harvest organic food delivery on it (before I cover it up!), come say hi, that's me!

[TheJudge]

The playa dust is more like akali talcum powder, not sand. Its not so much abrasive as it is corrosive. If there are unpainted aluminum surfaces it may start eating into the metal if you stayed out there for any length of time, but for a week, I dont think its going to react that quickly. Especially if you keep it covered.

If you are worried about the finish, make sure its got a good wax job before you go, then when you get back, I would suggest a commercial car wash to get the bulk of the dust out and then hand wash it with a little vinegar after that.

[damon]

Bringing a car cover for regular passenger car is a good idea? Or it won`nt make any difference? I`m considering renting a car, but, if there`s a huge chance that paint can be damaged in any way, I`ll propably stick with my car.

[sparkletarte]

Thanks for the info. I hadn't thought about the wax job, but that will for sure be done before we leave! And then I'll just bring some sheets to cover up my non-corporate sole-proprietor advertising anyways.

Hmmm, if I'm not a corporation do I have to cover my logo? Whatever, I will anyways for protection, just pondering.

[SilkenTofu]

Hmmm, if I'm not a corporation do I have to cover my logo? Whatever, I will anyways for protection, just pondering.

You don't have to but a lot of people either cover or alter logo's. Just think about trying to leave as many reminders of the default world out of sight. This get harder every year with the number of Cruise America rented RV's, Ryder's and U-Hauls. Nothing that a couple of cocktails won't take care of tho.

[shitmouse]

Bringing a car cover for regular passenger car is a good idea? Or it won`nt make any difference?

your best off NOT using a car cover.
i have a 1966 chevelle with 9 coats of hand rubber laquer on it, and i had to have it outside one summer in a windy town in NE. by the end of the windy summer, the corners on my car were polished all the way down to bare metal ,from the constant rubbing of nylon on paint.

no contact is best, the playa is dusty, but your paint will be ok. your stickers will be fine too. just manually wipe every part of your car when cleaning. the car wash sprayer doesn't remove playa dust, but your hands will.
-b

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[shitmouse]

Bringing a car cover for regular passenger car is a good idea? Or it won`nt make any difference?

your best off NOT using a car cover.
i have a 1966 chevelle with 9 coats of hand rubber laquer on it, and i had to have it outside one summer in a windy town in NE. by the end of the windy summer, the corners on my car were polished all the way down to bare metal ,from the constant rubbing of nylon on paint.

no contact is best, the playa is dusty, but your paint will be ok. your stickers will be fine too. just manually wipe every part of your car when cleaning. the car wash sprayer doesn't remove playa dust, but your hands will.
-b

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