Topic: Gatorback

[MoAv]

I would like to hear from people who have had the cladding Gatorbacked-how does it hold up over time?  Anyone have it done say a year or more ago?  I've seen the pic's and it sure looks good, but for the price I would like to know how long it lasts...Appreciate any info ;D

[bluedevil]

I personaly dont have it done on mine but i have seen it on other Av's and sure looks excellent. For sure is a must have.  Hopefully another member {like BNASTY} jump in on this and discuss it with ya :thumb:

[Sunburst05]

I had mine done last fall and it still looks great. I am glad I did it but the dealer picked up my cost. Have you talked to them about it? Here is a pic of mine afterward.                                      

[BNASTY]

My Gatorback was also paid for and installed by the Dealership.

1. It does look good when clean and shine promotor applied ( exam. Armorall ) without it I feel it looks like a dull matte finish and in some areas even a Little blotchy.

2. It will scratch through ( it is a topical paint not a dye ) so buy a touch up applicator, You'll need it.

3. If you change your color like I have, ( 02 Lt. gray to AVO black ) you increase the potential for the original color to show through via scratches or nicks.  ( front fascia, running boards, door edges, lift gate edge, etc. )

4. Overall it is a good product and would recommend it to anyone having issues with fading plastic, just don't expect it to be bullet proof, and be ready to do some occasional touch up work.

B

B

[MoAv]

Thanks for the info all-This is what I needed to know.  I just bought the truck and want to get it looking good.  Bnasty-that's the kind of info I needed.  I wasn't sure the Gatorback was a permanent fix or not.  I guess anything worth having is worth working on, right?!!  Sunburst05-great color on your Av!  Looks good! I'm headed out for the weekend-got one of those "truck" tents-we'll see how that works!!

[Zeus]

Just got my 04 back from the dealer yesterday had the gatorback done last week but whoever did it applied the wrong color, got home and was P.O'd big time got the dealer to redo and cover the cost of a rental..... looks like new!!

[bluedevil]

Looks good Zeus!   Congrats!

[chevyfan]

My Gatorback was also paid for and installed by the Dealership.

1. It does look good when clean and shine promotor applied ( exam. Armorall ) without it I feel it looks like a dull matte finish and in some areas even a Little blotchy.

2. It will scratch through ( it is a topical paint not a dye ) so buy a touch up applicator, You'll need it.

3. If you change your color like I have, ( 02 Lt. gray to AVO black ) you increase the potential for the original color to show through via scratches or nicks.  ( front fascia, running boards, door edges, lift gate edge, etc. )

4. Overall it is a good product and would recommend it to anyone having issues with fading plastic, just don't expect it to be bullet proof, and be ready to do some occasional touch up work.

B

B

Hey BNASTY how is your gatorback holding up still? I have an agreement with dealer to get mine done I just have to let him know when.

[bluedevil]

Hey BNASTY how is your gatorback holding up still? I have an agreement with dealer to get mine done I just have to let him know when.

Last time i saw his AV,it looked good.

[farmguy]

From what I've read Refinish/Restore lasts much longer. Just my $.02, haven't tried either.

[chevyfan]

I can get the gatorback done for free, I just have to live without my AV for a few days while it is at the paint shop.

[trAVelingman]

From what I've read Refinish/Restore lasts much longer. Just my $.02, haven't tried either.

ap
Oh that is so not right.  With correct prep and application, the Gatorback is a permanent fix that requires no maintenance UNLESS you are changing colors.  If you are staying with the same color cladding, any scratching that may/will occur will not be as prone to show through as much as those that are changing colors.  Even if your changing color, simple touch up is all it takes to keep it looking good.  Gatorback Coating is a permanent application whereas Refinish Restorer requires subsequent reapplications.  I have nothing against either product, but for my money, I will go with the Gatorback.

The trick to Gatorback is to make sure that the prep is done correctly without shortcuts.  Without the proper prep work, it will undoubtedly fail and your Gatorback coating will be peeling off within 6 months.  If your dealer has not done the Gatorback application before, run far and run fast.  I have done the application to 4 AV's after learning the secret to success from the infamous JohnBChef.  We did EarthQuake's AV in March of 2006 and it still looks phenomenal.

[chevyfan]

Thanks for everyone's opinion. The dealer said he will not be doing it there that Chevy told him it has to go to a paint shop to be done. I am hoping that they will be able to do it right. But if anyone(Trav) has any secrets I might be able to pass on it would be much appreciated.

[farmguy]

ap
Oh that is so not right. 

Thanks for the info....
Like I said I have no experience with either one. There seems to be a wide variety of opinions. I was all set to get mine done at the dealer who replaced the tranny, but since they have never done it before, I think I'll go to plan b.

[jtdchevy]

Question. 
Was your truck still under warranty when you got it done.  I have a 07 and man it looks sad with those stripes on it.  After 36000 i became the warranty holder which means i don't have one.
So am i going to pay through the nose to get it done or is there someone i can call

[oHIobellboy]

Question. 
Was your truck still under warranty when you got it done.  I have a 07 and man it looks sad with those stripes on it.  After 36000 i became the warranty holder which means i don't have one.
So am i going to pay through the nose to get it done or is there someone i can call

Are you the original owner? I'd give the service guy some grief if you are. This is a known problem and they should take care of it. Mine was refused because I am the second owner of mine.

[chevyfan]

Like I said before, I have that agreement with the dealer to have it done, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I am the second owner of mine but got the extended warranty for the AV and had to have the 3rd panel replaced for warpage.

[bluedevil]

Gatorback is done under warranty.  1st owner i would think.

[MyBigToy]

Fowlhunter had his truck Gatorbacked and is not happy with it because it's weathering. It might have been application but it sure appears to me that the Gatorback is fading - it's not zebra-striping, just fading.

MoAv did the RR 1-1/2 years ago and is just now starting to show stripes on the sail panels. Her truck sits outside 24-7 so I'd personally choose the RR if you only have to apply it every 1-1/2 years. Since my truck sits inside most of the time I'd be guessing an application would last at least 5 years. An application of Black Again lasts over a year for me.