We need to replace most of the vinyl on our 2015. We will bookmark this video, even though we know the basics (we have worked on boats for years). Thanks John!
Great articulation and really good informational details. Having done similar work in the construction industry. I would only add one thing to the process that you described so well. Rather than removing one half of the release backing material, I would suggest leaving a small piece in place where the hand is holding the decal, so as to eliminate finger contact with the adhesive portion of the decal, thus helping to not disturb the "tack" from the adhesive, then of course removing the final piece as you finish the application.
Last comment - promise... John is right - watch your balance. I found great satisfaction pulling off a large swath of vinyl, only to have it break and I fell backwards.
Removing decal hint: I found that once you have an initial area loose with heat gun, use a wooden dowel and roll the old decal onto the dowel. Because the dowl is pulling evenly, there will be a much less chance of ripping the decal and having to start over with the heat gun.
Super helpful John. We have a 2015 RPod 179 and all the decals are faded and cracked from getting baked by the sun. Wondering how long it took you to do just the one you displayed here in your video. Thanks for sharing the steps on your website as well. Cheers!
Marty, the big front sticker was about a two-hour ordeal using the tools we had. I would think it would be faster with a real heat gun and plastic razor blade. As shown in the video there was a lot of manual labor involved. Thanks!
I used Wash Wax All on my decals. Huge mistake and it seemed to make them crack faster. I also noticed the "Hood River Edition" text is in great shape, and the main decal above it is terrible. Seems some of the decals are very prone to cracking in the sun.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Mine seemed fine until we hit year four, and the front was in the sun quite a bit uncovered. I guess I should be glad it lasted that long before cracking.
I learned from my wife that when applying a sticker use a spray bottle with light soapy water. It allows corrections to be made, and you can work out the problems laying down the decal with a plastic tool, sponge and cloth. She learned that from applying window tint on our house windows. As for removing the decal... I can't say anything good. You have to be patient. Get a teen - maybe maybe they'd take 20 bucks before realizing the pain in arse it is 🙂
I purchased directly from Forest River. They happened to have one of these older decals still in stock. I will refrain from posting Forest River’s phone or email here, so if you would like their contact info, please email me at: john@johnmarucci.com
You must have been a shop teacher in a previous life?
Thanks for sharing!🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
We need to replace most of the vinyl on our 2015. We will bookmark this video, even though we know the basics (we have worked on boats for years). Thanks John!
Glad the video was helpful!
Great articulation and really good informational details. Having done similar work in the construction industry. I would only add one thing to the process that you described so well. Rather than removing one half of the release backing material, I would suggest leaving a small piece in place where the hand is holding the decal, so as to eliminate finger contact with the adhesive portion of the decal, thus helping to not disturb the "tack" from the adhesive, then of course removing the final piece as you finish the application.
Great tip. Thanks!
Last comment - promise... John is right - watch your balance. I found great satisfaction pulling off a large swath of vinyl, only to have it break and I fell backwards.
Yep, it’s easy to do if you’re not careful. Thanks again for sharing!
Great presentation of how to remove and apply a new decal. Thanks so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Nice work John, thanks for the detailed video. Looking at replacing some of the decals on our 179 hood river edition
Glad to help!
John. Thank for the video. I have a 2015 RPod 179 that needs new decals. Where can I purchase these?
Please send me an email and I'll send the contact info. Email - john@johnmarucci.com
It also helps to spray surface with water with a drop of dish soap. Allows you to reposition decal and to facilitate removal of air bubbles.
Jeff, thanks for the tip!
Removing decal hint: I found that once you have an initial area loose with heat gun, use a wooden dowel and roll the old decal onto the dowel. Because the dowl is pulling evenly, there will be a much less chance of ripping the decal and having to start over with the heat gun.
Good tip. Thanks for sharing!
Hi John - thank you again! I'm getting our 179 ready to sell, and wanted to replace the front decal as well... Where did you buy/find the decal?
Please email me at: john@johnmarucci.com
Super helpful John. We have a 2015 RPod 179 and all the decals are faded and cracked from getting baked by the sun. Wondering how long it took you to do just the one you displayed here in your video. Thanks for sharing the steps on your website as well. Cheers!
Marty, the big front sticker was about a two-hour ordeal using the tools we had. I would think it would be faster with a real heat gun and plastic razor blade. As shown in the video there was a lot of manual labor involved. Thanks!
@@JohnMarucci thank you for the quick response. Really enjoy your channel!
Great video I was curious on who makes the decal remover stuff you were using?
I have the complete list of supplies and process here: johnmarucci.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/R-Pod-Front-Decal-Replacement-Process.pdf
Thank you for another great video! Where did you buy the decal and what do you use to wash and wax please? TY
I got the decal from Forest River directly. I can send you the contact info via email if you like. Please email me at john@johnmarucci.com
I used Wash Wax All on my decals. Huge mistake and it seemed to make them crack faster. I also noticed the "Hood River Edition" text is in great shape, and the main decal above it is terrible. Seems some of the decals are very prone to cracking in the sun.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Mine seemed fine until we hit year four, and the front was in the sun quite a bit uncovered. I guess I should be glad it lasted that long before cracking.
Did he mention where he bought the rpod decal? I need one for the slideout side of my green 2015 rpod 179.
I got it from Forest River directly. Feel free to email me should you want the email of the contact I went through: john@johnmarucci.com
Wear did you buy the new decal ?
Directly from Forest River. Feel free to email me at john@johnmarucci.com and I will reply with the contact from Forest River to work with. Thanks!
Where did you get the decal replacement?
Directly from Forest River. If you would like contact info of who I worked with, please email me at: john@johnmarucci.com
I learned from my wife that when applying a sticker use a spray bottle with light soapy water. It allows corrections to be made, and you can work out the problems laying down the decal with a plastic tool, sponge and cloth. She learned that from applying window tint on our house windows.
As for removing the decal... I can't say anything good. You have to be patient. Get a teen - maybe maybe they'd take 20 bucks before realizing the pain in arse it is 🙂
Sounds like a good idea on the application of decal. Thanks again!
Where did you get the decal?
Yes! Where did you get the decal? I’ve been looking everywhere!
I purchased directly from Forest River. They happened to have one of these older decals still in stock. I will refrain from posting Forest River’s phone or email here, so if you would like their contact info, please email me at: john@johnmarucci.com