2001 Grand Caravan needs some TLC

8

80 West

New member
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Greetings, folks.

I recently purchased a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. When I initially looked at it the paint looked pretty good considering it's been sitting in the South Florida sun for nearly 10 years. Anyway, after closer inspection there are some things that need to be addressed. I come here looking for advice as to how to correct these problems. I have no detailing tools or first-hand experience. And since I'm a quadriplegic I will either have to purchase equipment and have my father do the labor or find someone in my area who does this as a business.

Most of these pictures don't need much explanation. The roof of the van appears to be in rough condition. You'll notice the sliding door on the passenger side looks fairly good. However, the rear quarter panel and passenger door looks a bit more faded in comparison. I am posting photos and hoping those with the knowledge can tell exactly what it is I'm dealing with -- and tell me the best way to go about correcting these issues. Thanks for any information you all can provide.

Here are the pictures...
 
I'm in Fort Myers area. I agree, does look to be repainted
 
I probably should've added that I am in Boynton Beach. FWIW, unless they did a good job of blending the repaint job -- or it has weathered over a period of time -- it looks to be the original paint all around. The reason I thought the roof looks so bad is because I figured the previous owner never waxed the roof. And as for the sliding door on the passenger side, I chalked that up to be due to the modifications done by IMS when they lowered the floor 10 inches and the other modifications.

But, whether it's original paint or has seen a paint booth a time or two, what can be done from a polishing/detailing standpoint to help the matter? Maybe it's time for another go through the paint booth? The color code for this car is PEL (Inferno Red Mica).
 
I would try and polish it out. The roof needs the most work, it may be past the point of bringing it back. Spending $500.00 on detail supplies is much less that a repaint. You're located just below AG, check with Mike at AG. Maybe you could arange to have it there for a demo/ makeover/ training class or something.
 
From the pictures it looks like it is a wheelchair accessible conversion van. These vans go under a good deal of conversion. I used to work at a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer and we saw these all the time. My guess is that when they did the conversion some panels had to be repainted. You are most likely dealing with different paint thicknesses/ages.
Hope that helps a little!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top