St. Louis Metro

[MFD76]

[quote name='STLFire2494' timestamp='1298345809' post='426511']

I can recant my comment about the gold leafing. I'm sure the Pierce/LTI's looked much better in their first decade of service. Now they are going on 20+ years, and more or less have yellow streaks on the doors. But it fades with time, accidents and even bullet holes and also when the trucks get washed/brushed; practically rubbing the paint off. I grew up in firehouses with gold leafing trim and lettering and it looked really sharp.



Im glad my ambulance isnt gold leafed. The new LED lighting gives us good pop.



Its all about the other colors of the truck.

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When I came on almost fifteen years ago. Both our Pierce Arrows still had gold leaf, being the odd one out. Actually loving the job, I was reading the owners manual one night. I ran across the paint and gold leaf warranty. It said once a year in order to maintain the gold leaf integrity you must coat the gold leaf in clear lacquer, if not the above mentioned happens it chips and peals. Now back then our rigs shined, washed twice a day you could eat off the dog house. It was obvious the doors had not been taken care of and the gold leaf was chipping and faded. So in short time the doors were wet sanded and decal applied with reflective strip.



The new gold leaf most mfg's use is a gold leaf on adhesive back with shading. They apply the gold leaf and then place a clear vinyl Mylar over the top to protect it. It is very durable now, actually might be more durable than the fancy Scotch Light that has color or outline ink printed on top. The new Scotch Light with inks tends to fade with UV light over time.



Just my thoughts,

Rick