Signature Plate
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR MANUAL
SUPREME CORPORATION

Signature Plate Maintenance and Repair Manual

March 2015

Table of Contents
Tools Required and Materials Required

……………………………………………………………………………………

Pg. 3

Delamination Test

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Pg. 4

Types of Damage

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pg. 5

Repair Area Cleaning and Prep

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pg. 5

Notices / Warnings Prior to Repair

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Pg. 5

Surface Repair / Quick Set (Option 1)

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pg. 6

Filler Repair for Exposed Core (Option 2)

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pg. 6

……………………………………………………………………………….

Pg. 7

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Pg. 7

Plate Repair Options

Filler Repair for Hole Through Panel (Option 3)
Complete Panel Replacement (Option 4)

SUPREME Preferred Service and Parts Centers

SUPREME Warranty and Customer Service

This manual is intended to provide general instructions to the user on how to repair PW and Fiberpanel HC damage. There is no guarantee, no
assumption of responsibility, or liability to the user for the methods or materials suggested in this manual. All information contained herein, and its
implementation, is for use at the discretion of the manual user. The user assumes all responsibility and liability.

Always perform a Delamination Test prior to starting any repair on Signature Plate walls. Repairs applied to a
wall were delamination has started, due to the damage, will result in an ineffective repair. Delamination, if not
corrected, may weaken the walls structural integrity over time.

Contact Supreme Corporation Warranty Support and Service with any questions related to materials, repair
process, and/or any other concerns if not covered within this manual.

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Signature Plate Maintenance and Repair Manual

March 2015

Required Tool and Materials Needed (Use automotive grade materials wherever possible)
1.

7” High Speed Grinder

2.

Dual Action Air Sander

3.

Caulk Gun

4.

Phonetic Foam Paint Roller

5.

Deburring Router

6.

Rubber Mallet

7.

Flexible Putty Knife

8.

Solvent Mixing Sticks

9.

Metal/Tin Snips

10.

Materials
1.

Automotive Masking Tape

2.

Mylar Film

3.

Reinforced Body Filler (Short Strand)

4.

Isopropyl Alcohol

5.

7” Grinding Discs

6.

3000 to 5000 grit sanding discs

7.

Tack Cloths (Automotive Finish Grade)

8.

Clean Shop Rags

9.

Imron 5000 Primer
Quickset Finish Coat Paint System (Only
approved for minor scratch repair, Option 1)

10.

Imron Finish Coat Paint in color matching wall

11.

Examples of Tools and Materials

Repairs completed using automotive grade materials will provide the best long-term results as well as reduce
sanding and prep time.
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Signature Plate Maintenance and Repair Manual

March 2015

Delamination Test

Using a quarter lightly tap the exterior wall panel, right next to the damaged area, slowly moving
outward. While tapping listen, for changes in the pitch produced by the tapping of the wall.
Similar to the change in sound when locating a stud in a wall.
If while moving outward the sound of the tapping changes pitch, it is a good indication that
delamination has occurred.
If there is no noticeable change in pitch, it is safe to continue with the intended repair.
In the event the delamination test results indicate delamination has occurred, contact Supreme
Warranty/Customer Service/Customer Service/Customer Service and Customer Service for
information regarding the appropriate repair that needs to take place.

Continuing with a repair, after the delamination test indicates delamination has occurred, may lead to further
weakening of the walls structural integrity. Supreme recommends panel replacement if delamination is present
to prevent any further structural deterioration.

DO NOT attempt to hammer out a dent in the Signature Plate panel. Doing so will result in delamination of the
panel, steel plate separating from the core material.

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Signature Plate Maintenance and Repair Manual

March 2015

Types of Damage Covered in this Manual and the Repair Options
REPAIR
OPTION

DAMAGE

DAMAGE DESCRIPTION

Surface Scratches

1

Scratches in the panel that are only through the painted
surface. They do not gouge the steel plate

Scratches, Dents, and Gouges
(2.0” or wider)

2

Scratches and gouges that penetrate the paint and the steel
plate exposing the panel core.

Deep Gouges

2

Gouges in the panel that penetrate the steel plate and core
material.

Through Hole (not exceeding 3.0”)

3

A hole, 3.0” wide or smaller, which completely penetrates
the panel making the interior of the cargo body visible
through it.

Through Hole Larger than 3.0”
Wide

4

A hole, larger than 3.0”, which completely penetrates the
walls making the interior or the cargo body visible.

Definitions

Delamination

The separation of the outer layer from the core.
Delamination will not stop after a repair is made if the
delamination occurring was not repaired as well. Over
time the delamination of the panel will negatively
impact the panel’s structural integrity.

Mylar Film

A thin but strong polyester film used in many industries.

Signature Plate

Supreme manufactured wall composed of a high-density polyethylene
core bonded between two sheets of high-strength steel.

Tack Cloth

A wiping cloth designed specifically to remove fine particles
from painted, sanded, primered, surfaces with its
sticky/tacky coating.

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Signature Plate Maintenance and Repair Manual

March 2015

Cleaning and Prepping Damaged Area for Repair:
1. Protect hands with disposable gloves.
2. Using the deburring tool or metal file, knock off any sharp edges or metal shards.
*

If needed, sand or grind the damaged area to a smooth surface with an air sander or high speed
grinder.

*

When sanding for application of paint, sand a minimum of 3 inches around perimeter of the area to be repaired.
Failure to do so can result in a lack of adhesion and failure of repair.

3. Using Isopropyl Alcohol and a clean rag, clean the damaged area thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, metal