gotair's painting dilemma got me thinking...

[Katt]

Mark, I wouldn't presume to think you were tasteless. Maybe I'm just a purist.. On another note could you imagine annodizing the entire skin of your AS? Panel by panel...

[Stefrobrts]

That flamed AS would look SO COOL behind a vintage tow vehicle, I'm thinking my Dad's black 57 chevy (why didn't he keep that one around for us kids?). I could go for that.

Speaking of multi-colored AS, we've all seen the pics of Wally's gold airstream. Is it painted gold, or some other process? Whatever it is it must hold up well, it sounds like the airstream company has left it sitting outside for years.

[MarkE]

Hey, now I don't feel so bad about my reactions to the unusual!
I do believe Wally's gold Airstream was annodized (as Katt suggested) and that's why it has held up well over the years. Avion used to use annodized aluminum for their trailers and most of them can be cleaned-up to look pretty nice, still today. Over the years, I have wondered why Airstream doesn't go this route. It would give a bit different appearance to the trailer (while still keeping it recognizable as an Airstream), but the payoff would come years down the line when they still looked good without the failing clearcoat/plasticoat.
So, putting together several ideas expressed in this thread: I could certainly see a pink, annodized finish Airstream (with maybe a bit of tasteful pinstriping) behind th Nomad. OH YEAH!