Refinishing Window Frames

[StPierre]

We reinstalled the belly pan, set up and tested all the plumbing, electrical and gas lines and now on to the windows.

The window frames are pitted. Are there any suggestions or techniques to bring back the aluminum finish? I have added a picture of the window frame and the reinstalled belly pan. One step at a time!

[Eric H]

Wire brush on a drill should get most of the corrosion off. You can sand them by hand after to make them really smooth again.

[cuyeda]

I will defer to the experts, but depends on what outcome you want. For starters try a 00 fine steel wool and WD-40. That should bring it back to a matt aluminum finish. The corrosion pits may still be left behind, but at least it will be cleaner. For further results, others may chime in! I try to stay away from sand paper, but that is just me.

[StPierre]

I have finished all but one window . Started with a wirewheel then used 200 grit then 400 grit finished with 1500. with good results. a fair amount of work , but worth it . I will post a picuture when all windows with new screens installed

[StPierre]

We did it! We finished rebuilding all the windows. New seals and gaskets and screens on the Safari.

[rumrunner]

Beautiful! You give me hope that mine will look as good someday.
tim

[flyfishrra]

So where does one get the new belly pan material? And if I wanted to insulate the underside better what would I use? Not a fan of the fiberglass insulation. Foam board insulation maybe? Lots of my pan has extra holes or is rotting out. want to maybe get started on replacing it soon.

[StPierre]

Flyfishrra Iam not sure were to get a belly pan . I used 1 inch foam board glued and screwed to floor. I also used foil tape on all seams

[KCN]

Windows/Screens look amazing; starting mine now - thanks for posting the how-to!!

Kathy

[inTransit]

Originally Posted by flyfishrra

So where does one get the new belly pan material? And if I wanted to insulate the underside better what would I use? Not a fan of the fiberglass insulation. Foam board insulation maybe? Lots of my pan has extra holes or is rotting out. want to maybe get started on replacing it soon.

I got bellypan sheet aluminum 48" wide cut to length and shipped from airparts. Cant remember the type and grade but its in the forum history if you search. Some say local materials shops may carry also but after several phone calls and lots of indifference/indecision (we might have it/larger order, etc) by them airparts was far more convenient and price competitive.

[awolff]

Hi Flyfishrra, we got .025 4x8 aluminum sheets from a local outfit that sells alumimun.
We also used the foam board and glue like St. Pierre instead of the fiberglass pink stuff. We used the belly pan rivets from Vintage Trailer supply. It was a painstaking project, we replaced all the underbelly panels.

[Jonn Five]

Originally Posted by StPierre

We did it! We finished rebuilding all the windows. New seals and gaskets and screens on the Safari.

Looks Great! Just picked up a 1954.. Cant wait to get to this point... Any tips on where I can start looking for seals and gasket for the window frames and door?