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jking · 03-16-2007, 12:33 PM

We finallly gave in and went to paint. Our '84 310 diesel is now sporting a new paint finish - no more scratches showing or oxidized aluminum spots! It turns out that Ford has a silver paint for its pickup trucks that is so close to the clearcoated aluminum color and finish that the difference is almost imperceptible. I'll post pictures at the first opportunity (I'll wait for a sunny day to take them).

ALANSD · 03-16-2007, 12:39 PM

great...we love photos. The paint should be easy to maintain over time.

nvestysly · 03-16-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jking

We finallly gave in and went to paint.

jking - We are very interested to hear about your project and see pictures. Where did you have the work done? Did you follow the process that Andy (Inland RV) recommended? If not, why? How much did the paint job cost if you don't mind saying.

My wife and I are considering paint too. I saw an oxidized unit that was recently clearcoated by AS in Jackson Center. It certainly looked better than before but it still leaves a lot to be desired in my mind. Our '92 trailer has some blotches & blemishes - I think paint may be the way to go.

Thanks, Lucius

BigAl · 03-16-2007, 06:04 PM

Lucius,
I will by at the April rally with my painted '94. It was painted in '94 so you can see how well it stands up. It was done by the dealer.
Al

GlenCoombe · 03-17-2007, 06:04 AM

The bottom of my unit has an Imron Marine Blue paint that has stood up very well indeed. The topside is grey and oxidized to the point of being flat. Time and money need to come together so that I can redo the topsides first.

I'm getting ready to do a third coat of bright white to the roof today.

JKing, as you live on the coast what if any precautions will you take to keep the salt air and sun off your finish?

Are you coming to Hiawassee? Looking forward to seeing your finished job....in picture and in person.

Silvertwinkie · 03-17-2007, 07:46 AM

I think in the long run, the paint will be less problematic then the clear coats. I too would love to see pics. I've seen one Airstream painted and it looked as if it were a factory finish....you'd have to get about a foot or so from it before you saw that it was painted.

Robfike · 03-17-2007, 10:30 AM

We are thinking about paint as well. Seems like the best way to go.
Rob

jking · 03-27-2007, 07:13 AM

Photos available but too large to attach here (over 2 MB). I'll send them email to anybody that asks.
We're really really really happy with it. The job was done by a truck/auto body shop that has the area UPS contract - those have aluminum bodies, too. The cost was sizeable but worth it in the long run because it'll last many years longer than acrylic clearcoat.

jking · 03-27-2007, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvestysly

jking - We are very interested to hear about your project and see pictures. Where did you have the work done? Did you follow the process that Andy (Inland RV) recommended? If not, why? How much did the paint job cost if you don't mind saying.

My wife and I are considering paint too. I saw an oxidized unit that was recently clearcoated by AS in Jackson Center. It certainly looked better than before but it still leaves a lot to be desired in my mind. Our '92 trailer has some blotches & blemishes - I think paint may be the way to go.

Thanks, Lucius

They stripped and sandblasted lightly, then an etching primer, then a chromate primer, then the paint, then the clearcoat. It is the process used in keeping the brown UPS trucks brown. The cost was slightly over $7k.

HowieE · 03-27-2007, 08:57 AM

Jking

Quote:

Originally Posted by jking

Photos available but too large to attach here (over 2 MB). I'll send them email to anybody that asks.
We're really really really happy with it. The job was done by a truck/auto body shop that has the area UPS contract - those have aluminum bodies, too. The cost was sizeable but worth it in the long run because it'll last many years longer than acrylic clearcoat.

If you do not have a program to reduce the size of your pictures e mail to me and I will reduce them and return them for posting. I think there are more interested in seeing them then you can e mail to.

Chuckles · 04-04-2007, 01:57 PM

There is some Presto Gelcoat Rejuvenator/polish up for grabs on ebay; Item number: 180103465881, has any one used this - is it worth while?

jking · 04-05-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

If you do not have a program to reduce the size of your pictures e mail to me and I will reduce them and return them for posting. I think there are more interested in seeing them then you can e mail to.

I will do that with gratitude if I can know your email address. Mine is KG4RLJ@ARL.NET (capitals for clarity only).
Jamie

IPM · 04-11-2007, 06:41 AM

Please post the ford color code numbers so we might get that paint also!

HowieE · 04-11-2007, 07:30 AM

jking

A private message is on the way.

IPM · 04-12-2007, 05:37 AM

Also, could U tell us what brand(s) and product ID of the etching primer and chromate primer and the paint as well please? Is the final paint system used a base coat/clear coat?

Silvertwinkie · 04-12-2007, 06:12 AM

Pics??

Redbird · 04-12-2007, 09:23 AM

My husband has been wanting to paint our 1983 34' Airstream. We would also like to see pictures on this forum. Also, has anyone had problems with the side thermopane windows that condensation has built up inside. Is it possible to drill a hole to let this water out without breaking the glass?