New member and I could use some advice.

[cvaz831]

Hi, I'm new to all this and haven't done forums before. I'm in California and I'm getting ready to take the plunge and buy my first Air Stream. And I am really green, so bear with me but I have a question... I found a 1979 Argosy and the paint is starting to peel, can I strip the paint and then can it be sealed and polished? I've seen pictures of polished Argosy's but I haven't found a thread that talks about removing paint and then polishing.

Thanks for the help and I know I'll be learning a ton from these forums.

[mpsgolf]

Welcome!

I'm not a rehabber but tons of folks on this forum are and can give you good advice from first hand experience.

Good luck and be SAFE!

[Al Boondy]

I think the end caps of Argosy campers are made out of steel not aluminum.

Perhaps paint the entire camper silver? I've seen this done and it looked great.

[HowieE]

Keep reading here but your best way to search form items on this forum is to Google the topic. Try Argosy rehab or Argosy painting you will find a ton of stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9q_TUMpcQw

[Dalwyn]

Welcome to the forums. Good luck with your project.

[mandolindave]

Then you have to clear coat. Clearcoating is a big job, and doesn't last as long as paint.


In the long run painting is cheaper. I think ???? IMHO

You can paint the Argosy to match your tow vehicle.

[ALANSD]

painting it silver with good quality paint would do the trick. Stripping it to polish would be a very hard but not impossible task. And yes the curved end caps are steel and won't polish.
Search these photos for ideas, there are many other ways to paint an Argosy and make it look great

[ALANSD]

for example:

[cvaz831]

Thank you to everyone who welcomed me and gave me great ideas to consider. I went ahead and bought my Airstream Argosy yesterday, Yea!! and now I'm waiting for the right time to bring it home and start the work.

I've decided to go ahead and paint her with an aluminum (looking) paint, because I do like the original Airstream look (even though the Argosy was painted). This is going to be an experience. I've been having fun looking at different ideas for both the interior and exterior and am looking forward to our maiden voyage sometime in the hopefully near (?) future.

Again thank you for your help, I know I'll be relying on you all for great idea, good tips and probably from time to time a shoulder to cry on (hope not). Here goes nothing....

[tvketchum]

Welcome! Another source of info and support is the Airstream Club and the local members near you. There are Argosy owners in the club, who can help. Visit www.wbcci.org for details!


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Tom
TVKetchum

[xrvr]

Great, enjoy your adventure.