$6800 to Polish or DIY

Roadrunner · 09-02-2009, 08:25 PM

We just purchased a 1978 28' Ambassador. The skin is actually not in bad shape; however, it is showing it's age. An estimate to strip, polish, and clearcoat comes in around $6800. Given the time...how many would buy the polishers and do it yourself? How many have done this? Thanks for the advice.

Bob

garry · 09-02-2009, 08:37 PM

IMO $6800 was a bid from someone that did not want the job a more realistic bid would be $100 per ft.

I polished a 31ft no doubt it is hard work but not $3100 hard.

Do a search there must be 50 or 60 post on polishing.

Garry

goransons · 09-02-2009, 08:38 PM

Wow I'm in the wrong business if thats what it costs, wow!

toastie · 09-02-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyLeo101

We just purchased a 1978 28' Ambassador. The skin is actually not in bad shape; however, it is showing it's age. An estimate to strip, polish, and clearcoat comes in around $6800. Given the time...how many would buy the polishers and do it yourself? How many have done this? Thanks for the advice.

Bob

Can a 1978 be polished? if so check this out, they do great work.
http://www.pandstrailerservice.com/

overlander63 · 09-02-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toastie

Can a 1978 be polished?

Yes. There is currently a 1997 34' in the shop where I work that has been polished.

toastie · 09-02-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

Yes. There is currently a 1997 34' in the shop where I work that has been polished.

Does the 1997 have a high mirror shine. The pure aluminum alclading that allows the skin to take a high polish was used up until the middle of the 1982 production run, when the finish was changed to a satin finish.

overlander63 · 09-02-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toastie

Does the 1997 have a high mirror shine. The pure aluminum alclading that allows the skin to take a high polish was used up until the middle of the 1982 production run, when the finish was changed to a satin finish.

It's extremely shiny. I'll ask the owners' permission if I can take and post a photo of it tomorrow. If you see a photo, the answer was "yes". If not, it was "no".

overlander63 · 09-24-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

It's extremely shiny. I'll ask the owners' permission if I can take and post a photo of it tomorrow. If you see a photo, the answer was "yes". If not, it was "no".

Here are some pictures, better late than never, the shine actually works against a good picture:

danalee · 09-02-2009, 08:53 PM

Its good exercise-for that amount of money I would do it myself.

toastie · 09-02-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyLeo101

We just purchased a 1978 28' Ambassador. The skin is actually not in bad shape; however, it is showing it's age. An estimate to strip, polish, and clearcoat comes in around $6800. Given the time...how many would buy the polishers and do it yourself? How many have done this? Thanks for the advice.

Bob

Bob

Check this out.......... POLISHING

truckasaurus · 09-02-2009, 10:46 PM

I opted to buy some equipment, (Makita 7" polisher ~$250) and Jestco polish kit $119 and give it a try. Worst case; just sell the polisher and take it to a pro.

So far it's somewhat dirty work and I'm glad I have an iPod....

**azflycaster** · 09-02-2009, 10:57 PM

Go for it. It's a lot of work, but very rewarding when you are done. Problem is that you are really never done.

**overlander64** · 09-02-2009, 11:08 PM

The price quoted isn't that far out of reason if it includes Airstream approved Plasticoat. When I had my Overlander refinished six years ago, it was a little over $200 per foot of trailer length -- this did include 16 hours of intensive labor and special equipment charges to correct a previous owner's attempt at polishing that left the entire curbisde full of sanding scratches. Six years later, and I am still a very happy customer -- there is some very minor hazing of the Platicoat on both endcaps (center panel front and back), but even having these reprossed won't be that objectionable as I was able to get something not easily obtained without experience -- a refinish that looked just like 1964 -- just the right amount of sheen.

Kevin

LHall · 09-02-2009, 11:43 PM

It is a lot of work but the sense of accomplishment is awesome not to mention a little theraputic. Plus you can put the $6800.00 to other uses like generators, solar panels... axles.. etc...