86 SOV Polish Questions - Need Just a LITTLE help!

[big_john]

So after camping in our 1986 SOV for over a year we have definitely gotten the bug to do more. Alas, however, our AS just doesn't shine, if you get my drift.

The PO took really good care of her, and from speaking with him, this is the condition of my AS:

1. The TOP has original factory clearcoat - shows some oxidation under the coating.
2. The streetside (driver side) has original factory clearcoat - shows some oxidation under the coating.
3. The caps have been polished by the PO and covered with Shark Hyde - these are in better shape than the top and SS, but still have some oxidation.
4. The curb side is bare.

Ideally, I would like to have all the sides be polished and re-clearcoated and hope (pray) that I get 5 years of life out of it (being stored outside will be a challenge).

So, forum, what say you? I cannot afford the $5k price tag from P+S. I have a friend who owns a metal shop (with lots of polishers) and has access to a labor pool - I just need a PLAN and GOOD instructions for him and his folks. I'm thinking I can get my 25' done for $1500-$2k + materials.

If you were to offer step by step advice, what would you suggest?

I need to:

1. Remove the factory clearcoat - is REMOVALL the way to go?
2. Same for the Shark Hyde?
3. Remove all fittings and lights?
4. Tape windows?
5. Proper Nuvite polish? Can I use the "mid" level and just do one pass? See pic below...the curb side is the most oxidized...the others have just spots.
6. Will the Nuvite take off the oxidation or does it need some sanding?

Essentially what I'm asking is, if you had $2k to spend on labor and materials and wanted the best shine job possible, what would you do?

***NOTE*** I purchased the Nuvite Polish System with the low RPM buffer and some pads. *** I plan on letting the folks use this - I'm sure they have another low RPM polisher.

Thanks for ALL THE HELP!! You all have been great to me so far answering my questions.

[big_john]

Bump. I've read the stickied post, but just want some input for those who've actually done it...please??

[tkasten]

My experience says it's a big bunch of work. Don't think you could get a shop to do it for $2000 including materials, Nuvite etc. The most important step after all clear coat is removed is the compounding w/ Nuvite 7. I tried mid levels and they just don't get the job done like 7. This compounding takes a huge effort. The Cyclo polisher w/Nuvite S puts on the mirror shine. You get out what you put in as far as quality of shine. I spent several weeks working on mine and it is only 22'. Some of the oxidation was pretty bad and took several passes with Nuvite 7. Good Luck.

[AL’ UM- MONEY]

I just finished polishing my 31foot 1976. Stripping with ReMoveall is not terrible hard. I wouldn't suggest it without a good pressure washer. The hard part and what takes so much effort is compounding. I did this with a variable polisher with Nuvite. As posted previous you get what you pay for. mine looks good but you could shine for ever. My intent is now most of the corrosion is gone and it's uniform the next time I polish I will try for more shine. It's hard to say how much it cost but approximately 125 man hours plus about $250 for polish and pads. To me getting the black junk off was lots of work. I used mineral sprits then spray auto detailed. Someone else may have a better idea. As I've said before double your money and triple your time.

[big_john]

So after all this work do you all put a clearcoat protectant (like Shark Hyde) back on?

Almost sounds like, if I can live with it, just do the un-finihsed curbside and put a clear coat on it and move on?

This model of Aluminum won't get to a mirror shie anyway...

But, really, after all this work, don't many put a coating on to protect the finish??? Wax? Shark Hyde?

[tkasten]

Originally Posted by big_john

So after all this work do you all put a clearcoat protectant (like Shark Hyde) back on?

Almost sounds like, if I can live with it, just do the un-finihsed curbside and put a clear coat on it and move on?

This model of Aluminum won't get to a mirror shie anyway...

But, really, after all this work, don't many put a coating on to protect the finish??? Wax? Shark Hyde?

Nuvite S does have a sealer in it. It will slow down the re-oxidation but will not totally protect like a clear coat. Most of us that polish do not put a clear coat back on as it will dull the shine and is very expensive.

[big_john]

So you permashine folks are polishing annually for maintenance? wow!!

I think I'll just finish the unfinished side, have shark hyde applied to it and enjoy its look from a distance.

Unfortunately I cannot keep my AS on my property so polishing in my spare time is not possible...I can see how it would be a labor of love for you all as they do look SOOO sharp.

Oh well - we're just gonna go camping instead!

[tkasten]

I didn't think you trailer looked all that bad in fact I thought it looked pretty good. You can gain a bunch more info from these forums on polishing. There have been many different attempts tried and some work better than others. Check out Vintage Trailer Supply and look under polishing you'll get a bunch of info there. For myself the polishing job was huge. It took a great deal of time. I'm retired so I have the time. I finished the job last April and will not polish again for several years. It will continue to add water drops, finger prints, oxidize, etc. and will dull over time. When I don't like the way it looks I will polish it again. You are right some people polish all the time just as some polish there vintage automobiles or airplanes. My best advise it to do what you want to and then enjoy what you have done what ever level you take it to. Again, you have a nice looking trailer.