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Old 02-13-2011, 05:14 AM   #41
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I too use the services of a Truck Polisher to do the first 90%. As long as you go into this adventure knowing it is a "Truck Polisher" and not an "Airstream Polisher" you will save yourself a ton of grief.
The mention of acid came up. Acids are very commonly used to polish trucks. The service will often not use the word acid. They will say "wash", "flash", "pre treat", "whiten", "brighten","wet prep", "de oxidizer" or anything you want to hear besides the word "ACID". As long as the rivets and seams are flushed well the acid should be neutralized. REPEAT, As long as the rivets and seams are flushed well the acid should be neutralized. "should" was used, not "is, will be, or are"

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Alumibright, Truck Blue, Truck Brite, Zap Clean, Aluminum Wheel Cleaner all = ACIDS Here you see diluted acid being sprayed on.
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Shamazing how bright the aluminum gets. Looks like all the oxide was simply washed off. Bet that saves the polishing guy some hours.
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Very high speed, very aggressive cutting with three colors of rouge bars.
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make sure they do the roof. Aliens want to see shine too.
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Before(actually after the acid wash) and after...
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After. Cyclo polishing still needed.
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Old 12-07-2012, 10:54 AM   #42
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Whats M and M's contact information? I looked online but get different numbers and locations...THANKS
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Old 01-08-2013, 09:05 AM   #43
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Replacement of clear coat

I am buying a trailer that needs new clear coat on the top corners. What is the procedure to do that. Can you do sectoins or the whole trailer? Do you strip, then buff, then reapply some special lacquer? Is it best to have a body shop do it?
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Old 01-08-2013, 12:15 PM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsaucer View Post
I am buying a trailer that needs new clear coat on the top corners. What is the procedure to do that. Can you do sectoins or the whole trailer? Do you strip, then buff, then reapply some special lacquer? Is it best to have a body shop do it?
Some of us think clear coat is a mistake. You might be able to apply it to one panel at a time, but never to a partial panel. What year is this Airstream you intend to buy? Z
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Old 01-09-2013, 06:59 AM   #45
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It's a 1996 Excella.
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Old 01-09-2013, 07:09 AM   #46
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Originally Posted by jsaucer View Post
It's a 1996 Excella.
Oops, clear coat is definitely an option on the newer Airstreams (I am guilty of always thinking in the 70s, or earlier). The newer alloys don't polish as well as the older stuff.

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Old 01-09-2013, 09:26 AM   #47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeppelinium View Post

Oops, clear coat is definitely an option on the newer Airstreams (I am guilty of always thinking in the 70s, or earlier). The newer alloys don't polish as well as the older stuff.

Zep
What do you suggest for the new ones?
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Old 01-09-2013, 10:32 AM   #48
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What do you suggest for the new ones?
I'd ask Airstream. Clear coat is a lacquer, so any good auto paint shop can apply it. I think I've seen a post where it discussed the difference between various kinds of finishes that can be used for clear coating. But I am no expert, obviously.

The issue for older Airstreams is whether to polish or clear coat. As far as I know, since newer Airstreams are more difficult to polish, you don't have that option.

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Old 01-09-2013, 08:31 PM   #49
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You can also strip off the old failing clear coat, clean well, polish, and wax, relaxing at least a couple times a year. Clear coat is much more expensive, and will eventually have to be redone anyway. Note that is is different from automotive clear coat meant to go over paint.
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Old 10-02-2013, 12:27 AM   #50
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M & M Truck Polishing

Just a bump for this thread. We took our 1974 31' Sovereign to M & M Truck Polishing and they did an amazing job. More photos of the before, during and after on our blog airstreamy | Our journey with a 31' 1974 Airstream Sovereign. Tell them Matt and Jenny Hibbard sent you!

I would highly recommend these guys. Ask for Antonio at 520-483-5571. The phone # on the side of the building is no longer used. Address is 518 S. Sunshine Blvd. Eloy, AZ 85131.

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Old 10-08-2013, 08:19 PM   #51
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Do Your Homework...

I cringe when I think about truck polishers touching an Airstream. Granted, some are good and will respect your Airstream. But BEWARE... I had taken a beautiful "60" Overlander to a "recommended" truck polisher and could have cried when I went to pick it up. I'm not sure what was done but it was a mess. Make sure your polisher has experience polishing Alclad aluminum. These vintage beauties aren't semi-tankers. Make sure you have serious discussions with your polisher before jeopardizing the skin on your trailer. Just my two cents...

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