Cleaning Agent (Aluminum Exterior)

Cat · 10-05-2002, 12:16 AM

I have a travelling 'detail' guy that will come out and clean my whole 32 footer...for $150.00.
I asked him what compound he uses...and he gave me this "recipe"..:

50 % Simple Green
40 % Clorox Bleach
10 % pink boat soap "Algae remover"

Any thoughts on this???? Andy? Jack? Peter? Anyone?
Should Walbernizing be done INSTEAD? AFTERWARD?

Should this recipe be SCRAPPED? Is it redundant if Walbernizing is being used?

............Cat

BobbyW · 10-05-2002, 07:42 AM

I would never use Simple Green or Bleach on aluminum. The Simple Green, like Dawn, will strip any wax you have on there now and it WILL discolor aluminum. It is for degreasing.

Plus his percentages on the soup are way to strong.

Use only automotive, clearcoat safe soap (Maguires) and water. Then Walbernize. This is tried and true.

-BobbyWright

Cat · 10-05-2002, 08:05 PM

Thank you Bobby..
I THOUGHT so...that's why I asked you guys...I knew someone would be sure enough....& I had a FEELING that's what someone would say.

It's probably a job like my shower... I'm fearing it more than I need to... Is that correct??
My 'tile/wallpaper' advisor/expert told me (about the shower) ..."JUST DO IT"..

Do you have any special instructions for using the McGuire product (like the size to work with before rinsing and drying, etc.?)...
(P.s. that's ALL my son will use on any of our vehicles.)

The "Walbernizing" ... where is the least expensive place tobuy that?
Thanx again

68 Overlander · 10-05-2002, 09:42 PM

Cat,
I fly for the military and can assure you that our mechanics stay away from Simple Green and Mean Green, etc. because they are corrosive to aluminum. The military has banned there use on aircraft. On the other hand, Mean Green is the best product I have found to remove the "sticky ceiling syndrome" and Simple Green works too. Have him use Dawn detergent on the skin.
Randy

BobbyW · 10-05-2002, 11:14 PM

Only use Dawn if you want to remove all traces of previous wax/Walbernize jobs (and do the dishes) and are preparing to immediately follow-up with a Walbernize treatment.

I would just rather see you use a Clearcoat safe automotive wash. These have lubricants in them to minimize sratches and swirls.

To really be Airstream Politcally Correct, you could use Walbernize's "SoapMaster" or "OneStep". Both designed for Aluminum finishes.

-BobbyWright

68 Overlander · 10-05-2002, 11:46 PM

Great point Bobby,
I was thinking grime, bug guts, and grease and trying not to damage the Plasticoat or aluminum. Dawn will cut wax products and you are right. Thanks.
Randy

Cat · 10-06-2002, 04:29 AM

Thanx guys,
as I said, my son recommends Mothers products, and McGuires...and he says the McGuires is good.

BTW, Bear's aluminum finish is in VERY GOOD shape, and obviously has the clearcoat in tact. He just didn't get a good wash this past spring, and a bit of algae has built up. The spring before, he was cleaned very good.

Should I do it now? or wait until spring?

ALANSD · 10-06-2002, 02:07 PM

I use a mild solution of Armorall car wash I buy at Walmart by the gallon jug. Fairly inexpensive, and my 20 yr old plasticoat looks great. I then wax with liquid non-abrasive car wax, goes on easy and has maintained my shine well. I have used Meguir's and Turtle wax liquids. Happy with both.
You wilol be surprised at how a little wax will shine up that bullet.

Cat · 10-06-2002, 09:14 PM

<smile>

can't wait...it's like most other projects on these guys (the A/Ss)...we shouldn't sweat it... JUST DO IT! ...

**jcanavera** · 10-07-2002, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ALANSD
I use a mild solution of Armorall car wash I buy at Walmart by the gallon jug. Fairly inexpensive, and my 20 yr old plasticoat looks great.

Cat, I also use the Armorall car wash, no petroleum additives and no amonia additives, both no-no's. It seems pretty kind to the Walbernize. I'm going to Walbernize the Safari once I get back from next week's trip to Branson and prior to going into winter storage at month end. It's nice to start off spring with a shiney slick trailer.

Regards,

Jack

Blackjack · 04-16-2004, 08:10 AM

Greetings everyone...this is my first attempt to communicate on this forum so please bear with me. I have just purchased a '69 Land Yacht which appears to be in original condition. Well, that's what the seller told me but I have found several stretches in his stories so this is suspect too. My question concerns the exterior aluminum skin. It appears that someone has used silver spray paint in several areas and I would like to know how to remove it. It also has some hail damage showing on the top and I was wondering if one of these "paintless repair" products might work.

ALANSD · 04-16-2004, 10:42 AM

citrus strip would remove it , also mineral spirits would probably do the same although maybe more caustic. What you find underneath may be interesting, but if you get it off and see good metal, you can start the polish process right there. Hail damage is tough, the dent wizrd guys might be able to help,though I don't know how they would do on aluminum. That area could be filled and painted silver, but if you hate the silver paint idea the next step is redoing th panel that is dented. If you look at Inland RV's site there are painted trailers on there to view. They look good.

Cat · 04-18-2004, 05:54 PM

But, don't you have to paint them all over...like a total paint job on a car?

I saw one all creme coloured...it looked fantastic!!! and I saw one all RED...& it looked fantastic!!!
Maybe the person who was painted hers BROWN & creme with black marks to look like slices (loaf of bread?)...
It's all too cutesy for me...but then, whatever floats your Airstream, eh?

Re: The Hail...I read once to use a hair dryer to warm the dent...then use an icecube---and it apparently creates a vacuum which POPS it back out. Sounds too easy to me. ANYONE KNOW IF THIS WORKS?

........I'm gone to post my Curtain Tracks FOR SALE in the Forum of Items For Sale...Finally started understanding my digi camera a little..
......see ya yang.
............Cat