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12-06-2012, 08:37 AM
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#1
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New Member
1965 17' Caravel
Vinton
, Louisiana
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1
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Exterior restoration of 1965 Airstream Caravel
Well this is my first post. I have a 1965 Airstream carravel. Heavy oxidation issues. I want to restore this camper . I need some help on how to go about removing the oxidation/corrosion. All suggestion much appreciated. Would like to know what product is considered best for this task. Thank you very much
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12-06-2012, 10:41 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1965 22' Safari
Vassar
, Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
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__________________
Tim
TAC MI 14
Everyday is a Saturday
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04-30-2013, 07:49 PM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member
1985 31' Excella
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkasten
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I'm going to give this a try. New to the airstream world.
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04-30-2013, 08:51 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autrey
Well this is my first post. I have a 1965 Airstream carravel. Heavy oxidation issues. I want to restore this camper . I need some help on how to go about removing the oxidation/corrosion. All suggestion much appreciated. Would like to know what product is considered best for this task. Thank you very much
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I am in the middle of polishing a 1964 Bambi II. It sat in the woods for 20 years and has very heavy pitting and oxidation. This is what I'm doing...it's working, but it's very labor-intensive:
1. Acid wash
2. Wet sand with 600 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper (very deep scratches I use 400 grit followed by 600 grit)
3. 3M Scotchbrite pad on a random orbit sander (the burgundy colored pad cut to size--bought at Home Depot)
4. Nuvite F9 on a Harbor Freight polisher
5. Nuvite F7 on a Harbor Freight polisher
6. Nuvite C on a Harbor Freight polisher
7. Nuvite S with a cyclo random orbit polisher
sooooo.....that's what I'm doing. I've used the wheels (and have used them a little on this project too), but I feel that the Nuvite method leaves a clearer finish. Just my OCD opinion. This is after steps 1-4
Good luck!
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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04-30-2013, 09:01 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
1985 31' Excella
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
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That is exactly where I will start. One crazy question. We're did you start. Do you build scaffolding to reach the top? Total rookie but am so fired up about doing it
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04-30-2013, 09:23 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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If you acid wash, use a spray bottle, not a stream bottle. I use two ladders with a 2" x 12" board as a plank ( here's hoping I don't fall & break a hip!!)
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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04-30-2013, 09:26 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beckybillrae
If you acid wash, use a spray bottle, not a stream bottle. I use two ladders with a 2" x 12" board as a plank ( here's hoping I don't fall & break a hip!!)
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I got the acid wash at NAPA
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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04-30-2013, 09:27 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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I got the acid wash at NAPA
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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04-30-2013, 09:29 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
1967 17' Caravel
Thompsons Station
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 126
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tartimisi
That is exactly where I will start. One crazy question. We're did you start. Do you build scaffolding to reach the top? Total rookie but am so fired up about doing it
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I would recommend starting at chest height standing on the ground until you get the hang of it. Once you get it mastered then move on to the difficult to reach spots. I used simple scaffolding created by saw horses, strong (and wide) plank and a step ladder.
I used real scaffolding for the top, but that was at the very end after I was a pro and could lick it fast.
It will take you forever but there is nothing like seeing that shine!
__________________
My restoration photos on Picassa:
1967 Caravel
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04-30-2013, 09:45 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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Start on the top. If you don't you will be dragging your electric cords across polished surfaces and ruin the work done.
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
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05-06-2013, 05:52 AM
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#11
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I Bought it I Broke it...
1976 31' Sovereign
Migratory
, North America
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 110
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I have what I'd consider EXTREMELY bad pitting and oxidation and I've been having great success shining it up by hand using this product Glare Knock Out that I first saw on Airstreams online store but also found a bit cheaper at Amazon. No electric buffer, but about 15-20 minutes per square foot of hand polishing.
The product mentioned is the only thing that has worked thus far for me, but at $25 / 12oz is extremely expensive. Would love to find it in a larger, cheaper quantity or a similar quality product.
__________________
My family and I have been full-timing via various modes of travel since 2008. Going on two years in our '76 Sovereign.
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05-14-2013, 08:54 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
1973 31' Sovereign
Las Vegas
, Nevada
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clicknathan
I have what I'd consider EXTREMELY bad pitting and oxidation and I've been having great success shining it up by hand using this product Glare Knock Out that I first saw on Airstreams online store but also found a bit cheaper at Amazon. No electric buffer, but about 15-20 minutes per square foot of hand polishing.
The product mentioned is the only thing that has worked thus far for me, but at $25 / 12oz is extremely expensive. Would love to find it in a larger, cheaper quantity or a similar quality product.
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Can you post before and after pictures? I am curious how it works.
I currently using a 3M product call Marine Restorer and Polish. It is much faster than Nuvite and works better if you ask me. It is a one step polish and only costs about $27/lb.
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06-11-2013, 08:40 PM
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#13
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Hazel Bambi II
1964 17' Bambi II
Tsawwassen
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beckybillrae
i am in the middle of polishing a 1964 bambi ii. It sat in the woods for 20 years and has very heavy pitting and oxidation. This is what i'm doing...it's working, but it's very labor-intensive:
1. Acid wash
2. Wet sand with 600 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper (very deep scratches i use 400 grit followed by 600 grit)
3. 3m scotchbrite pad on a random orbit sander (the burgundy colored pad cut to size--bought at home depot)
4. Nuvite f9 on a harbor freight polisher
5. Nuvite f7 on a harbor freight polisher
6. Nuvite c on a harbor freight polisher
7. Nuvite s with a cyclo random orbit polisher
sooooo.....that's what i'm doing. I've used the wheels (and have used them a little on this project too), but i feel that the nuvite method leaves a clearer finish. Just my ocd opinion. This is after steps 1-4
good luck!
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becky, do you recomend using the random orbital polisher or just a variable speed one? Is the cyclo necessary. I went and bout a makita random orbital, but it seems harder to use than the others. I may be wrong though.
Thanks
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06-11-2013, 09:16 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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In step 3, I use a Skil random orbit sander (it was $20 at a Sears outlet store).
In step 7, I use the random orbit cyclo. It takes out all the swirls that the variable speed polisher leaves behind. You should try your makita random orbit polisher to see if it takes out the swirls (if you've already used it & aren't thinking of returning it). I use my cyclo every year for the yearly polish job on my trailer(s) I've pared it down to just the Bambi II, so after this year, it should be a breeze!
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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06-12-2013, 06:45 AM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
1985 31' Excella
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beckybillrae
In step 3, I use a Skil random orbit sander (it was $20 at a Sears outlet store).
In step 7, I use the random orbit cyclo. It takes out all the swirls that the variable speed polisher leaves behind. You should try your makita random orbit polisher to see if it takes out the swirls (if you've already used it & aren't thinking of returning it). I use my cyclo every year for the yearly polish job on my trailer(s) I've pared it down to just the Bambi II, so after this year, it should be a breeze!
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We are still working on the interior. My first attempt at the shine will prob be in the fall. I love harbor freight. Where can I get one of those cyclo polishers. I'm so excited. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We've gutted the whole inside and put in Marine plywood Fixed about 23 hundred leaks. Fixed some wiring. Now I'm painting and then all the stuff back in. It's fun but lots of $$$. Don't give up on me
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06-12-2013, 06:47 AM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
1985 31' Excella
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hazelbambiII
becky, do you recomend using the random orbital polisher or just a variable speed one? Is the cyclo necessary. I went and bout a makita random orbital, but it seems harder to use than the others. I may be wrong though.
Thanks
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Where do you buy the nuvite stuff. Local or do you order it?
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06-12-2013, 06:59 AM
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#17
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Site Team
1963 26' Overlander
Hollis
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,647
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Most people get Nuvite from Perfectpolish.com. There's good info about polishing there too.
__________________
Shelly : TAC NH-6 | AIR 41359
Visit my blog!
Parts needed : Braund Antenna front tube fold down model!
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06-12-2013, 07:09 AM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
1985 31' Excella
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reinergirl
Most people get Nuvite from Perfectpolish.com. There's good info about polishing there too.
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Thanks. That's where I'll look.
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06-13-2013, 06:29 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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You can get the cyclo polisher from here:
Cyclo Toolmakers
or you can get the cyclo and Nuvite polish from here:
Cyclo PolisherCyclo Polisher
Have fun!
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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06-16-2013, 11:00 PM
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#20
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Hazel Bambi II
1964 17' Bambi II
Tsawwassen
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 21
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Becky, how did you end up removing the drain pipe from he shower and toilet. I'm stuck.
Thanks ......
did you buy a special tool in the end?
Tasha
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