Lazy man's shining methods

VegasJoe · 02-05-2003, 05:02 AM

Have recently retired w/ an interest in restoring my '64 22' single axle which has been in the family since '65. It has never been cleaned and has set outside so you can imagine what it looks like. I used to drive tanker trucks and I think acidizing these tanks at a truck wash used to make a huge difference. Cost was around $200. I'm not interested in taking the time/effort to get a mirror finish. I know windows etc would have to be covered before spraying. Am just curious if any of you have tried or know of someone who has done this? Thanks in advance ...(newby) Joe

wallybyam · 02-05-2003, 07:19 AM

I worked for 30 + years for a company that "acidized" things. I would think that it would be very risky to spray anything with an acid ph on your Airstream. I don't know for sure, but I expect, that the aluminum that is used on a tank trailer has been formulated/processed to be chemical resistant, which of course, an Airstream hasn't.

On the other side, caustic (alkaline) liquids will desolve aluminum, so for sure wouldn't want to put any alkaline ph liquids on an Airstream surface. Would be a good way to strip one though.

Bruce

Chas · 02-05-2003, 07:49 AM

Keep in mind a tanker truck is probably at least a 1/4 inch thick aluminum, most likely even thicker, has a different alloy composition and is welded instead of riveted. I have heard it is a no-no to use any acid on an A/S or it will be a leaker for life.

Chas

Inland RV Center, In · 02-05-2003, 09:33 AM

To acid bath an Airstream or Argosy trailer or motorhome, is an absolute gaurantee of water leaks, FOREVER.
Every rivet above the floor line, will become a potential leak.

DON'T DO IT.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

Chas · 03-28-2003, 05:36 PM

I had to try it so I got some acid wash from a truck stop, I guess truckers use it, and used it on my aluminum propane tanks. I can see why the lazy man would want to use it, it cut the oxidation off in a hurry but left the tanks with strange frosty matte silver finish. Should make them easier to polish though. I was sure to rinse the entire tanks thoroughly with a hose and I can tell you I would never use it on the skin of my A/S, even well diluted it will foam up and put off a caustic stench.

(Did a good job on the concrete drive also)

Chas