please help make her shine

striker · 01-13-2003, 09:51 AM

as some of you know i just bought a 1966 overlander for $450.00
it is in realy good shape but the outside needs to be redone.
how do i get it to shine like a mirror?
what kind of tools will i need to do this?

InsideOut · 01-13-2003, 11:09 AM

First, you have to figure out if you have clearcoat or not, hard to tell from your photo. You can tell if it has milky spotches with various degrees of oxidation showing through. If you do, the you need to strip that off first. There are several threads that discuss this process, find them by doing a search using the keywords "stripping clearcoat"...about ten threads will appear.

Then, spend some time on the Perfect Polish site to learn about the polishing itself. There are also 15+ threads regarding this topic here as well...search using "polishing aluminum" as a starting point. Although, personally I feel the Perfect Polish site is great...a whole website dedicated to the subject, supplies & equipment in one place.

We are currently in the middle of this whole process...we have stripped the clearcoat and are awaiting warmer weather to start the polishing...good luck!

Shari

striker · 01-13-2003, 01:33 PM

i looked at the link that was posted and i hope that i can get mine to look that nice

InsideOut · 01-13-2003, 01:58 PM

Quote:

i hope that i can get mine to look that nice

Yeah...me too!

Shari

paul k · 01-13-2003, 10:37 PM

me three

airstreamcaravel · 01-14-2003, 07:44 AM

Striker,

Where in Wis are you? After knocking out the polishing on my Caravel, I'm ready to tackle something BIGGER!

Maybe we could work something out?

DMC

InsideOut · 01-14-2003, 09:24 AM

Quote:

...I'm ready to tackle something BIGGER!

Maybe we could work something out?

Two words "Baby steps"...

How 'bout a trip to Denver? You could knock out Maxwell (19') then paulk's (22') in one trip before attacking striker's 26 footer!

If they end up looking half as good as yours...I'd be happy!

Shari

airstreamcaravel · 01-14-2003, 09:38 AM

If my current gig fizzles.... Maybe I could become the "Roving Polisher"

Sounds like a great way to see the country, Work for GREAT people, with a great product, and provide a much needed (and appreciated) service!

I see my (semi) retirement as a closer possibility!!

The mind spins with the possibilities! ... (or is that just the fumes
from the aircraft stripper)

I can feel the love!! Thanks Shari!!

DMC