Polishing

[nynick52]

OK, I fell victim to the polishing bug late last summer. I stipped the paint off our Argosy from the roof to the belt line. I have used G6 and F7 and C in areas, but can't get any consistancy (I have not used a Cyclo, only a polisher).

The issue is that some areas, even within the same section of aluminum, do not come clear. There is no depth to the finish, no matter how many times I go over it. In other areas, it is highly reflective and ready for Cyclo.

We came back from a trip this afternoon and I ran the polisher on a section again. This time I used Bad Dog Green. Again in the area that was great; a foot up on the same panel it looks like hell. My wife came out and said, why don't you get it painted!

I am at that crossroad; strip the bottom and continue, or have the camper shot with paint (maybe silver?).

I've read the threads and can't seem to get the hang of this. Any advice on something I may be missing?

[nynick52]

Any advice on this?

[Wsmith]

I thought the Argosy was made with sheet metal. I never followed them but thought that was who they were painted. Learn something every day if you pay attention.

[Wsmith]

The following may be the reason for not getting consistency. Read the last sentence.
"Argosy trailers were made by Airstream Company starting 1972 in Versailles, OH. near Jackson Center, and are usually recognized as "Painted Airstreams". Many features were first tried out on the Argosy models, and then incorporated into the more traditional Airstreams if they were a success. A good example is the large front wrap windows. These painted trailers were able to utilize steel end caps and aluminum panels that were damaged or blemished."

[JFScheck]

You do learn something every day...

[klattu]

Theres a polished Argosy here somewhere, with gray end caps.
Did you polish in steps? start with corse and end up at white?
Takes at least 3 grades, gray, red, white, at least thats what I used on the Feathercraft.

Also look at some painted Argosys here, some really look great painted.

[bredlo]

Take one look at the "56 Bubble Restoration Start to Finish" thread and you'll see just how great they can look painted.

[nynick52]

Originally Posted by Wsmith

The following may be the reason for not getting consistency. Read the last sentence.
"Argosy trailers were made by Airstream Company starting 1972 in Versailles, OH. near Jackson Center, and are usually recognized as "Painted Airstreams". Many features were first tried out on the Argosy models, and then incorporated into the more traditional Airstreams if they were a success. A good example is the large front wrap windows. These painted trailers were able to utilize steel end caps and aluminum panels that were damaged or blemished."

Where did that quote come from. It has never been substansiated by any account that I have read and seems to be an urban airstream myth.

[nynick52]

Originally Posted by klattu

Theres a polished Argosy here somewhere, with gray end caps.
Did you polish in steps? start with corse and end up at white?
Takes at least 3 grades, gray, red, white, at least thats what I used on the Feathercraft.

Also look at some painted Argosys here, some really look great painted.

I have seen polished Argosy's as well and Andy from Inland had one that was 95% completed with the endcaps painted silver that was beautiful. I can't find the link to it right now.

I did go through the steps and just haven't gone to the cyclo yet. I was PM'd by a polisher that says that this happens on Airstreams as well.

[tkasten]

Hi Nick, after reading your thread I had a couple of questions and thoughts. What compounder are you using? Have you considered using Nuvite 9? When I did my 65 I had a few areas that would not clear up. I used N9 and it seemed to clean up the areas. Perhaps the corrosion is deeper in those areas. What are you using to clean off the compounded alum.? I found that mineral spirits worked best when compounding (I used almost 4 gal.) then I used corn starch when I Cyclo'd.

Good luck,

[nynick52]

Originally Posted by tkasten

Hi Nick, after reading your thread I had a couple of questions and thoughts. What compounder are you using? Have you considered using Nuvite 9? When I did my 65 I had a few areas that would not clear up. I used N9 and it seemed to clean up the areas. Perhaps the corrosion is deeper in those areas. What are you using to clean off the compounded alum.? I found that mineral spirits worked best when compounding (I used almost 4 gal.) then I used corn starch when I Cyclo'd.

Good luck,

Tim

On the road (for work) but believe I used Nuvite 6 (or 7?) as the most coarse with Mineral spirit clean up.

I used products and instructions from: Home

I may have to try the 9 before I fold and give up!

[Frank's Trailer Works]

How about you try a different system?
I use the Jestco System and get excellent results. Polishing is finer and finer scratches. Grey bar, red bar, then Nuvite "C" in the cyclo.

The quote about second rate aluminum is only true in the early years. The demand exceeded production for damaged aluminum and new virgin stuff was used.