Polishing/ compounding detail question

[surf'n safari]

What is the best way to detail (really compound) around the windows, seams and rivets? Do you replace the drip/ cover over the window and doors or try to polish? How?

[nellie the elephant]

I have found that using a 1/2" drill with a 10" buffer wheel works pretty well around windows and detail like lights, and hinges. Basically you have to hold the drill sideways so that the wheel (with a little polishing compound on it) is perpindicular to the trailer, then with a little pressure, you can move it around the areas where a cyclo, or a normal compounder wouldn't fit. I try to do these areas first, then compound the whole trailer, and then last but not least, is the cyclo step to get out all of the swirl marks.

Good luck. It's hard work.

[surf'n safari]

When I use the compounder, the rivets "fill" with the black stuff. Then I wipe it away, there is a small ring of heavy oxidized aluminum around the rivets. What about a brass wire brush on a dremel or rotozip, then a couple of passes with the compounder? Yes, it is alot of work...20 hours to date and I've only compouded about 20 percent of the trailer! Maybe I should try the G6.

Like the picture of your trailer, it seems like I'll never get there.

[InsideOut]

When I use the compounder, the rivets "fill" with the black stuff.

Sounds like you're using too much polishing compound to me. We have used a buffing wheel on a drill just as nellie has suggested and it works great. Try using less compound and cleaning the wheel more frequently...see if that helps. This is a case where "more isn't better"...

What about a brass wire brush on a dremel or rotozip, then a couple of passes with the compounder?

You'll be sorry!!! You'll add all kinds of scratches with the wire brush that'll be a P.I.T.A. to remove...Hang in there...it IS a lot of work, but the results are worth it!

Shari

BTW, say "Hi" to my sister who lives in San Clemente