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mrauch · 01-01-2009, 01:12 PM

This has probably been discussed before in the forums, but I'm not finding it. I am about to start polishing my 66 Caravel and plan to get a Cyclo and do the Nuvite process as recommended. My question is how you work on the roof without risking damage to either trailer or self? I don't mind supplying the elbow grease to do it right, but at age 61 and with a bit of back trouble, I don't imagine I could tolerate hours on a step ladder in an awkward reaching position with the polisher etc. I have thought about renting scaffolding to be able to get above the trailer on planks. Is there an easier/better way? I have also been thinking about hiring someone to do just the top and I could do the rest. My concern there would be finding someone qualified and reliable. I'm in the Portland, OR area. Any suggestions or advice? Thanks!
Mark

Lothlorian · 01-01-2009, 01:29 PM

I have wondered the same thing you have for awhile. I have been up on my trailer several times changing all my vents. It is a dangerous place and I am up there in age also. I want to pull my airconditioner because I have a leak there, but how do you get up their to get the airconditioner off with out falling off. I know how to get it loose but how do you pull it off? I also want to clean and shine my top. My clear coat looks good except for the top.

You need to be very careful where you are on top of the trailer because the front and back ends are soft and they cannot handle the weight. You need to stay on the seams.

Lothlorian

toastie · 01-01-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrauch

This has probably been discussed before in the forums, but I'm not finding it. I am about to start polishing my 66 Caravel and plan to get a Cyclo and do the Nuvite process as recommended. My question is how you work on the roof without risking damage to either trailer or self? I don't mind supplying the elbow grease to do it right, but at age 61 and with a bit of back trouble, I don't imagine I could tolerate hours on a step ladder in an awkward reaching position with the polisher etc. I have thought about renting scaffolding to be able to get above the trailer on planks. Is there an easier/better way? I have also been thinking about hiring someone to do just the top and I could do the rest. My concern there would be finding someone qualified and reliable. I'm in the Portland, OR area. Any suggestions or advice? Thanks!
Mark

I highly recommend scaffolding, bought mine off ebay $200.00 delivered.
You will used it ever year to kept the Caravel looking good.......toastie

Ken J · 01-01-2009, 02:05 PM

Another option is not to polish the roof - I didn't, figure you can't see it anyway..

Ken J.

InsideOut · 01-01-2009, 03:53 PM

We used a "drive-thru" method ~

Polishing

Shari

Ganaraska · 01-01-2009, 04:17 PM

Hire a kid and "supervise" from a hammock with a cold drink in hand.

ronstory · 01-01-2009, 04:34 PM

When I polished the safari... I spend the money on scaffolding. Worth every penny and *much* safer than the ladder.

Ed Emerick · 01-01-2009, 05:36 PM

Hey quit looking up there, what are you some kind of truck driver?

FreshAir · 01-01-2009, 11:12 PM

I use a foldup (12' max) ladder. An adjustable 4"x4"x24" wrapped in a carpet to protect the (aluminum) ladder from damaging the trailer. The top quarter length of the ladder adjusts at an angle over the curve of the top. I don't stand on that part but it allows me to lie forward on it almost to the center of the trailer top. I did not polish the very top panel on the top, the panel with the cooler and vents as it really isn't noticed. I polish up to the panel edge on all sides. It looks fine for me. As for you 61 year olds I am almost 71 with titanium hips and arthitic everything else. Yeah, it hurts but I have found that keeping busy is less painfull than sitting in a rocking in a chair. Aluminum fever does soften many hurts.

Neil.

Lumatic · 01-02-2009, 07:17 AM

I have seen more than one posts from a service provider saying they safely walk on the roof all the time. I'm not sure if they mean stepping on the ribs or what but they were clear if is not necessry to put anything down on the roof.

Me I use planks.

I also find an articulating ladder like a Little Giant comes in very handy. You can fold over the top section so the end of the ladder rests on the top of the roof. I glued some carpet scraps on the inside of the ladder to protect from scatches. You can also set the ladder up as an M and with a couple of planks have a scffold of sorts. 2 Little Giants would give you more options for a scaffold support.

InsideOut · 01-02-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

Hey quit looking up there, what are you some kind of truck driver?

But, you can see the top at many campgrounds here in mountain country!

Shari

mrauch · 01-02-2009, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the input and good suggestions. Love the "drive thru". I had considered trying that approach with scaffolding to support the planks. I have (er had) one of those ladders--gave it to my son-in-law. May be time to get it back. Thanks for the inspiration too--those are some great looking trailers. Hope I can get mine close to that look.
Wish you all a great 2009 and hope to meet some of you as I get this thing on the road.
Mark

ts8501 · 01-02-2009, 09:27 AM

I have been looking at the following scaffolding from Lowe's.

The price is certainly right, and Werner is a good brand.

Werner at Lowe's: 4' Portable Scaffold

FreshAir · 01-02-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ts8501

I have been looking at the following scaffolding from Lowe's.

The price is certainly right, and Werner is a good brand.

Werner at Lowe's: 4' Portable Scaffold

Yeah, scaffolding is a great way to go. But we live on a hillside and the driveways and parking are gravel. The only level part here is the house and garage. But the Trade Wind will not fit into there. We still love it here.
Neil

Ed Emerick · 01-02-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

But,you can see the top at many campgrounds here in mountain country!

Shari

man, I have to stay in the midwest. It's so flat here that you need to climb a tree to see my roof. Also at 30 + 18 + 22 that's just too much! I think nice white paint is in order!

AND when we see each other next "Don't look up there!"

ronstory · 01-02-2009, 11:18 AM

But just think about how fast you could polish the third roof after learning on the first two.

kitchenclose · 01-03-2009, 11:48 PM

Hey Mark,
You and I have the same objective this year, polish the Airstream. I have the same Airsteam. Please send me picture of your project and I will do the same.
Good Luck
PS - My husband suggested for me to have it polished by someone else but I want to learn about the process.
Take Care
Karen in Seattle