Something other than clearcoat?

[dapalks]

I just removed the clearcoat from my Airstream and really not to inclined to having it redone.
Does anyone have suggestions as to what I might use to protect the aluminum other than clearcoat.
Thanx
Bob

[ALANSD]

I think you will find that the consensus is "Walbernize" a sealant recommended by Airstream available for both the plasticoated and non plasticoated skins.
By the way - welcome to our forum.

http://www.walbernize.com

[InsideOut]

For starters, here's a previous thread that some options were discussed...Glass Wax

You may also want to perform a search on "waxing" or "stripping" for related threads...good luck! Suggestions really vary on this topic depending on the trailer year....if you are dealing with stripped aluminum it's different than a Alcad or plasticoat finish. We plan on using the Glass Wax or a car wax, yet to be determined.

Shari

[Craig]

Bob,

I'd love to hear what you decide and about your experience. I am planning on stipping the clear coat in the Spring, but I'm very hesitant to do it before I know the best way to proceed. With a 31' I don't want to have to polish...

Craig

[dapalks]

Craig, I used nothing but amonia to remove the old clear coat and it did a very easy and quick job. This was done last October and so far the trailer looks just fine except for the very top where you can still see some runs. Not anywhere near as bad tho. I haven't done anything futher as yet. If it stay's like this I won't either.

I couldn't figure out how to include a picture. I tried attaching a jpg file, but don't know how to include it.

Bob

[dapalks]

Wow, it posted the picture all by itself.

[ALANSD]

Looks really fine. You used household ammonia? What did you seal it with then..the walbernize or wax?

[smily]

Did the amonia actually remove the clearcoat or just clean it real good?

This is the first I have heard of "stripping" with ammonia.

That ammonia must be some strong stuff.

I hate to admit it but I spent many dollars on Aircraft stripper when I stripped the Overlander. Ammonia is dirt cheap!

I would like to know if the clearcoat was removed because I would certainly use it in the future.

Please let us know,

Thanks,
Smily

[68 Overlander]

The subject of ammonia for stripping was tossed around on another site awhile back with some people saying it worked, and others saying not. A couple years ago, I tried ammonia on an inconspicuous section of my 76 Sov just to see if it worked. Notta!
I think the age/condition/type of the plasticoat plays a part because it works on some.
Randy

[Silvertwinkie]

You know, I had some bird dropping on mine a few days ago. I took a cotton towel, wet it a bit and in the areas where I wiped, the outer edges had hardened stuff. I thought I had done a good job getting the droppings of as there was no mess after I was done wiping the spots down.

What do they put on the outer shell of the current model year's body?

I asked the dealer what I should do to wax the camper and they said to go with the grains and to use a non abrasive wax. I don't know of any abrasive waxes out there. I have had good luck with Mother's wax on car finishes.

What does the group suggest for cleaning the exterior and waxing it?

Thanks,

Eric

[Rickk48]

What does the group suggest for cleaning the exterior and waxing it?

Eric

Look at the second post in this thread. Walbernize is the product recommended by Airstream.

[Silvertwinkie]

Rick,

Thanks for the info, but does anyone have a suggestion as to what I should be using to wash the exterior before using Walbernize?

Thanks,

Eric

[startrekker2001]

I just finished stripping and polishing my 31' Excella. I too tried ammonia on a small area and absolutely nothing happened. I also used Aircraft Stripper. It is toxic as hell, but works quickly and thoroughly. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

[jcanavera]

Originally posted by Silvertwinkie
Rick,

Thanks for the info, but does anyone have a suggestion as to what I should be using to wash the exterior before using Walbernize?

Thanks,

Eric

Eric,
Follow this thread. I started it about a year ago and you will get lots of thoughts on the subject. I use Armor-All car wash liquid for reasons that you will see in the thread.


http://www.airforums.com/forum...r+trailer+with
Regards,

Jack

[dapalks]

I think Randy and others are correct on what will work on some A/S and not others. It did work on my '83 Sovereign however, and just for information, here's how I did it:
I used a spray bottle with straight amonia and sprayed about a one to two foot square area. Let it sit for as long as it takes to put the spray bottle down and pick up two sheets of paper towels and start wiping the amonia off, starting at the seams. The amonia liquified the clearcoat and it rubbed right off.

Bob

[Silvertwinkie]

Wow Jack! What a wild ride that was.......

In the end I agree, Armor All car wash stuff and Walburnize RV super seal.

Can't believe the saga you had to go through to get this info, but thanks!

Regards,

Eric

[jcanavera]

I noticed today that I had neglected to post the link in my original message. Glad you followed it. Yes that thread is a long one. Interestingly enough based on the forum statistics, it one of the top 20 of most replied to. We all want to keep our A/S looking good!

Regards,

Jack