Southern Shine (SS)?

cuyeda · 12-01-2006, 07:03 PM

After reading a few old posts regarding alternative polishing methods to the Nuvite system, a product called Southern Shine was mentioned. Disregarding any of the misunderstandings of the person originally trying to introduce the product, is this product obtainable from other sources?

I would like to try it out if it works as well as some people claim. I have a 1947 trailer that has heavy oxidation, so I need to start somewhere.

Cliff

GreatPumpkin · 12-01-2006, 07:52 PM

Ouch! As Johnny (of the Fantastic Four) says FLAME ON!

Them's fightin words to some folk. Some people get a little testy when it comes to polishing products (I think most of them are no longer current users though)

Try this thread: http://www.airforums.com/forum...Southern+Shine

Also try searching "Southern Shine" and read a few of the threads.

Disclaimer: I have never used Southern Shine
At the risk of setting off a war, I got the impression it was "snake oil", the proverbial heals what ails you, majic elixer in a bottle - you know, the kind that got the salesman run out of town on a rail after he was tarred and feathered

If you're looking for an alternative to the Nuvite, try "Diamond Brite" available at Lowe's. I've used it and have been happy with the results. It was recommended by another forum member. I've also used a product called "Met-All" with good results. You can sometimes find it listed on eBay, or a google search will turn up other vendors. Good luck on the polishing, and keep us posted (with pictures of course)

ALANSD · 12-01-2006, 08:12 PM

on a seriously weathered finish I used the 2 part Purple polish sold on ebay with excellent results. I also used "Tool Box" Polish from Lowe's with good but not as good results. The two part stuff is 20 bucks for both bottles.
It cleaned up areas that were chalky dull and very gray.

ALANSD · 12-01-2006, 08:13 PM

here is the finished shot

Roscinante · 12-01-2006, 08:36 PM

Can you "shine" a new AS? Or, is that ability limited to "vintage" units?

GoldFever · 12-01-2006, 09:01 PM

JB, did the "Diamond Brite" available at Lowe's shine the uncoated aluminum as well as the trailer picture posted by Alansd?

scottanlily · 12-01-2006, 11:26 PM

The newer airstreams do not use the same alclad aluminum as the vintage
trailers do ,it has a brushed look to it ,actually quite nice really.In addition
to the finish ,the type of aluminum doesn't take a polish too well .

Scott

**azflycaster** · 12-01-2006, 11:37 PM

I used Diamond Brite to do my aluminum lp tanks and it worked very well. This picture shows before and after.

Fyrzowt · 12-02-2006, 12:59 AM

Is this an abrasive product or does it work chemically?
I would assume abrasive.

GreatPumpkin · 12-02-2006, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnorgan

JB, did the "Diamond Brite" available at Lowe's shine the uncoated aluminum as well as the trailer picture posted by Alansd?

Yes - check out my photos, there's a few pics of my polishing efforts there.

GreatPumpkin · 12-02-2006, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

Is this an abrasive product or does it work chemically?
I would assume abrasive.

Abrasive - I think it's a white rouge disolved in a petroleum based product. I use a 7" Sander Polisher to apply and work it

cuyeda · 12-02-2006, 03:58 AM

Greatpumkin, thanks for polish reference. I read some of the threads on SS, and interested in the results of the product only. No real sources for the stuff anyway so subject closed on SS, flame off.

I like having a local source for the Diamond Brite. Lowe's is a 1/4 mile from the house. I have 1lb of the Nuvite G6, and 1lb of the grade C. I know I will probably use more than 1lb per phase, and can add up. I was planning on the cyclo polisher with the finer grades of Nuvite. The cyclo polisher is not cheap. This is my first attempt at polishing a heavily oxidized trailer, and looking for the alternatives. I ordered the 3M buffing pads, and looks like a better pad than the Harbor Freight wool pads. I already wore two out.

I know, I know there are some folks that swear by the Nuvite method, but then again, some people make a livin' using it also.

After reading a few posts, I will try some samples of fine grit sandpaper. I can hear the cringes already! What the heck, got to learn right. Yes, will sand in one horizontal direction. I will start out with a 2500 grit, then sample a 2000 grit, and see how that cuts down the initial grime/oxidation. If I need to step down to a heavier grit, I will. You say Diamond Brite! Ok, I will sample that. Once these phases are done, I can always use the Nuvite on the last two phases, with cyclo polisher (if needed$$).

I am open to suggestions, and start polishing tomorrow.

brunoffrance · 12-02-2006, 04:18 AM

Hi there;
I've tried the SS and it's not a miracle product; Lot of hand works , lot of driller work and a lot of time; All other products are in the same way; think there is no product that polish your trailer without a great quantity of work;
Try on a bumper or on one LPG bottle and you'll understand ...

Bruno.

steelbird312 · 12-02-2006, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuyeda

I am open to suggestions, and start polishing tomorrow.

If you really are open to suggestions, do some Google work on acid wash for those beautiful, shiney tank trailers you see on the highway. There are a few of those businesses, normally along the major interstates, and the wash used to be available at NAPA.
After removing the heavy oxidation, then the polishing would be easier, so it would seem.
I have never done this myself so this is not a witness of the end results!