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Safari Tim · 05-06-2004, 04:33 PM

I totally agree. Polishing is a big investment in time and labor not to mention the money.

After around 50 hours and your half way done your wondering if you ever will get done.

I have about 90 hours into mine and have NOT gone over it with the cyclo yet

But it looks better and better to me as I think about all the work it would take to keep going over it. You can always polish a little more.... You just have to decide when enough is enough.

Also, don't forget to add in the price for new carpet for your house when you have been tracking in black residue over it for a few months!

It is rewarding though when your done. I would do mine again. Not sure about another one though....

tin can luv · 05-06-2004, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53FlyingCloud

Ron,
If you wanta try something kewl..go out at night with a blue LED light and, shine it on that side of your unit~! (let us know what you think)
ciao
53FC

Ok, where can I pick one up at???? I'm an idiot you know.....

tin can luv · 05-06-2004, 05:32 PM

All of these pictures of your shiney rigs are inspiring me to get out there, and quit worrying about the time it will take. It can be discouraging, I'm sure, but wow!!!!

53flyingcloud · 05-06-2004, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tin can luv

Ok, where can I pick one up at???? I'm an idiot you know.....

Ron,
You might try at Wal-Mart Store in your area..
This is where I found mine..
The effects of the light's refractions are just stunning~!
Blue LED works the best~
I hear you about the polishing efforts..It's sorta like copying "Morse Code", once you get over the initial barrier, the rest follows.
The work you've done so far on the interior has been fantastic~
ciao
53FC

bevedfelker · 05-06-2004, 06:43 PM

They look great -- but polishing sure seems like it would be the mortal enemy of sitting under a tree and drinking beer.

Ed

tin can luv · 05-06-2004, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bevedfelker

They look great -- but polishing sure seems like it would be the mortal enemy of sitting under a tree and drinking beer.

Ed

I polish under a tree with a cold one ready everytime I step off the ladder!!!!

tin can luv · 05-06-2004, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53FlyingCloud

Ron,
You might try at Wal-Mart Store in your area..
This is where I found mine..
The effects of the light's refractions are just stunning~!
Blue LED works the best~
I hear you about the polishing efforts..It's sorta like coping "Morse Code", once you get over the initial barrier, the rest follows.
The work you've done so far on the interior has been fantastic~
ciao
53FC

I'm tired of polishing, Maybe I'll go get one now!!!!

53flyingcloud · 05-06-2004, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tin can luv

I'm tired of polishing, Maybe I'll go get one now!!!!

Ron,
Just remember this trick works best on skin surface that "has not" been CYCLO'D~!
Best I can remember, the blue LED light was either in the Sports Dept or in the Auto Section..It's one of those "key-chain" type things. Which means, it's gonna cost more to replace the batteries than to buy a new one..lmao
ciao
53FC

tin can luv · 05-07-2004, 07:00 AM

I remembered that I received one for CHristmas last year, looked all over the house for it. Spent more time looking for it than it would have taken me to drive to wally world.

I'll have to hit it today....I figured that it must be a pre-cyclo experience....LOL I love fun things like this. Tony thinks I'm crazy.

Ron

I'll let ya know as soon as I try it!!!!

tin can luv · 05-13-2004, 03:32 PM

OK, I found the blue Led, it's pretty crazy!!!!...we were also able to find milky spots late at night, for those of us that are Crazy Night Polishers....

LeeMo · 05-13-2004, 03:39 PM

Airstream Inc. sells an inexpensive Airstream Logo keychain with a cool little blue light on the end of it as well. Nice and handy too.

53flyingcloud · 05-13-2004, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tin can luv

OK, I found the blue Led, it's pretty crazy!!!!...we were also able to find milky spots late at night, for those of us that are Crazy Night Polishers....

Fun~!
what it's all about when you own an A/S..
ciao
53FC

tin can luv · 05-13-2004, 04:05 PM

OK, the Polishing King, Dave (airstreamcaravel) was in town to show me his technique. We managed to get an amazing amount done, and we DIDN"T use a compound polisher. All Cyclo, ....

After five hours, the heavens opened up on us, and the rain has put a stop to the fun. What fun.

53flyingcloud · 05-13-2004, 04:38 PM

Looking Great~Now that rates a beer by the bonfire`!

Want another one?
I can just see the blue light dancing on ur last picture`!!
ciao
53FC

tin can luv · 05-13-2004, 04:59 PM

Pretty Grooooooovey....Huh???

swebster · 05-13-2004, 08:24 PM

Holy Moly! I need to bring the 345 back to St. Louis!

tin can luv · 05-13-2004, 09:25 PM

We joked a lot about you wet sanding that thing....LOL. Tony went to work and came home to this incredible shine! I of course, have to walk around to the other very dull side and walk back to remember what it looked like.

I am just amazed at the results, MINE, on the other hand, the one I'm keeping, will be MUCH shineyer (sp?) though.....I hope...

Ron.

Jim Carmichael · 05-19-2004, 04:51 PM

I purchased the Makita drill that has been modified for buffing. I also purchased the recommended polish from Airstream Dreams who were very fast at sending it so I will give polishing a try on my own. As far as satisfaction is concerned I just paid to have my 11' Boles-Aero polished and it is very satisfying to look at even if I did write a check.

Jim Carmichael

53flyingcloud · 06-02-2004, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tin can luv

I incline to disagree....I'd rather write a check at this point. I have it down to a semi shine, but there is corrosion, not even bad corrosion, that I can;t get out. I tried a lot, a little, just right, and nothing is making a difference......GGGGGGrrrrrrrr....
I'm gonna run out and play with the cyclo to see what happens.
Of course, once I perfect this, I think I'll let people write me checks....LOL....

Ron,
If you haven't figured this out by now..
Here's a tip..
The cyclo, used alone, will NOT get those deep, grey corrosion out.
What I found was, "Do it by hand"..still use whatever compound material you have.Something about "good ole" back muscle pressure to the task just seems to do the trick on those tough spots~
ciao
53FC

startrekker2001 · 06-02-2004, 10:46 AM

I polished my 31' Excella in about 200 hours, including the stripping. I have redone it once. The second time was a breeze, about 20 hours of work.

I used Nuvite products, a compound buffer and the Cyclo polisher.

For the best method and tools, check out www.perfectpolish.com .

There is no easy way of doing it. But the results are worth every minute spent on it.

I have the results on airstreamphotos.