Tips on which polish to start with

[Docster]

Our 72 Tradewind 25ft AS had been polished before by previous owners. It's due again now that it's finished on the interior. Any suggests on where to start polishing grade? Should I just go for the S compound? Or does it need more? Also, any recommendation on a polished that won't break the bank? Here's it's current state.











And since we love pictures, a few interior pictures!

[Ken J]

Nice Airstream ! I would use Nuvite S with cyclo -- unless you are looking for a show piece - and you should be good to go !

Ken J

[Docster]

Not looking for a show piece. Just want to maintain/improve a bit. What's a cyclo? Also, any recommendation on a wax for afterward to help protect it and make it last longer?

[SeeMore]

Cyclo = www.cyclotoolmakers.com/polishers.php

[Ken J]

A cyclo is a electric polisher with two heads - a must for polishing these trailers - Nuvite S has a wax mixed in so no need to wax it - however - should probably polish once per year - especially if you keep the trailer outside.

Do a google for "cyclo polisher" and you will see what it is - think I got mine at a company called Perfect Polish - should come up in a google search as well - its where I buy my Nuvite polish.

Ken J.

[Docster]

Originally Posted by SeeMore

Cyclo = www.cyclotoolmakers.com/polishers.php

Originally Posted by Ken J

A cyclo is a electric polisher with two heads - a must for polishing these trailers - Nuvite S has a wax mixed in so no need to wax it - however - should probably polish once per year - especially if you keep the trailer outside.

Do a google for "cyclo polisher" and you will see what it is - think I got mine at a company called Perfect Polish - should come up in a google search as well - its where I buy my Nuvite polish.

Ken J.

Perfect. Thank you. That is very helpful. Just ordered one!

[Docster]

Just tried to order one. No go, out of stock at autogeek where I had a 20%off. Any sites have discounts on them ever?

[Docster]

Also, do I get the variable speed or fixed speed model?

[dbj216]

Hi Docster. A Cyclo polisher can be order from the factory, or Perfect Polish, or Vintage Trailer Supply, or maybe even Amazon. I have a single speed one that has lasted many years and works great.

I just did a 'maintenance" polish on my Trade Wind. I like the Nuvite F7 with my cyclo, and then I do another round with the Nuvite S with the Cyclo. Nuvite S is more of a sealer. It struggles to remove a water spot. The F7 is more aggressive. I use the fleece wrap around the Cyclo.

Visit the Perfect Polish website. There they have detailed instructions for polishing aluminum. It was helpful to me.

David

[Docster]

Originally Posted by dbj216

Hi Docster. A Cyclo polisher can be order from the factory, or Perfect Polish, or Vintage Trailer Supply, or maybe even Amazon. I have a single speed one that has lasted many years and works great.



I just did a 'maintenance" polish on my Trade Wind. I like the Nuvite F7 with my cyclo, and then I do another round with the Nuvite S with the Cyclo. Nuvite S is more of a sealer. It struggles to remove a water spot. The F7 is more aggressive. I use the fleece wrap around the Cyclo.



Visit the Perfect Polish website. There they have detailed instructions for polishing aluminum. It was helpful to me.



David

Good info. I have the water spots as well. So 1 pass with F7, then finish up with S sounds like the plan for me. How fast or slow should I be moving?

[TouringDan]

Docster

Very nice work on your interior renovation. What are the specs and where did you get the aluminum you used for the interior walls?

Thanks, Dan

[Ken J]

Polishing is a Zen experience - you don't want to rush it - maybe the most 18"x18" at a time - use the polish sparingly - a dab will do it on the cyclo head - size of an M&M is about right - put the dab on the head - move it around on the trailer in a small section with motor off - then let the machine do its job - if you order fleese from Perfect Polish - I would also order some micro fiber towels to wipe off the small amount of residue with corn starch - On the F7 - if you need it use it - however the standard advice is to start with the highest grade - in this case the S - if you are satisfied with the results you are good to go - you can always use a more aggressive polish if your not satisified. - no need to make more work than you need to

Ken J.

[dbj216]

Ken J gives good advice. My water spots would not disappear with S, so I had to start with F7. Actually F7 and the Cyclo leaves a pretty good finish, but a follow up with the S makes it even better.

Use only a small amount of polish for the area you are working. I use just one finger dab, and then "finger print" it on the area I'm working. Then I smear it around with the Cyclo running. The polish will develop a gray "polish bed" as it dissolves. Then keep polishing until all the gray is gone. If you get a dark gray or black polish bed, you have used too much polish. Too much polish is really a waste of time as the carrier tends to lubricate the skin the the abrasive doesn't get a chance to scratch away on the skin very well.

You just have to jump in and try it. It takes some time to develop the technique that gives you the results you want. It's kinda fun for the first hour or so. But after that, not so much.

David

PS Touring Dan, I buy aluminum sheet and rolls from Airparts in Kansas City. They are a supplier to the experimental aircraft crowd. I have found their service very good. Find them on the internet. I would think belly pan material 5052 at .025 thick would make a good decorative panel for the interior. It is easy material to work with and it has a nice finish, not milled or brushed. I'm on my third belly pan replacement project using Airparts 5052.

[Hamptastic75]

Love the inside. I might steal your floor idea. Have no clue about polish but I like how shiny it is now.

[Docster]

Update on interior. Added a bunk on one side.