waxing old Airstream w/o clearcoat?

[firefallfarm]

I have been restoring a 1953 Clipper. The outside was polished a while ago by a former owner maybe 10 years ago. It has been stored inside much of the time and the outside doesn't seem to need a whole, intensive and expensive polishing. I am sure it could use a good cleaning though and was wondering if I could Walbernize or wax it too? Would love any suggestions. It is the original aluminum without any clear coating.

[perryg114]

There is no reason you can't wax it. Most polishing compounds have wax in them. The wax will protect the finish from oxidizing.

Perry

[Becky B.]

I've used Merguiars caranuba wax on my trailers that I've polished. You should put some kind of protectant on it, or if you have it out in the rain, you'll have water marks all over it. The wax keeps it down a bit.

[dbj216]

That old Clipper is very cool. Take good care of it. It can only be appreciating in value.

I find polymer sealant works pretty well for me. It lasts a little longer. Nu Finish is one such product, Race Car Glaze is another. I have an old mirror in the garage. I test the wax by applying some to the mirror, and them rub off the haze when it dries. I don't want to see any cloudy residue on the mirror. The polymer sealant seemed the best for me. I put it on and rub it off with my Cyclo and foam pads. Speeds the process up a bit and saves this old shoulder some wear and tear.

David

David

[Cochese]

I want to try that. I'm near the end of polishing on the overlander& would like to keep it looking good this year( I usually have to lightly repolish every spring)! It sits under a carport, but still oxidizes a bit during the year, must be the Oklahoma humidity. Too bad they don't make giant ziplock bags!!

[John&Vicki]

No ziplock, but you can shrink wrap it. I'm thinking this may have potential.

Poppy

[firefallfarm]

Thank you everyone!! I will try all of these. Great idea to test on a mirror!
I was able to store the Clipper in a heated storage unit this year which allowed me to finish restoring it. Just have to install new window gaskets then clean up. Yes, I will take very good care of. Just a fluke that I found in such good condition. Luckily I had been studying Airstreams since I was in high school (a VERY long time ago!). I knew it was special and I treasure it. These Forums are such a wonderful source. Thank you again.