Argosy, stripping for new paint

[empresley]

Ok, searched old threads and now ready for any new experience with stripping & repainting.
We will be doing a test strip on one area this weekend & I would like to find someone who has stripped or is planning to strip their Argosy.

Martin.

[Gunnyusmc]

I stripped my Non-Airstream using Aircraft stripper from Home Depot. But it runs down the sides so fast that I had too use a power buffer too finish the job.
I then had it painted by Rush Peterbuilt. Paint and body work was $3000.00. I used Imron and it still look's great after two years.

Don

PS: Did you grt the pictures of TV Mount?

[mistral blue]

Hi Martin,

Check out Project Vintage Thunder painting Photo Gallery by Airstream Life at pbase.com
GSM vehicles in Plattsburgh, NY did this job.
Good luck!

[SmokelessJoe]

Martin:

Pictures of my Argosy being stripped with aircraft stripper start at post #69 here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...e-18448-5.html


Sergei

[SnorkyII]

Martin: I have been using Klean-Strip for stripping my 73 Argosy, and have completed all except the top panel. I purchased the stripper from Lowes. I found working a small area at a time is best. I discovered that if I added a little Lacquer Thinner to the stripper, it seems to work better on the Argosy paint. I applied it with a throw away paint brush. Waited for the stripper to work. I then scrubbed with a tooth brush (Reach brand), and/or scraped with a putty knife. I then wiped the area with paper towles, and then cleaned with paper towles and Lacquer Thinner. Make sure you use protective gloves. I found that if the temperature is above 80 degrees, the stripper will dry before you can get it off. I usually work a couple of hours in the morning. I tried the pressure washer, but it didn't work as well as the Lacquer Thinner.

I would try Aircraft Stripper next time. It may be easier to use.

I took all the moldings, clearance light and reflector castings and covers off. DON'T get the stripper on plastic parts, like lights.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f4/c...5-a-10522.html This is an excellent thread to take a look at for painting.

I haven't made a final decision about the surface preperation and primer yet. I probably will use a two part epoxy primer. I haven't decided if I will chemical film finish the aluminum prior to applying the primer.

The wife says I need to take her out camping with the Airstream, instead of working on the Argosy, so we will be away for the next several days.

Hope this helps.

Sam

[3Ms75Argosy]

I used Removal or Hydrostrip from ICI paints. Took two- three gallons for my 26ft Argosy. It came off in sheets with a hose. The steel end caps where a bit harder, I used the NASTY Burning Aircraft stripper (actually, I used one called "Dad's"). USE eye and skin protection!

Again, Hydrostrip was the cat's meow for the aluminum
Marc

[ALANSD]

The Removall is a lot less harsh on you and the surrounding plants. You can follow up with the Aircraft spray stripper from Walmart on areas that are especially stubborn.

[MotorSeven]

I glad this subject came up. We are headed to Manitoba this week & when we get back i am going to start stripping the Argy and prepping for paint. I can't wait to get that old faded stuff off. I had a basketball sized dent in the front left about waist high. I was in Harbor Freight the other day and they had a 5" suction cup on sale for a couple of dollars, so i thought i would give it a try. The dent came out so fast i was amazed........! It sure saved me alotta work........
RD

[empresley]

I can't believe how quickly the paint is reacting to the Removal stripper.
With the canopy extended for shade and using a cheap 6" brush to apply;
the paint started bubbling up in 30 mins. and in 1 hour was falling off while I watched in amazement. It won't all come off so easily but this was a great two beer start. Since these were taken I have removed the awning, antenna, misc. hardware, etc. and ready to complete the stripping. Thank goodness cooler weather has arrived.

em.

[empresley]

When all is done and we are back from the CanOpener, I will put a written summary together.
We really agonized over color selection and decided that we would prefer everything in the family to match.
So after all the chemical stripping, sanding & prep work the 77 Arg has new paint. Now we can try to put the trim and AC back on without scratching anything.

Happy Holidays,
em.

[SmokelessJoe]

very cool em,


Sergei

[mrmossyone]

I like the silver, looks very nice.

[leefields]

you cleared over the paint...how many coats...did you sand prior to clearing....do you think it made a difference...

[empresley]

Originally Posted by leefields

you cleared over the paint...how many coats...did you sand prior to clearing....do you think it made a difference...

Day 1 (after taping and cleaning)
2 coats epoxy primer
2 coats base color
overnight cure in the booth

Day 2
light wet sand and re-cleaning
3 coats clear with short intervals
between applications.

Sanding before the clear coat?
Despite using a paint booth there were areas where you could feel
and see imperfections (dust specs, rough spray, etc.)
I think the 2 hours (with four guys) was worth the effort.
My only disappointment is finding places we could have improved before painting but did not see until the silver color magnified these imperfections.

Merry Christmas,
martin.

[empresley]

Most of this year’s holiday season has been spent with the Argosy.
We do see light at the end of the tunnel (which happens to be in two days when we leave for CanOpener 2008).
New Year’s eve (8am until 7pm) was spent installing new vinyl insert, 2nd coat on the belly wrap, remounting rear bumper & mounting the new propane tank cover.
Blanche & I did make time for a nice dinner & bottle of pinot to finish off 2007.

Happy New Year
Travel Safe,
em

[mistral blue]

em and Blanche,

Congratulations!! What a sharp looking rig!

Have a great time at CanOpener and a Wonderful New Year with that beauty.