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bucketlisttx · 08-18-2015, 09:49 PM

Just beginning a restoration of a 69 Caravel. Original owner painted exterior silver bc they got tired of polishing but for the most part the rest of exterior is in good shape. The paint is peeling so I'm looking to strip this paint off and return the shell to its original bare aluminum and seal up the exterior everywhere(belly included) as good as possible. I'd also like to touch up all the sky blue original paint that is on some trim pieces and around the "Airstream" emblems.

I'm sure there are other threads out there already that address my questions but I thought I'd try to start a new one in order better track on my end. Thanks for any suggestions.

What are some of the best practices out there for my project?
Best way to strip the paint? Best way to seal any seams and rivots? Is any kind of sealant recommended on the bellys? Any kind of sealant or paint recommended for the hitch assembly? Best way to restore the blue paint?

**Stefrobrts** · 08-19-2015, 10:51 AM

Hi, you should be able to find lots of posts about paint strippers, I know a lot of folks have to strip paint from their Argosys (the painted Airstreams) and clearcoats have to be stripped before polishing.

I know there is an excellent post about restoring the Airstream plaque. I need to do that on mine as well. But I am having trouble finding it right now.

On the top blue bar where it says 'search', click there and use the Google search box. A bit of poking around should give you plenty of ideas to get you started until you get some replies here.