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dbj216 · 02-20-2021, 07:39 PM

Hi Bill: Yep, finish it. And be quick about it. I've polished two Airstreams and have two more to do. I didn't mean to suggest rubbing compound, I was referring to polish, aluminum polish. I have used Nuvite series of polishes before with good results. However, my 75 Overlander is struggling with Nuvite polishes. I don't know why, but I wonder if the aluminum 6061 T3 "mill finish" that Airstream switched to during the early 70s is a factor. Anyway, I've never met a piece of aluminum that couldn't be polished. Your Faith is a perfect example.

I purchased the Caswell buffing process instead of Nuvite. I have not tried it yet. Buffing may be a bit quicker that wool bonnets, but I really don't know yet.

My Sovereign friend is considering having a polishing crew come to his place and polish his trailer. Several experienced workers and the job would take about a week. He hasn't pulled the trigger though.

So hop to it. Here, I'll show the DW this photo to keep the pressure on.

David

Bubba L · 02-20-2021, 08:03 PM

My wife switched from Nuvite to Caswell. It takes a little practice, but works well. Good luck

wcronin4 · 02-21-2021, 07:20 AM

David, Bubba

Will the buffing wheels from the Caswell System fit a regular sander/polisher, or do you have to purchase a special buffer?

Bubba L · 02-21-2021, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcronin4

David, Bubba

Will the buffing wheels from the Caswell System fit a regular sander/polisher, or do you have to purchase a special buffer?

We use the Dewalt D849 variable speed buffer. It has a 5/8”-11 arbor. We fit the Caswell sewn wheel and the Nuvite wool pads. We cut the crud off with the Caswell bars (brown and black) then finish up with Nuvite C on the wool pads. There are several good videos on using Caswell. I know we have to add an adaptor to the Dewalt to go from one method to another. There’s also an extender for the arbor that gets the sewn wheel away from your knuckles. Whether they fit a regular sander depends on the arbor size. Good luck

wcronin4 · 02-21-2021, 03:38 PM

I’m trying to get my head around tackling a buffing job on Faith’s exterior skin. I’ve learned that I have to use paint remover to take the clear coat off the skin before I can buff it. Older threads suggest Removal 220 and then Hydrostrip 502 neither of which are on the market any longer. The only serious paint stripper that works with aluminum is PPG Aerospace 5044 Neutral Peroxide Paint Remover, and it is the one Vintage Trailer Supply sells.
Like the Removall and Hydrostrip products, 5044 you can paint it on and hose it off. Anyone have any experience with the PPG product?
After researching the buffing options, I now understand why using abrasive compounds is not the best option where Nuvite and Caswell are better. I am looking at the Caswell product because it comes in a kit for Airstream. What is it clear from the Caswell site is how many buffing sticks are needed to cover a 31 ft. Sovereign. David or Bubba, have you any thoughts on this?
The other option is to let the buffed areas, where the stain was removed, revert back to no shine. What I am reading tells me it takes 12-18 months. Then the surfaces on Faith’s skin will be somewhat uniform if not dull looking.

Still chewing.

dbj216 · 02-21-2021, 07:18 PM

Bubba L has a great idea: Let the DW do the polishing to her satisfaction. I might make that suggestion here in my house. Wish me luck.

I purchased the Airstream kit also. I tried Jestco years ago and found one bar of polish was plenty. I felt the Jestco process was a disaster for me. Learn all about buffing from u tube and the like as buffing can damage aluminum, where Nuvite is less likely to do so.

I believe one stick is enough.

David

aaryno · 02-21-2021, 07:34 PM

What have you gotten yourself into?! Afraid Linda had an eye for your beautiful polish job.

Iansk · 02-21-2021, 11:48 PM

Bill,

I’ve used the PPG stuff and it works well.
Just make sure you do it in the shade or even at night.
It likes cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
Clear coat sluffs off with a good hosing.

Ian

wcronin4 · 03-02-2021, 02:11 PM

We have a month and a half trip planned in six weeks that will test Faith’s metal. This will be her maiden trip. I still have a lot of little things that have to be done before we are ready to go, not all of them AS related.
I want to get new window awnings installed on the roadside and new fabric in the main curbside awning before we leave. QUESTION: Will standard window awnings, with straight arms, work on an AS? Has anyone had experience with that? I want to put one awning over the two street side windows in front and one awning to cover the single roadside window towards the rear.
I needed to get an appraisal to get “agreed upon” amount comprehensive and collision insurance on Faith. I called around to several companies, and found less than a handful of companies that would under-right an old restore AS. All of them needed an appraisal before they would quote. I decided to go with Progressive Insurance since they did not require that I have my truck covered with them too.
With the inside done and the outside still in its “patina” finish, it appraised for $67,500. The appraiser said, with the outside polished it would be worth more and encouraged me to update the appraisal when that part of the project was completed. I must confess that I was a little surprised that it was this high. But, If you were to count my labor even at a paltry $10 an hour, the appraisal doesn’t come close to covering what I’ve put into it. And to replace it, it would cost at least $67K. But for a resale value my old pappy used to say, “Something is worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.” That is the real market value.
Ian. Received the PPG paint remover today and I have committed to strip all the old clear-coat off. I'll decide whether to polish after I see that what it looks like after the clear-coat is removed.

dbj216 · 03-02-2021, 07:52 PM

I don't have experience with awings except the classic zipdee roll up type. I hope someone else can answer your question.

Congratulations on your appraisal. I showed my appraiser my receipts for all the major items I had spent renovating the Overlander. So my purchase price bill of sale, and my receipts is what we agreed to insure the trailer for. Seemed fair enough to me. Judging from comparables in AirForums Classified, I might, might come out a little ahead of the game. My labor hours are worth very little.
I will say a well renovated or restored vintage Airstream is a good buy compared to a late model Airstream. In my opinion of course.

David