Re-pickled Oak Finish for '58?

[mello mike]

I'm researching the options I have in re-finishing the interior of my '58 Overlander. The original finish was a pickled oak, but the pickling finish has deteriorated over the years and has either come off or become rough like sandpaper.

Has anybody here re-pickled the finish on their vintage Airstream? I know you can buy this finish and that it's available at Lowes and HD. Would love to see pics and how difficult and worthwhile this process is.

[vswingfield]

Hi Mike,

You might want to consider sanding the pickled finish off and see what a clear finish looks like. I did that on the large panel by the fridge in my old Trade Wind and the resulting color was beautiful. A vast improvement.

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Hi Mike,

You might want to consider sanding the pickled finish off and see what a clear finish looks like. I did that on the large panel by the fridge in my old Trade Wind and the resulting color was beautiful. A vast improvement.

Hi Vaughn,
Yes, I'll be doing just that but was curious if anyone out there decided to re-pickle the finish. Did you use a varnish on yours?

[vswingfield]

Hi Mike,

I used clear polyurethane on mine. If I remember correctly it was Minwax, but it was back in the 1980s when I did it. I really didn't agonize much about the choice. I had a quart of glossy and a quart of satin that were completely full from another project. I used the glossy and still had most of it left.

I never got around to the back bulkhead and the only other part I refinished was the doors to the compartment in the front cap. The original seating was missing.

The poly has held up very well. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

[mello mike]

Thanks, Vaughn. I'll keep that option in mind.

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Hi Mike,

I used clear polyurethane on mine. If I remember correctly it was Minwax, but it was back in the 1980s when I did it. I really didn't agonize much about the choice. I had a quart of glossy and a quart of satin that were completely full from another project. I used the glossy and still had most of it left.

I never got around to the back bulkhead and the only other part I refinished was the doors to the compartment in the front cap. The original seating was missing.

The poly has held up very well. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

[vswingfield]

Hi Mike,

I appreciate the "Thanks" (previously Karma) too.

At least you have wood to refinish. My 1983 Excella has dark laminate and vinyl that are supposed to look like walnut I am told. Looks like the old 1960s fruitwood finish that you saw an French Provincial to me though. See View From the Sofa to the Rear - Photo Gallery. If you look at the top of the bulkhead above the clock you can see the vinyl peeled back and the PO tried some kind of white glue to reattach it. Didn't work.

Eventually I want to replace the cabinet and closet doors with real wood or veneer. The framework is aluminum so a replacement of doors would really help. The bulkheads would require removing everything, though. Not sure what I want to do about them. I live in it, so a complete gutting is not practical.

Also, I appreciate your avatar. I'm a big Rockford fan. (You could always paint your woodwork gold to match the long-suffering Firebird. )

[mello mike]

I know what you mean, Vaughn. My '72 has an all plastic walnut interior. Fortunately, the plastic doesn't peel. The intense heat here in Phoenix would have done that long ago.

Yeah, Rockford Files is one of my favorite TV shows. Love to spot the old classic cars in that show and the classic 70s interior decorating (except for Jim's trailer, of course).