Greetings T1DMcure!
Welcome to the World of Vintage Airstream ownership!
Quote:
Originally Posted by T1DMcure
What do people use to thoroughly clean the walls that are metallic but look like wood in the older airstreams. My husband used the Mr. Clean magic eraser on our 1979 excella which turned black from so much dirt.
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My preferred method of handling the cleaning of both my 1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre and my
1964 Overlander Land Yacht International, is to use a 50/50 mixture of Very Warm Water and Denatured Alcohol along with a yellow sponge with green scrubber (Scotch Bright) pad attached -- for most soil, the sponge lifts the dirt, but a light swipe with the scrubber pad removes the rest. Once the surface has dried following the thorough clean with the denatured alcohol mixture, I go back with Murphy's Oil Soap to bring up a warm glow that leaves a fresh scent in the air. Sometimes, on the vinyl that has the impressed wood grain, I have tried Armor All protectant, applied then allowed to dry for 45-minutes to an hour and hen buffed off with a microfiber cloth -- this tends to leave a warm glow without the residue that can attract dust.
I have owned my Overlander for 30 years, and my Minuet for 23 years, but first started using the Denatured Alcohol and Hot Water cleaning method more than 45 years ago when I began helping my mother by cleaning rental houses between tenants -- that solution would quickly remove some of the most stubborn, built-up nicotine stains as well as grease/dirt from cabinets, woodwork, and walls prior to painting or varnishing. I purchase the Denatured Alcohol at a big box store in one-gallon jugs, and it is quite cost-effective -- be sure to use rubber gloves and eye protection when using the Alcohol Mixture as it will tell you about even the smallest cuts on your hands, and you certainly don't want any in your eyes.
Good luck with your Excella, and Safe Travels!
Kevin
As a Post Script, I might suggest that you consider joining the
Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI)/Airstream Club International (ACI) along with your local Unit as it is an excellent way to meet other Airstream owners in your area and experience the camaraderie of Airstream ownership firsthand. You will often find someone in your local Unit who either owns or has owned an Excella identical or similar to yours who can be a great source of information. In addition, you have access to State, Regional, and Special Event Rallies as well as the Annual International Rally that will be held in York, Pennsylvania this year at the end of August (different state and dates each year). Members are also welcome to attend the Rallies and functions of other Units on a space available basis as you travel. There are also the Caravans that are led by Volunteer members who attend training seminars at the International Rally, and these Caravans are typically a great value as they generally include campground fees, many if not all attraction fees, some group meals, sometimes include tolls/ferries, and often include being able to see/do things that are often not available to solo travelers. There are also ten Intra-Clubs or Clubs within the Club for persons of varying interests. For instance, I belong to two --
the Vintage Airstream Club, for owners and enthusiast of Airstreams 25 years of age or older where preservation/restoration/maintenance/upgrades are often topics of discussion -- Pride Streamers, one of the newer Intra-Clubs for LGBTQ owners, their friends and family.
There is an Intra-Club for just about any interest, and there are many options for members to enhance their enjoyment of the Airstream ownership experience. With several of the Intra-Clubs, you are offered the option of parking with your Intra-Club at larger Rallies like the International Rally.
1979 Excella
Linear Mode
