Interior walls

[jhirstius]

Is there a layer of aluminum on the interior of the vintage airstreams? When you see pics of those renovated airstreams that have the inside panels shiny aluminum was that added or is that under the wall material?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jhirstius

Is there a layer of aluminum on the interior of the vintage airstreams? When you see pics of those renovated airstreams that have the inside panels shiny aluminum was that added or is that under the wall material?

The is aluminum on the inside walls and has been from almost day one.

It adds strength to the "monocoque" construction.

Andy

[jhirstius]

Thanks andy, How hard is it to pull the interior wall out and expose the aluminum for polishing, does the trailer lose any structural integrity if you do that?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jhirstius

Thanks andy, How hard is it to pull the interior wall out and expose the aluminum for polishing, does the trailer lose any structural integrity if you do that?

The interior walls are held in place with "pop" rivets. They can be drilled out with a # 30 drill bit.

However, the trailer must be placed on jacks, so that the shell does not sag at all, when you remove that metal.

But, the better part is, why do you want to remove the metal? It can easily be stripped of it's vinyl coating and polished while still on the walls.

That would take a little more effort, but far less than removing the metal for polishing.

Andy

[Eliminator46]

Are you refering to the coating on the face of the aluminum?

[Eliminator46]

That is a vinyl coating. There are some very informative threads in the restoration portion of the forum for walls, upholstery and so forth.

[jhirstius]

thanks I did not realize the the aluminum is actually covered with vinyl I thought it was a laminate skin. I appreciate everyones advise.

[Schu]

Some interiors had zolatone paint over the interior aluminum skin.

[rickandsandi]

Originally Posted by Schu

Some interiors had zolatone paint over the interior aluminum skin.

It being a 1965 absolutly zolatone! We all know how much fun that is to get off. Do-able but not always fun.

[redreefet]

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

It being a 1965 absolutly zolatone! We all know how much fun that is to get off. Do-able but not always fun.

How do you get that Zolatone off?

[AndrewM]

Dirty Jobs |

Here is how I did it. It is fairly simple just a lot of elbow grease.

[redreefet]

Originally Posted by AndrewM

Dirty Jobs |

Here is how I did it. It is fairly simple just a lot of elbow grease.

Perfect. Thanks!

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Eliminator46

That is a vinyl coating. There are some very informative threads in the restoration portion of the forum for walls, upholstery and so forth.

Originally Posted by Schu

Some interiors had zolatone paint over the interior aluminum skin.

Originally Posted by AndrewM

Dirty Jobs |

Here is how I did it. It is fairly simple just a lot of elbow grease.

Zolatone was used from the mid-50's to the mid-60's when they transitioned over to the vinyl-clad aluminum panels. '65 is a transition year that has both...but I think after that, it is primarily vinyl. Removing the vinyl is a very different process than removing the Zolatone - neither one are what I would call fun...depends on your year which is your challenge ~

Shari

[Aage]

Personally, I'd think twice before launching into removing Zolatone, if I had it.

Really, it's not an unpleasant coating, and secondly, it is low maintenance and goes well with any colour scheme.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Aage

Personally, I'd think twice before launching into removing Zolatone, if I had it.

Really, it's not an unpleasant coating, and secondly, it is low maintenance and goes well with any colour scheme.

Agreed.

I also wouldn't want to camp in a "fun house" with a totally polished interior...but that's just me.

Shari

[AndrewM]

I don't know if I mentioned it in the article but make sure you wear gloves, and probably some safety glasses. Citristrip is earth griendly but it will still tear your hands up.

I agree about the "funhouse". That is why I used steel wool to give a brushed lookon the endcaps, then I will just paint over the rest. I had had a second layer of paint on top of my Zolatone which had mildew and was peeling. I never really thought of trying to take one and leave the other layer of paint. Probably not worth the effort.

[redreefet]

Maybe this should wait till next year.

[MaryContrary]

forget stripping....ive seen thin aluminum laminate riveted and adhered to the existing walls.
i dont know if i'm just not using the thread search properly but does anyone know a good supplier of the stuff.
i'm looking for large rolls