Argosy polishII

[3Ms75Argosy]

Well, a cloudy day, but I thought I'd show you my progress so far. First photo is after a pass with Heavy Metal (red) followed with 3M medium grit. Second photo shows the difference between the unfinished upper and the polished lower.

I'm happy, until I look at Ed Starman's photos..... man, I want that shine. I'll finish with some fine, and see how it goes. I also may try 3M heavy cut and see if that gets me where I need to be.

My Father-in Law's neighbor works at Boeing. He gave me a tin of Met -all - he says this is what they use at the factory to polish the metal. It doesn't cut well, and I'm not so sure it works well as a final polish either. I'll try some fine cut 3M or HM first and let everyone know.
Marc

[Stefrobrts]

Marc, I can't believe that's the same trailer we saw at Beverly Beach! You're doing a fantastic job on it.

Hey, how'd you do on your bike ride this weekend?

[3Ms75Argosy]

If I could harness my arms WITH my legs after this polishing saga, I'd be SUPER fast!

We had a great ride! Although it was raining cats and dogs before the (bicycle) ride, the weather held and we got warm (but humid) weather for the ride. I cut 2 hours off my last years time (6 hrs, 20minutes for 103 miles) for an average speed of 15.8 mph. I had a LOT of time to spend staring at my cycle computer. Last year, I wasn't to coherent (nor could I walk down stairs for two days) at the end. This year, I spent 30minutes in the jacuzzi of our hotel, and then played for awhile with the kids in the pool. Much better!

The polishing is going well, I just wish I had more clear weather when I'm off to finish it. I hope to have it all together by Memorial day weekend. I've done about 70% of the bathroom. I get sidetracked by the outside however. I need to make an IKEA run to find a bowl to cut out for a bathroom sink (going to make it an above the counter style). I also keep going back and forth as to how to finish the flooring back there and if I want to re-skin (actually, just overlay) the bathroom with aluminum.
Marc

[Janet H]

WOW! Looks incredible -when did you find the time? What happens to the end caps?

[3Ms75Argosy]

It really comes in spurts. Actually, the 3M method doesn't take too much time. What set me back was that the environmentally friendly stripper worked great on the curbside, notso on the streetside. I had to strip that side twice. Go figure... the streetside was actually the WORSE side (it was peeling already). That under the beltline took about 1.5 hrs. The timeconsuming part is the area up high. Up the ladder, polish, move the ladder, polish, etc. It's slower. I need scafolding.

End caps.. I haven't ruled out flames! I'm going to paint the banana wraps to match the van (purpleish), and the end caps I'm going to wax and see if that does anything. When the money allows, I'll have them painted silver, I think. I was also going to find out if I could get one of those places that makes advertisement overlays for buses to make one that is chrome colored. Then I'd be shiny everywhere!
Marc

[Ed Starman]

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

Well, a cloudy day, but I thought I'd show you my progress so far. First photo is after a pass with Heavy Metal (red) followed with 3M medium grit. Second photo shows the difference between the unfinished upper and the polished lower.

I'm happy, until I look at Ed Starman's photos..... man, I want that shine. I'll finish with some fine, and see how it goes. I also may try 3M heavy cut and see if that gets me where I need to be.

My Father-in Law's neighbor works at Boeing. He gave me a tin of Met -all - he says this is what they use at the factory to polish the metal. It doesn't cut well, and I'm not so sure it works well as a final polish either. I'll try some fine cut 3M or HM first and let everyone know.
Marc

that you mentioned me but yours is looking great. and trust me mine is a 15 foot polish job so far... but im so burned out. Keep up all the great work. It sure is satisfying to see it all come together....
Hey im going on my maiden voyage this weekend. I bet my new cusions make it here the morning I leave and my drapes get installed the night before.. But im beach bound..

[jordandvm]

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

Well, a cloudy day, but I thought I'd show you my progress so far. First photo is after a pass with Heavy Metal (red) followed with 3M medium grit. Second photo shows the difference between the unfinished upper and the polished lower.

I'm happy, until I look at Ed Starman's photos..... man, I want that shine. I'll finish with some fine, and see how it goes. I also may try 3M heavy cut and see if that gets me where I need to be.

My Father-in Law's neighbor works at Boeing. He gave me a tin of Met -all - he says this is what they use at the factory to polish the metal. It doesn't cut well, and I'm not so sure it works well as a final polish either. I'll try some fine cut 3M or HM first and let everyone know.
Marc

Help......where's my sunglasses......the reflections are blinding!!
Seriously....it's looking rad......iant. Can't wait to see in person.

Jim

[Safari Tim]

Marc,

Remember this is your goal

[C Johnson]

Looks great Marc !

[3Ms75Argosy]

Yup - that's what got me going on stripping it in the first place. I'll be there $oon.... I hope. Just need more ca$h.
Marc

[Safari Tim]

You got a great headstart.

I think a polished Argosy is way cool, because it's so rare.

Keep it up!

[aztlanco]

Would it be too much work and trouble to remove the end caps, have them chrome plated, and then re-install them? That would be awsome!
Ernie
'58 Traveler, 18ft.

[froggies]

Marc,

I hope you are not so busy polishing that you are not on here...could you please detail what steps you took? Like step 1 did this, step 2 did that? My argosy came to me stripped, I wonder did yours have swirls and sanding marks on the panels after you stripped the paint? Did you have to compound first to remove oxidation, or was there really not much oxidation because it was covered in paint? Any help would be appreciated....especially as it refers specifically to any troubles I might run into polishing an Argosy. I am trying to figure out just what the POs all did to my unit to know where to start...it is somewhat oxidized/cloudy but no clearcoat. At least I THINK no clearcoat...but it is covered with swirls/sandpaper marks. And adhesive tape. Please give us an update on yours, that would be very inspiring!