I'm a stripper

[Splitrock]

I washed the trailer with the power washer and tried Removal stripper. It was s l o w and required multiple applications. Not for me. I even tried letting it sit over night. Still not good. Then I tried CitriStrip. Whoa! BIG difference! It worked fast in one application. I did one side of the trailer, including 1/2 of the top, in one application. It stripped clean and came off with the washer with no problems.






I tried different wheels and some polishes but I've settled for a white Airway wheel on a 2,000 rpm Sioux polisher for the tough spots, and a 9" wool buffing pad on a variable speed buffer for the clean spots. Using Black Buffing Compound from Caswell on both wheels.



I haven't buffed the top yet. I'll maybe hire a college kid to polish the top for me.



The next cut I'll use Brown Buffing Compound with the buffing pad, and the final cut, I'll use White Buffing Compound on the Cyclo.

So far this is WAY less work and time than I thought it would be.

[ddstech]

Looking really good. I'm interested to see how the white compound works on the cyclo. To clarify, you are not using nuvite products at all?

[InsideOut]

Looks good! I've had better luck with Citri-Strip than Removal which we call RemovSome at our house!

Looks like whatever you're doing is working...atta-boy! That's a bi-g-g-g trailer - it will look awesome when you're done. A Cyclo-Polisher with Nuvite for the final passes will really help bring out that mirror shine ~

Shari

[Bluto]

Yes, you are a stripper, and a good one at that! Can we call you a "pro" now?

Seriously, that trailer has come a long way since you started to work on it. I see the scaffolding came in handy again.

[Crusty]

In my opinion, instead of polishing the roof you should coat it with Kool Seal like they're putting on the new Airstreams. It makes a difference it hot weather.

Your trailer looks stunning by the way.

[c_lewis77]

Looking good! Keep posting pics!
Watch out for the "eyebrows" over the windows....I think Airstream sharpens the edges to deter polishing! LOL! My polisher caught the edge of one and about threw me off the ladder!
I second InsideOut on the Nuvite C and Cyclo for the final pass!

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by ddstech

Looking really good. I'm interested to see how the white compound works on the cyclo. To clarify, you are not using nuvite products at all?

Not so far. I could. Two reasons I was going to use brown and white compounds after this cut with the black . . . #1. I already have them both in the shop, and . . .#2. I can buy more locally.

I could use the nuvite. Is it "C" that is used with the Cyclo? How much would I need for a 31' trailer? Where do I get it? Will I still need a final polish or wax after the Nuvite?

I wasn't planning to do a mirror finish, but I want to remove the marks caused by the black compound buffer.

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by Crusty

In my opinion, instead of polishing the roof you should coat it with Kool Seal like they're putting on the new Airstreams. It makes a difference it hot weather.

Your trailer looks stunning by the way.

I like the Kool Seal idea. I like the looks of the trailers I've seen it used on. Where would I get it? What do I need to know?

Thanks for the kind words.

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by Bluto

Yes, you are a stripper, and a good one at that! Can we call you a "pro" now?

Seriously, that trailer has come a long way since you started to work on it. I see the scaffolding came in handy again.

Yes that scaffold has been a prerequisite to several Airstream projects. I don't trust myself on a ladder with a polisher:-)

This trailer was in good condition below the windows. Wherever the clearcoat was still on, the buffing and polishing will be easy going. That white Airway wheel was a gift from heaven. Cut like a champ without heavy scratches.

[c_lewis77]

Originally Posted by Splitrock

Not so far. I could. Two reasons I was going to use brown and white compounds after this cut with the black . . . #1. I already have them both in the shop, and . . .#2. I can buy more locally.

I could use the nuvite. Is it "C" that is used with the Cyclo? How much would I need for a 31' trailer? Where do I get it? Will I still need a final polish or wax after the Nuvite?

I wasn't planning to do a mirror finish, but I want to remove the marks caused by the black compound buffer.

nuvite c is what you use with the cyclo. I used about 1/2 lb on my 34'. It goes a long way. I bought 1lb so I would have some for touch up later. Vintage trailer supply sells it.

[c_lewis77]

I talked to Meguires regarding wax, they recommended #26 yellow wax for the polished aluminum. It doesnt shine it, just protects from oxidation. If the rain holds out I was going to put a coat on this weekend. I will let you know how it turns out.

[Crusty]

Here's a link to the Google Shopping page for the Kool Seal Premium coating, which I think is more appropriate than the coating that they also sell for RVs and mobile homes. You should check the KoolSeal website and decide which product you think is the best.

KoolSeal Shopping

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by c_lewis77

I talked to Meguires regarding wax, they recommended #26 yellow wax for the polished aluminum. It doesnt shine it, just protects from oxidation. If the rain holds out I was going to put a coat on this weekend. I will let you know how it turns out.

Where could I buy the Meguires?

Thanks!

[c_lewis77]

I get it at AutoZone. It is in a tan bottle...about $10.
I use it on the car...excellent for that too. However, when the airstream is polished up, noone will notice the truck anymore!

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by c_lewis77

I get it at AutoZone. It is in a tan bottle...about $10.
I use it on the car...excellent for that too. However, when the airstream is polished up, noone will notice the truck anymore!

Ha! That's funny! Thanks, AutoZone it is.

[Splitrock]

Update: Got all the nasty tarnish removed and have most of the first cut finished.









My pre-polish anxiety was misplaced. Replaced by first cut pride.

I'm gonne git me more of those white Airway wheels. Those rock!



`

[desertair27]

Trailer is looking great! I have to ask how you tinted your windows? Aren't they all the dual pane.
Keep up the great work!
Mike

[Splitrock]

Hi Mike,

I just put film inside when I had the windows on the bench installing new gaskets. The windows are single pane except for the top row of vista windows. Changing those is on my long list . . . long, long list.

[Splitrock]

Progress . . .




1st pass with the Cyclo with the "S" compound.




I'm searching for a small space polish tool. This cotton cloth over a wheel polishing cone workes pretty good. Still looking though . . .

Any suggestions?



`

[c_lewis77]

Originally Posted by Splitrock

Progress . . .

1st pass with the Cyclo with the "S" compound.

I'm searching for a small space polish tool. This cotton cloth over a wheel polishing cone workes pretty good. Still looking though . . .

Any suggestions?

`

Vintage trailer supply has some funny shaped cones and such for polishing small spaces.
Are you using a cyclo with the nuvite s or the rotary? How is it working?