To polish or not to polish?

[Globie64]

So, we're getting to that point where every system has been replaced, and I had promised that when the systems were up and running, THEN we could think about stripping and polishing our trailer. My one question is, how will the stripped aluminum hold up living one mile from the ocean? Corrosion is alarming on the homes at the edge of the water, we're 3/4 of a mile in and 400' above sea level, we don't have the same problems with our house, but our cars get minor surface corrosion on things like the valve covers etc. If the Airstream is stripped and waxed, will it just become a bunch of pits after a while? It's been living here for the last 7 years with a failing plastic coat, nothing dire seems to be happening to the surfaces. And, it's not like I'm trying to get out of stripping the coating and polishing it, it would make my partner so happy. I just don't want it to disintegrate. Thoughts from those of you living in maritime areas would be a great help. Thanks

[pbearsailor]

Mine is a little older than yours, now 55 years old, and she has been within a mile of salt water for the last 40 years or so.

I'm doing the yearly polish job right now. I'm sure I have more work than on an inland trailer, but it isn't awful. What I notice are the few fasteners that aren't stainless steel. The degradation of my polish isn't that big of a deal.

I suspect what we deal with is not nearly as bad as those that roll down salt covered roads in the winter.

Cheers,
steve.

[Globie64]

Hi Steve. Thanks, that is encouraging. I'm sure its not like road salt. We have higher humidity here than I was used to in the East Bay, but it's not too damp. Guess I'll be learning how to strip n polish.