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Old 08-27-2009, 06:35 AM   #1
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How to polish a Zip Dee awning protector?

I decided, since I'm doing the rest of the trailer, I may as well polish the Zip Dee aluminum pieces that protect the awning. I bought a used awning for the rear window that was dated from 2004. The other awnings I have are older. The newer one seems to be anodized. I can't get any sort of shine to it. The older ones shine up a bit (enough to satisfy me). Anyone know how to get the newer one to shine? Should I try some oven cleaner like they do on Avions? Or maybe I should just leave well enough alone? Any suggestions?
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Old 08-27-2009, 07:08 AM   #2
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Becky, there are two different types of Zip-Dee awning hardware, satin finish and bright finish. Satin is USUALLY what is found on Airstreams. While this doesn't help you polish what you have, it does explain the difference.
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Old 08-27-2009, 08:42 AM   #3
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Becky, there are two different types of Zip-Dee awning hardware, satin finish and bright finish. Satin is USUALLY what is found on Airstreams. While this doesn't help you polish what you have, it does explain the difference.

I'm sure the one I just got is satin, then. The others must be bright finish. Anyone know if you can polish up the satin somehow?
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Old 08-30-2009, 07:35 PM   #4
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Ours must also be satin. They are original on the 1979 we got. I also tried to polish them up but wouldn't work with Nuvite. Then I tried clearcoat stripping but there was no clearcoat. I then tried to at least clean them up with a brushed look with scotchbright but that wouldn't scratch them either. I am at a loss but if you find something that works, let me know
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Old 08-30-2009, 07:41 PM   #5
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Ours must also be satin. They are original on the 1979 we got. I also tried to polish them up but wouldn't work with Nuvite. Then I tried clearcoat stripping but there was no clearcoat. I then tried to at least clean them up with a brushed look with scotchbright but that wouldn't scratch them either. I am at a loss but if you find something that works, let me know
Actually, I did. Took off the aluminum protectors & sprayed them with Easy Off Oven Cleaner (the heavy duty kind). Turns out they are anodized! It removed the anodizing & I sanded them down a bit with some 320 grit aluminum oxide paper. Then I polished with Nuvite C & I still have to go to the S to get out the swirls. They are SHINY now! I only did the one that's satin. It's really a mirror finish. I wouldn't suggest doing this process while they're on your trailer, though. I don't know what the oven cleaner would do to the fabric if it got on the awning. Putzing is so much fun!
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Old 08-30-2009, 07:47 PM   #6
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BAH. We just put the last awning back on the camper this weekend. That will be a project I will have to put on the list for another year (when the fabric finally starts to rot out). Thanks for posting the info!!
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Old 10-10-2009, 04:41 PM   #7
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I finally got the awnings back on the trailer. I actually shortened the rear awning roll & sewed the new awning myself! (Not usually a sewer). Made the fabric part for $25 including delivery--not bad compared to $92 w/o shipping from ZipDee. Got the complete roll & arms from Colaws for $125, so I came out ahead more than $100 for a new one. The best part is....IT WORKS!
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Old 10-10-2009, 06:00 PM   #8
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Becky,
Looks great! Now I wish we had done ours before putting them back on...
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Old 10-10-2009, 06:24 PM   #9
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Great job Becky!

I could use one of those myself. Where did you get the fabric?
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Old 10-10-2009, 07:45 PM   #10
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Great job Becky!

I could use one of those myself. Where did you get the fabric?
Zip Dee fabric is available from Zip Dee.

Phone # 800-338BEST

Ask for Linda.

The color in the photo is called Pacific Blue Fancy # 4755.

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Old 10-11-2009, 07:31 AM   #11
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I bought the fabric here

Sunbrella Pacific Blue - Outdoor Fabric Source

I used the old awning fabric as a pattern & modified it to be shorter in width. One yard was exactly enough to do the rear window. I bought thread at WalMart that's made for outdoors & is UV resistant.

I just checked the above website & they must have discontinued carrying the Pacific Blue Fancy (striped) that I used. I did find it at this site, though....
http://store.fabriccarolina.com/Item...20Blue%20Fancy

Not sure of what the shipping is. I'd check w/both Zip Dee & this place for price comparison on fabric.
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Old 10-11-2009, 09:16 AM   #12
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Good info, Becky- thanks! I'd like to make some slip-on awnings, like what InsideOut did.
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