Clearcoat on '62 Globetrotter

[Stupidnoob]

Hey everyone

Getting ready to order my polishin kit and just getting info I need

Do all older models (including mine) have clear coat on the aluminum? Is there any way to tell? And when stripping it, how can you tell it's coming off/or you got it all?

Thanks in advance

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by Stupidnoob

Hey everyone

Getting ready to order my polishin kit and just getting info I need

Do all older models (including mine) have clear coat on the aluminum? Is there any way to tell? And when stripping it, how can you tell it's coming off/or you got it all?

Thanks in advance

Clear coat was an option in 64 & used on all production Airstream's in 65 as far as I know. People have been known to clear coat earlier models "back in the day" so yours may or may not have it. The easiest way to tell if it has clear coat is to take a dab of polish, rubbing compound or even tooth paste on a rag & rub the trailer. If it starts to turn black, there isn't any clear coat. The black you see is oxidation starting to come off. If you keep going, it'll get shiny If it stays the color of the polish, it has clear coat that will need to be stripped before polishing.
Have fun................you have a lot of work ahead of you, either way.

[Stupidnoob]

Sounds good to me, easy to follow!

Appreciate the tip! Looking fwd to a dirty dirty job and a whole bunch of learning

[Laff67safari]

Just finish stripping my clear coat on my 67 safari.started with environmentally friendly citrus strip. After wasting a day and $40 of product. I bought aircraft stripped, a little stronger fumes but I finished the other half in 3 hours. Aircraft stripper get my vote.