How much maintenance?

[dkrukosky]

just out of curiosity once you strip and polish an airstream how much maintenance is involved in keeping it shiny? I would think it is an eternal task!

[dwightdi]

How long it will stay shiny is dependent on where you store it or use it. If you do not clearcoat it after you polish it, it can last from 6 months to one year. I am not fussy, so I spend 6 hours buffing the 63 Overlander every spring, after it has been used and stored in Northern Illinois. I do not polish the other trailers.

[dlb435]

The old owners manuals from the 1960's suggest that you wash and wax your trailer every month to maintane the exterior.

[overlander64]

Greetings dkrukosky!

Originally Posted by dkrukosky

just out of curiosity once you strip and polish an airstream how much maintenance is involved in keeping it shiny? I would think it is an eternal task!

I didn't like the idea of continuing maintenance of a non-Plasticoated Airstream, so I chose to go with a fresh polish followed by Plasticoat. After 10 years, I am still happy with my decision. The shop that did the work, P and S Trailer Service in Helena, Ohio performed what is called an "original sheen" polish job followed by the Plasticoat which resulted in the finish that I remember from when my '64 Overlander was brand new and in the hands of its first owners. I will likely have to have the front and rear domes recoated in the not too distant future as there is evidence that the Plasticoat is beginning to fail in those two areas . . . the coach has been Walbernized on a regular basis since it was refinished.

Kevin

P.S.: My '64 Overlander was delivered from the factory with Plasticoat, and I believe that it was a $26 option on my coach . . . my understanding is that Plasticoat became standard the next year.