Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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Protect Aluminum Airstream Trailer from Oxidation
Q. I am restoring a classic Airstream trailer with lots of aluminum and have been told that I need a "CYCLO MACHINE" [dual head orbital polisher] to do the buffing; however, no one can tell me where to find one or who makes it.
Any help out there? Thanks.
restoration business - Dallas, Texas
A. Hi, John. Cyclo dual head buffers are made by Cycle Toolmakers and are available from Amazon. Used ones (and maybe new ones) can be found on eBay .
You're not the only reader who inquired about polishing an Airstream. I think you'll find letter 5613 "Polishing an Airstream Trailer" helpful.
You may also find letter 1151 "Moonshine Aluminum Polish (Very Strong!)" interesting as it talks about formulations for Moonshine. Best of luck with it!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 17, 2008
RV siding: To paint or not to paint?
Q. My husband and I have a RV with aluminium siding, the paint is rubbed off in spots. Due to years of washing the RV, because we keep getting the black streaks down the sides. We were told we could paint the siding. If so, what are the proper steps we need to take? What products do we buy? Where do we find the products to buy? Any help along these lines would be most appreciated.
Ellen M Radcliff- Franklin, Georgia
2002
A. Hi, Ellen. If you you are on the fence about repainting, you may find the application of Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] to be sufficient to get you by. It protects the aluminum while making the paint look less faded, and is easy to brush on. Basically, it makes the trailer look like it does when it's wet. If it looks good wet, this approach should help. If you don't like the look of your trailer even when it's wet, it won't improve the looks :-)
If you have decided to re-paint, and don't wish to go to a body shop or auto painting shop, you need to scrub the paint well with a scrub brush [on
eBay or
Amazon] and detergent, spray on a primer, then spray on a color of your choice. An auto store will have suitable paint. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 24, 2010
Best polish and sealer for vintage Airstream trailer
Q. I am in the process of polishing a vintage Airstream trailer to a mirror polish. Does anyone have a product (wax or sealer) that they could recommend to minimize the time between polishing, and reduce oxidation? It is a lot of hard work to get it shiny so I want to keep it that way. I have heard that WD-40 [on eBay or Amazon] sprayed on the surface could work, glass wax, etc. Any ideas?
Michael Warren- Los Angeles, California
2003
A. I've seen good things mentioned about a product called ZoopSeal [on eBay & Amazon] in reference to hot rod polished aluminum parts.
Stephen Berlinskys- Enterprise, Alabama
2003
Ed. note: ZoopSeal no longer exists under that name; its inventor now calls the product ShineSeal [on eBay & Amazon].
A. Use Nu Finish [affil links] it lasts 12 months.
Keith Aikens- Canada
2004
Silver Streak trailer restoration
2006Q. I'm restoring a 1976 Silver Streak Trailer.
I have cleaned the years of crud off. The anodizing is gone accept in a couple of places. I'm having problems removing some of the water streaks from the walls.
I want to to have the original gray finish.
Some have suggested Transmission fluid. I tried it it looks great until the trailer gets wet then I have white streaks on the finish.
How can I remove the last of the anodizing?
What is the best way to remove the water streaks?
And how would be best to protect the Aluminum surface?
Owner Glass Company - Ogden, Utah
A. I don't know about the surface but take caution on any cleaner with Sulfuric acid in it. It will damage any chrome.
Also you can effectively remove any left over anodizing with EZ-off oven cleaner [on
eBay or
Amazon].
- Ogden, Utah
2006
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