How would you polish this trailer?

[Craig Encinitas]

Hi everyone.

Well, word of mouth spreads quickly. I’ve become the new person in charge of cleaning up horse trailers around the area. But this one is a standard Interstate single-axle cargo trailer with an aluminum exterior.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201111/697731b67dcc6206a47a5b892f2ee341.jpg
I’ve no idea what to do about the roof:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201111/5e8c2edc38c349ad120474277ce134c8.jpg

I’m having difficulty finding information on which pads, polish and sealants would be proper for oxidized aluminum exteriors. I’ve done two panels so far with a G9 DA, 3” LC white polishing pad and some old metal polish that was in storage. It seems to be working.

Before:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201111/eb3f57aa6ecb1f2266cfaf6631e84fca.jpg
After:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201111/48a6e2033b3f9f244a6cd77d42654a1c.jpg
Obviously, the pad is turning black after each area. Should it be cleaned or swapped to a fresh one after each panel like on automotive finishes? I’ll switch over to a 15mm DA today to speed up the job.

Would a rotary and wool pad be easiest to make the diamond plate gleam?

Thanks for any advice.

[dgage]

I know how I’d do the job.

I’d hire you! Lol! Nice job so far.

And if I were to do the job, this would be my perfect excuse to buy the Flex cordless finisher. :) What can I say, I’m a professional tool collector.

[DUBL0WS6]

Maybe Mothers Mag or metal polish

[Craig Encinitas]

...it’s coming along

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/6227d964df54bcf5598eea8bf5381e70.jpg

[TrustJesus]

Great work, so what is on top of roof? Did you get that figured out?

[Rsurfer]

The key now Craig, is to find a good lasting LSP for all the great work you've done on that trailer.

They are few Geeks here that do air planes, maybe one of them will chime in.

[Craig Encinitas]

^
Thanks. I’ve been using an old bottle of metal polish that has a sealant in it.
However, I’d like to do another complete pass over the panels to clean it up more. There’s leftover oxidation trails.



This is the roof. Oof! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/0c14381c67b82a4e771513803887a0da.jpg

S.O.S. pad?? [emoji23]


I want to make the diamond plating gleem. May need a rotary for that. [emoji848]

[98CayenneTA]

The key now Craig, is to find a good lasting LSP for all the great work you've done on that trailer.

They are few Geeks here that do air planes, maybe one of them will chime in.I did this plane a few years ago and won't be doing another one lol. That was my first and last !

Single stg. polish with CarPro Essence then coated with Cquart U.k 3.0.
(Bottom of plane also)

Think I went through 100 - 125 ml. of coating.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/e5e953bfedcd706b8f18dcb17231b7d0.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/ec9a2cc6b09433ec0523fa95ceb041c1.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/4243e12f917f86d527278655930556d7.jpg

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[Rsurfer]

I did this plane a few years ago and won't be doing another one lol. That was my first and last !

Single stg. polish with CarPro Essence then coated with Cquart U.k 3.0.
(Bottom of plane also)

Think I went through 100 - 125 ml. of coating.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/e5e953bfedcd706b8f18dcb17231b7d0.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/ec9a2cc6b09433ec0523fa95ceb041c1.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201113/4243e12f917f86d527278655930556d7.jpg

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
:wowwow:Stunning

[TMQ]

Agree...

Stunning!

Tom

[TMQ]

Craig...

Before anything...Did you wash the top?

That will help to get your thoughts at right direction.

I would prolly test with Megs #7. It's an oily thing which just might soften the crap enough to wipe off. Won't hurt to see what it does.

Tom

[TMQ]

Done this on a trailer couple years back.

Cut up bunch of scrap carpet.
Used Collinite metal cleaner/wax with scrap carpet.

Made the alumium shine as if you ran a rotary buffer with rouge!

Also maybe try comet...

Tom

[TrustJesus]

What’s on the roof of trailer? It looks like mildew.

[57Rambler]

I’ve no idea what to do about the roof:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201111/5e8c2edc38c349ad120474277ce134c8.jpg

I’m having difficulty finding information on which pads, polish and sealants would be proper for oxidized aluminum exteriors. I’ve done two panels so far with a G9 DA, 3” LC white polishing pad and some old metal polish that was in storage. It seems to be working.



For exposed aluminum that is oxidized, I'd take a look at this product duo from Marine31 ...

Marine 31 Pontoon Detailing Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/marine-31-pontoon-boat-detailing-kit.html)


3M makes a similar line of product as well.

[PaulMys]

Craig:

To answer the question in your thread title........... I wouldn't. ;)