VERY EXCITED - Get to turnaround a...... tips and tricks anyone?!?!?

[Bates Detailing]

1983 Vintage Airstream! This is going to be an amazing turnaround! I've been wanting to do one of these for the last year or two, now I get a chance to turn an aged aluminum Airstream into a mirror Can't wait to get started - Any tips or tricks for those of your that have done one before?!?!?!

[BlueZero]

I can't wait to see pictures! I've always wanted to own one that was polished to a mirror.

Here is a old thread on Meguiar's Online about polishing an aluminum boat. Blinded by the Shine! Hope you can get some tips or tricks from that thread. The only thing I can add is it's going to be a heck of a messy job! lol

[Vegas Transplant]

Great news and good luck B&B,
I had to sit on the sidelines with my buds airstream awhile back (2007).
But it was all good. I know that your gonna use NUVITE as usual.

Wish you guys much success!!! Youtube is full of "polishing airstream" videos, including one I saw on Nuvite, lol

[Bates Detailing]

I can't wait to see pictures! I've always wanted to own one that was polished to a mirror.

Here is a old thread on Meguiar's Online about polishing an aluminum boat. Blinded by the Shine! Hope you can get some tips or tricks from that thread. The only thing I can add is it's going to be a heck of a messy job! lol

Thanks man - I know it'll be messy - gloves, goggles, and crappy clothes lol - I don't need black splatter all over our new clothes! That was an awesome thread, thanx for sharing man

Great news and good luck B&B,
I had to sit on the sidelines with my buds airstream awhile back (2007).
But it was all good. I know that your gonna use NUVITE as usual.

Wish you guys much success!!! Youtube is full of "polishing airstream" videos, including one I saw on Nuvite, lol

NuVite - yes sir, that is what Im familiar with...... thanks for the good luck wishes man - this turnaround will be slightly epic

[Shane731]

I know that both Wolfgang and Blackfire have complete aluminum polishing systems:

Wolfgang Metal Polishes clean, polish, and protect metal, aluminum, chrome, stainless steel polish, Airstream polish, trailer polish, aluminum polish,

Blackfire Car Care Products, Midnight Sun Car Wax, black fire car wax


Here's a thread with the Blackfire metal polishes in action - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...vy-pickup.html

[Aaryn NZ]

G'day. I done this 26ft 1981 Airstream last year. Was in a rather neglected state when i started, had a lot of corrosion on one side. Not something we Kiwis see very much in New Zealand either. Big job but rewarding after all the hard work. I done the main polishing using a Rupes rotary & various metal polishing soaps before finishing with a DA using a light cutting foam pad to apply the final polish & then a clean pad with a micro fibre (many) over the pad like a bonnet. Took me 52 hours to do the polishing alone. Only advice would be - a few pairs of disposable coveralls, nitrile gloves, dust masks (black snot for days ) some safety glasses. For the Airstream - make sure none of the panels have a clear laquer, remove badges, take care around the windows ( a few scary kicks from the rotary ) & don't give up, you will make it even when it seems like you have been working for hours & have hardly made a dent. Can't wait to see your pics. Enjoy mate!

[Aaryn NZ]

Whoops - forgot to add the pics!

[BillE]

Whoops - forgot to add the pics!

WOW!!!!!

That's pretty...

Bill

[Mike Phillips]

For the Airstream - make sure none of the panels have a clear lacquer,

Find and join an Airstream discussion forum. There are specific paint removers for removing the lacquer off old Airstream trailers that won't also turn the aluminum gray like an acid wheel cleaner does to aluminum wheels.

It's faster and more effective to chemically remove the lacquer paint, especially around all the intricate areas like the windows, than it is to try to compound it off with a rotary buffer.

So strip the paint off first and then polish the metal.

remove badges, take care around the windows ( a few scary kicks from the rotary )

Any place there's a protruding edge of some type will be a potential place to catch your buffing pad on when using a rotary buffer, other than that it should be pretty straightforward and definitely get a pad cleaner as your pads re going to get really dirty.

[Mike Phillips]

I can't wait to see pictures! I've always wanted to own one that was polished to a mirror.

Here is a old thread on Meguiar's Online about polishing an aluminum boat. Blinded by the Shine! Hope you can get some tips or tricks from that thread. The only thing I can add is it's going to be a heck of a messy job! lol

This extreme makeover was done by Tim Lingor, one of the best forum moderators I've ever known and very talented when it comes to detailing. Here's the pictures...