RE: [a/s] Sheets and stuff

["MyAirstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxx>]

Bob replied:
Just liked to point out that the clearcoat, an acrylic laquer also come with
the vintage units (at least in the 60's).  This clearcoat will eventually
break down with time, UV and the elements permitting oxidation to occur on
the underlying aluminum.

When that process matures it results in a dull looking trailer.  To restore
a shiny finish one can do the job theirsleves or pay $100 per linear foot
for an expert (Airstream or classic restorer).

The first step is to completely remove the old clearcoat.  This is a tedious
but not particularly hard job.  Once the clear coat is removed, the only
protective step that an individual has for the finish is to polish it with a
good cleaner wax like AP-300 aircraft polish.  Individuals cannot restore
the clearcoat because even tiny bits of oxidation will get under the coating
causing eventual blistering.

That is why it is so often heard that new coaches must refinish at factory
with new clearcoat.

I wonder if there is any reason that a 1980+ Airstream could not just remove
clearcoat and polish like a vintage?  Did the factory suddenly change the
type of aluminum thereby precluding polishing?

Bob Kiger aka Cruiser Bob
myairstream@home.com