Re: [A/S]Clear Coat Polish

[Charlie/Betty Burke <burke@xxxxxxxxxx>]

This is the latest as I have been able to gather from different sources.

1. The currently available clearcote is a reformulated version of the original
due to EPA regulations concerning VOC's or Volatile Organic Compounds. Some of
the good stuff they used to put in paints and finishes like clearcote weren't
good for the atmosphere (Toluene comes to mind). That coupled with the factory
not using it for production has driven the price up considerably. This product is
the current repair finish being used. As production of new replacement metal
continues Airstream is using the new pre finished  metal in older applications.
These days the only unfinished metal I'm seeing is the window (upper) side sheet
on the pre wide bodies.
2. The current pre finish metal actually costs more. But because it comes to
Airstream pre finished it does not require the delicate handling of the old
stuff, nor does the coach have to be clearcoted after production.. The reason it
is not field appliable is because it is a high temperature application. This
metal was first used starting in August 1998 on the Excella and Limited. The
remaining old metal was used up on the Safari/Bambi. End date unknown. Airstream
built a test vehicle of the new metal in early '98 or late '97 and sent it to
Arizona for testing. To date the finish has not failed.
3. Initial recommendations from Airstream was that this metal could not be
stripped and a panel would have to be replaced. In a recent conversation with
their Service Depart. though,  they have found a method of softening the finish
and then stripping it.

Charlie