What will compound/clean up the aluminum siding on my 76 barth ?

On this screen look up in the top in small print ( search ) type in POLISH and then hit serch and you will see some info on your question.

Dale

[This message has been edited by Smith Brother (edited July 22, 2005).]

Kelly,

Congrats on the Barth acquisition! If you suffer from terminal tinkeritis, you've found the perfect outlet for your energies.

IF you want to clean-up the bare siding to close-to-original condition, I'd recommend Dupont #7 rubbing compound, watered down to a slurry, and a SLOW-speed lambs wool polishing bonnet. Rinse often to inspect and reapply compund as needed until you get a even amount of reflection....Carnuba wax will protect and further blend the final finish.

On the other hand, if you're a masochist and want to achieve an eye-blinding mirror finish, several steps are required:

1. Light-acid wash down to remove oxidation. (also removes anodizing, so this is a one-way trip on the decision tree!) READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY as you could damage glass, paint, rubber, etc.......

2. Abrasive cleaners/polishers - usually in three steps over the same territory with powered buffers. I prefer Nuvite, an aircraft polish in several grades, but there's others out there too.

3. A mirror finish, with missing anodized protection, will oxidize quickly so it's important to get a good wax over the surface ASAP....once/twice a year wax jobs will keep it great looking for 3-5 years...then it's Nuvite time again....but less work than the original job - usually one pass........

Google some vintage Airstream sites to get more details on the process - lots of pics out there.......

FOOTNOTE: Mirror-finish projects are normally accomplished by people with a gene deficiency who need to get a life. Ex: a 24 footer with no paint involves about 200 manhours from start-to-finish, with the fun-factor equaling that of a root canal...YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Lee
Wash. DC
'78/24'/P30/454

Thanks Lee, I will try the Dupont # 7 and see how it goes. I actually like the brushed look better than the mirror look so it might be a lessor evil !
You all are such a wealth of knowledge its great !

Kelly