Thank you so much for this video. I have a 72 land yacht sovereign, and after washing it and watching this video, I have decided that I am not going to polish it removing the clearcoat. I think it looks just fine the way it is and what I would open my self up to later on trying to keep that perfectly shine look just isn’t worth it. I got this airstream to enjoy myself and to look really good and classic. I don’t think it needs to look like an American Airlines Boeing 777👀 that being said, I also appreciate people that take the time to do that, but I’m older now and retired and I don’t have the time🙏😎
I just got a 1973 and it looks like your first one did before you polished it and I'm still debating on all the work it will take to clean it up. Thanks for your video!!
I'm on my first Airstream renovation. I primarily detail boats and autos. I used a Citrus Strip on the entire Airstream which is a 71' Sovereign. It was in EXTREMELY bad condition. Nothing had been done to it in nearly 20 years. The clearcoat failed badly in areas, some it was gone, it was badly damaged via scratching, some dents, sun damage, corrosion and badly oxidized, also road debris/rock damage. You truly through the process think constantly about streamlining your methodology. Only an insane person would revisit in totality the hell they went through with restoring their first Airstream, understatement!!! I would emphatically use a different stripping method. One that is liquid, a spray on, not damaging to windows & not a paste or gel. For polishing I was back & forth on what approach to use. I started out the restoration using a Variable Speed Polisher, then I switched to an Angle Grinder & the Zephyr Wheel Method. I had 4 grinders that went bad on me, all smoked & one caught fire. I never used past the first setting, returned them all. So I went back to the variable speed polisher. I used the product "Brightworks". The first section came out beautifully, the next section not. I used it more & decided I couldn't go through the hit or miss over the entire Airstream. So I switched up products to using what I use in boats, Presta Complete Compound & their polish. I had good moments with them but in some areas it didn't work. So I opted to try "NuVite" F9, a damn good product. Although it's recommended for Corrosion & Repair it didn't budge all areas. Some say to sand, others aren't advocates of it. I decided to Scuff Stuff it and "step it out" after trying 1000 grit sanding. I read a lot, did a lot of research, called the Airstream Manufacturer to pick minds, also called local Airstream Dealership here in Atlanta. You'll comb through a lot of ideologies on how to restore one of these things. Some information sounded like danger zone work to me so I inquired. I read of some going down to 400 grit sanding. I was told to not do such in which I wasn't going to. I tested theory a few times on this restoration. There are a few things I'd still like to explore. When detailing Pontoon Boats and cleaning the aluminum logs, I've used two products. One being Starbrite EZ On-Off, it's very good, acidic but possibly to much for an Airstream. But Starbrite also makes a Starbrite Aluminum Cleaner, it's not as acidic or not at all, it cleans just as well and I believe it may combat the corrosion & oxidation issue within the pores of the Airstreams. Naively, I thought this would take 2 weeks, LOL but not. Many are saying one person will be on this task for approximately 4-8 weeks. They were right. After your first restoration, this will decrease!!!! In speaking with a representative at the Airstream Manufacturing Facility in Ohio I questioned him about the picturesque look of Vintage Airstreams on line. He said my friend it's like lipstick on a pig. He stated that they hold annual meet & greets and they look beautiful until you approach them & then you see the flaws. I was gunning for perfection. He said at times you can do more damage by being overzealous trying for perfection. The outer layer(Skin( of an Airstream is only .032 if an inch thick, although very durable material. But you don't want to damage it because it's expensive to replace, there's no repairing a section like an auto or boat. It's been a good experience, I've learned a hell of a lot and would most definitely do again. Oh yeah, I'm almost finished after 6 weeks, lord!
It took four attempts to get through this video due to toddler interruptions, so I can not even imagine how long it would take us to polish an airstream. Looks great though!
Next time your in Fla stop in st.augustine amd checkout the airstreams ive done theyre on vilano beach right by the pier..i did the 33 footer a tear amd a half ago but I also ceramic coated it to maintain easy cleanup and make the shine last appose to polishing every 6 mnths
I removed the clear coat from one side of my 1971 Airstream using a "citrus" stripper. OMG...it took forever. I used the Aircraft Stripper on the other side and it took about 1/3 the time and effort. Do you have any suggestions on removing water spots from a polished trailer? After driving in rain I'm left with spots a bath does not get rid of.
I did as well. I'm on my first Airstream renovation. I primarily detail boats and autos. I used a Citrus Strip on the entire Airstream which is a 71' Sovereign. It was in EXTREMELY bad condition. The clearcoat failed badly in areas, some it was gone, it was badly damaged via scratching, some dent, sun damage, corrosion and badly oxidized, also road debris/rock damage. You truly through the process think constantly about streamlining your methodology. Only an insane person would revisit in totality the hell they went through with restoring their first Airstream, understatement!!! I would emphatically use a different stripping method. One that is liquid, a spray on, not damaging to windows & not a paste or gel.
do u know of a polishing alternative once its stripped I've heard of someone using an aluminum brightener do you know if any of those would be safe to use to get a more uniform color without polishing
I tried that with our first Airstream and it did nothing unfortunately. Polishing it is the only way to go. Or some people like the patina look that an unpolished but stripped Airstream creates.
A question please. If I strip mine and only do the first cut or first and second cut, how will the trailer look? I'm not sure I want the full monte shine with the maintenance. How does it look after the first, second, third cuts before final polish? I kind of feel like a satin sort of look. Thanks!
Yikes: I can tell you that if you do the first two steps and not the finishing step, you'll have swirl marks all over. It's like a poorly waxed black car. Do all three steps, and like her, you can just let it go. That little airstream is gorgeous. Here is the thing with maintenance polishing, though. You don' have to do the entire 3 step process every 6 months/year. A good clean and redoing the final step Is about all you need to maintain --that's plenty for sure, but not as exhausting as doing 200 hours from scratch each time. If its gone more than a year and not too bad, you may have to do step 2 and 3, but once in good shape, it's easier to keep in good shape.
Thank you so much for this video. I have a 72 land yacht sovereign, and after washing it and watching this video, I have decided that I am not going to polish it removing the clearcoat. I think it looks just fine the way it is and what I would open my self up to later on trying to keep that perfectly shine look just isn’t worth it. I got this airstream to enjoy myself and to look really good and classic. I don’t think it needs to look like an American Airlines Boeing 777👀 that being said, I also appreciate people that take the time to do that, but I’m older now and retired and I don’t have the time🙏😎
I am very grateful for this video. Because of this, I’m going to spend more time enjoying my Airstream and less time polishing 😊
I just got a 1973 and it looks like your first one did before you polished it and I'm still debating on all the work it will take to clean it up. Thanks for your video!!
Good job 👍
I'm on my first Airstream renovation. I primarily detail boats and autos. I used a Citrus Strip on the entire Airstream which is a 71' Sovereign. It was in EXTREMELY bad condition. Nothing had been done to it in nearly 20 years. The clearcoat failed badly in areas, some it was gone, it was badly damaged via scratching, some dents, sun damage, corrosion and badly oxidized, also road debris/rock damage.
You truly through the process think constantly about streamlining your methodology. Only an insane person would revisit in totality the hell they went through with restoring their first Airstream, understatement!!! I would emphatically use a different stripping method. One that is liquid, a spray on, not damaging to windows & not a paste or gel. For polishing I was back & forth on what approach to use.
I started out the restoration using a Variable Speed Polisher, then I switched to an Angle Grinder & the Zephyr Wheel Method. I had 4 grinders that went bad on me, all smoked & one caught fire. I never used past the first setting, returned them all. So I went back to the variable speed polisher. I used the product "Brightworks". The first section came out beautifully, the next section not.
I used it more & decided I couldn't go through the hit or miss over the entire Airstream. So I switched up products to using what I use in boats, Presta Complete Compound & their polish. I had good moments with them but in some areas it didn't work. So I opted to try "NuVite" F9, a damn good product. Although it's recommended for Corrosion & Repair it didn't budge all areas. Some say to sand, others aren't advocates of it.
I decided to Scuff Stuff it and "step it out" after trying 1000 grit sanding. I read a lot, did a lot of research, called the Airstream Manufacturer to pick minds, also called local Airstream Dealership here in Atlanta. You'll comb through a lot of ideologies on how to restore one of these things. Some information sounded like danger zone work to me so I inquired. I read of some going down to 400 grit sanding. I was told to not do such in which I wasn't going to.
I tested theory a few times on this restoration. There are a few things I'd still like to explore. When detailing Pontoon Boats and cleaning the aluminum logs, I've used two products. One being Starbrite EZ On-Off, it's very good, acidic but possibly to much for an Airstream. But Starbrite also makes a Starbrite Aluminum Cleaner, it's not as acidic or not at all, it cleans just as well and I believe it may combat the corrosion & oxidation issue within the pores of the Airstreams.
Naively, I thought this would take 2 weeks, LOL but not. Many are saying one person will be on this task for approximately 4-8 weeks. They were right. After your first restoration, this will decrease!!!! In speaking with a representative at the Airstream Manufacturing Facility in Ohio I questioned him about the picturesque look of Vintage Airstreams on line. He said my friend it's like lipstick on a pig. He stated that they hold annual meet & greets and they look beautiful until you approach them & then you see the flaws.
I was gunning for perfection. He said at times you can do more damage by being overzealous trying for perfection. The outer layer(Skin( of an Airstream is only .032 if an inch thick, although very durable material. But you don't want to damage it because it's expensive to replace, there's no repairing a section like an auto or boat. It's been a good experience, I've learned a hell of a lot and would most definitely do again. Oh yeah, I'm almost finished after 6 weeks, lord!
Thank you nice video and something to think about
It took four attempts to get through this video due to toddler interruptions, so I can not even imagine how long it would take us to polish an airstream. Looks great though!
That's hilarious and one of the reasons I don't have kids!!!
Next time your in Fla stop in st.augustine amd checkout the airstreams ive done theyre on vilano beach right by the pier..i did the 33 footer a tear amd a half ago but I also ceramic coated it to maintain easy cleanup and make the shine last appose to polishing every 6 mnths
Awesome! Will do!!
How about re clear-coat it, would that not be just only spray coating it ?
I wish. It's expensive.
I removed the clear coat from one side of my 1971 Airstream using a "citrus" stripper. OMG...it took forever. I used the Aircraft Stripper on the other side and it took about 1/3 the time and effort. Do you have any suggestions on removing water spots from a polished trailer? After driving in rain I'm left with spots a bath does not get rid of.
David Clay interesting! I don't know. Let me do some research!
I did as well. I'm on my first Airstream renovation. I primarily detail boats and autos. I used a Citrus Strip on the entire Airstream which is a 71' Sovereign. It was in EXTREMELY bad condition. The clearcoat failed badly in areas, some it was gone, it was badly damaged via scratching, some dent, sun damage, corrosion and badly oxidized, also road debris/rock damage.
You truly through the process think constantly about streamlining your methodology. Only an insane person would revisit in totality the hell they went through with restoring their first Airstream, understatement!!! I would emphatically use a different stripping method. One that is liquid, a spray on, not damaging to windows & not a paste or gel.
Wax, sealant, ceramic would all prevent water spots
Mothers spray wax, wipe off with microfiber rag.
do u know of a polishing alternative once its stripped I've heard of someone using an aluminum brightener do you know if any of those would be safe to use to get a more uniform color without polishing
I tried that with our first Airstream and it did nothing unfortunately. Polishing it is the only way to go. Or some people like the patina look that an unpolished but stripped Airstream creates.
A question please. If I strip mine and only do the first cut or first and second cut, how will the trailer look? I'm not sure I want the full monte shine with the maintenance. How does it look after the first, second, third cuts before final polish? I kind of feel like a satin sort of look. Thanks!
Yikes: I can tell you that if you do the first two steps and not the finishing step, you'll have swirl marks all over. It's like a poorly waxed black car. Do all three steps, and like her, you can just let it go. That little airstream is gorgeous. Here is the thing with maintenance polishing, though. You don' have to do the entire 3 step process every 6 months/year. A good clean and redoing the final step Is about all you need to maintain --that's plenty for sure, but not as exhausting as doing 200 hours from scratch each time. If its gone more than a year and not too bad, you may have to do step 2 and 3, but once in good shape, it's easier to keep in good shape.
I love power washing videos.!
The best!!
Good video. But please stop “up talking “ .