07-22-2005, 04:02 PM
LeeCongrats 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