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Post by topogon on Mar 2, 2013 16:12:26 GMT 10
I've just bought an early 1960 alloy body Millard "De Luxe" to refurbish rather than restore. I don't have the time for a proper restoration but I would like to make it look presentable. I have searched the forum and read many suggestions for cleaning up the side cladding which is in the typical diamond patern embossed aluminium of the early 1960s era. Obviously I can't just use a block and wet and dry as I would be sanding off the pattern. Whats the best (read easiest!) way to clean it up? Steel wool or...  ? And for the non-embossed parts what is fast to do. Can I just use cutting polish and a power buffer? Then, once I have polished it all, what should I coat it in to keep it clean? 2 pack clear?? I am a total novice with this stuff (in fact until yesterday when I picked it up I had never even towed a caravan before!) so any suggestions will be appreciated. John C |
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Post by DC3Td on Mar 2, 2013 16:26:08 GMT 10
Gday & welcome Topogon. This very same question is being addressed in a header just a couple below your query in - Blemishes.
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Post by topogon on Mar 2, 2013 17:09:48 GMT 10
Yes, I saw that. However I am looking to do the whole area, not just individual spots.
Also I need to know about suggested coatings/clear finished when I am done.
Thanks for the response.
John C
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Post by shesgotthelook on Mar 2, 2013 17:42:04 GMT 10
Terrific looking van you have there. Try 'purple polish'. Start on an underside bit. Is does make quite a dramatic difference so make sure that is the look you want.
I wouldn't go coating the ali with anything. (Someone else may suggest otherwise though). Just ensure you have no leaks as that will kill a van faster than anything.
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Post by Roehm3108 on Mar 2, 2013 17:43:44 GMT 10
Vintage caravanning is a bit like marriage - after that first flush of love, there comes the ongoing maintenance!!!  Always the maintenance ;D ;D ;D ;D Polish and paint won't mix! You need to have all wax removed to paint your van as you suggest. |
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Post by topogon on Mar 2, 2013 17:58:05 GMT 10
I did read elsewhere about the purple polish Shesgotthelook. How should I apply it - not with elbow grease I hope!
JC
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Post by jenniewren on Mar 2, 2013 20:04:55 GMT 10
Guess what..........I have just spent a leisurely afternoon (not) doing exactly what you want to do! I am the one with the spotted alum problem.......I decided I couldn't just spot clean you have to do the lot!  I first washed the whole van with warm water and dishwashing liquid... works just as good as anything.....wiped it over with dry cloth..... The ONLY way I could remove all of the spots (bird poo) & imperfections was using "elbow grease" a "fairly damp cloth" with a cream cleanser. Good old Gumption. Cheap as, I had a little over half tub and have enough for the other side tomorrow!! Just did a big swirling motion, no hard rubbing. Try the underside of the back first till you get the right pressure to clean...You kind of get the hang of it after about 15 mins or so! It's a top workout!!! I didn't use jex as I found this to be too harsh on the ali....just my opinion when I did a test patch. I washed it down with a soft brush to get into all the diamond pattern.....then just simply dried it off with another old towel. You are thinking...no way.....well have to say the front & side that I managed to do in less than 4hrs have come up an absolute treat!!!! I am VERY HAPPY with doing it this way!!! ;D ;D Even though I whinged a lot & tried to worm out of doing it the hard way beforehand.............  So much better than a solution I bought to originally do it! Quite frankly it was a waste of time!! But it wasn't Purple polish but guessing the same kind of thing. I am by no means a perfectionist.....not slap happy either...more in the middle.....there are still a few imperfections but hey it's a vintage van. There was some stubborn tar & dried horse poo on front....the boy wandered over and dabbed them with petrol, they wiped off easily.....I was a little concerned about fuel on alum but not a problem (he uses it all the time to clean his beloved motorcycles!)....I simply washed it off & polish dried it. As for Purple polish don't know.....Gumption did exactly what I wanted it to do....cleaned & polished. You should be able to do it in a weekend!!!! Plug in the ipod and go for it ;D ;D ;D Good luck..... PS: No I will not put anything on it....mainly because it's too hard when it deteriorates to get off and start again. It's easier to just wash it down with warm water & dish washing liquid every now and again with a soft bristled kitchen broom!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by shesgotthelook on Mar 2, 2013 20:05:37 GMT 10
Sadly TG, lots of elbow grease unless you have teenagers you can bribe  |
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Post by jenniewren on Mar 4, 2013 20:11:03 GMT 10
Hi Topogon.....if you have a look under "Rambler" thread.....you will see how the "gumption" has worked it's magic.
Not perfect by any means but 100% better than it was.......time 8.5hrs total!!!
That's a nice Sunday job for you....................good luck!
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Post by jenniewren on Mar 4, 2013 20:12:36 GMT 10
Errr, sorry...that would be in the "Members" section....thread "Rambler" J
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Post by Roehm3108 on Mar 4, 2013 20:17:58 GMT 10
jenniewren, you can correct your own replies, without writing a new one. If you look at your reply, at the top RH side you will see icons "quote" "modify" "delete". If you click "modify" you can edit what you wrote.
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