Time Tested Restorations
An on-site restoration and mirror polishing service, dedicated to vintage Airstreams, where your location is my workshop.
An on-site restoration and mirror polishing service, dedicated to vintage Airstreams, where your location is my workshop.
• Airstreams made after the early 1990s were covered with other grades of "softer" alloys that will polish, but not to the same luster that can be achieved on 2024-T3.
• Airstreams made before the early to mid 1990s were built using, commonly extruded, aircraft grade "2024-T3" aluminum for its high strength to weight ratio, as well as good fatigue resistance.
It's called Al-Clad, because the core metal of 2024 series aluminum is covered on both sides with a very thin layer of "nearly pure" aluminum. Both side together make up < 5% of the overall thickness of a typical 0.032" sheet. The "T-3" refers to the temper a 2024 sheet has, or an ultimate tensile strength of 400–430 MPa. The inner core metal, is made of copper, magnesium, manganese, other trace metals, and aluminum. The cladding protects the "core alloy" from oxidizing from exposure to the elements.
Aluminum in its pure form will oxidize when exposed to the elements, but not nearly as much as the highly reactive core alloy of the "Al-Clad" will. Once that very thin layer of pure aluminum is ground off by polishing with too harsh, or improper technique, it's gone for good and the core metal is left to oxidize.
I have attempted to "repair" the damage done, by other polishers, and have found the results just don't last. It might look "good" for a short while, but before long, the shine dulls, and the client looks to me.
Time Tested Restorations, has no "fixed” business address, as a mobile restoration and mirror polishing service that works on-site at your location.
Traveling full-time in my own 1966 Airstream 20' GlobeTrotter, working from driveway to driveway, I can only commit to one client at a time.
I work exclusively on vintage Airstreams, and I stay until the agreed upon work is finished to each clients satisfaction.
Restoration Services include:
Mirror Polishing Services
(Use $200 per linear foot as a ballparking cost)
With the following included, at no additional cost:
Note: Seam sealing with Acryl-R sealer after polishing is
highly recommended and offered at an additional price.
Once mirror polished and under "normal use" your Airstream will remain shiny for many years without the need for re-polishing, waxing, or clear coats.
Appraisal professionals agree, any value spent on mirror polishing an Airstream is a direct increase to the appraisal value.
I annually attend Alumapalooza in Jackson Center, Ohio
where I give seminars on polishing and solar installations.
Stop in to say Hi
COVID UPDATES: Apr 2021
I typically spend my winters in the south, like FL and TX,
and my summers in more northern states.
This GlobeTrotter has been my full-time home for 12 years.
* Last polished in May 2013, and it still shines bright and water spot free. Photo is from May 2019.
Your contributions and or business will enable this NAVY Veteran to keep these
American built icons, safely traveling the roads for generations to come.
I'm very grateful for your generosity.
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