Time Tested Restorations

An on-site restoration and mirror polishing service, dedicated to vintage Airstreams, where your location is my workshop.

"I prefer working only on vintage Airstreams”

Reasons I only work on un-polished vintage Airstreams:

•Airstreams built before the early to mid 1990s were made using, commonly extruded, aircraft grade "2024-T3 Alclad" aluminum for its high strength to weight ratio, as well as good fatigue resistance.

It's called Alclad because the "core alloy" of 2024 series aluminum is clad with a covering on both sides with a very thin layer of "nearly pure" aluminum. Both sides together make up < 5% of the overall thickness of a typical 0.032" sheet. These cladding layers protect the highly reactive core alloy from oxidizing from exposure to the elements. The inner core metal, is made of copper, magnesium, manganese, other trace metals, and aluminum. The "T-3" refers to the temper a 2024 sheet has, or an ultimate tensile strength of 400–430 MPa.
Aluminum in its pure form will oxidize when exposed to the elements, but not nearly as much as the highly reactive core alloy of Al-Clad. 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 over polishing, and have found the results just don't last. It might look "good" for a short while, but before long the shine dulls.

• Airstreams built after the early 1990s were covered with other grades of "softer" alloys that will polish, but not to the same mirror luster that can be achieved on 2024-T3.

Traveling to your location is my business

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:

Custom builds and installations
Torsion Axle replacements
Full "Shell Off" restorations
Frame welding and repairs
Rotted subfloor replacement
Belly pan replacements
Custom spare tire carriers
Solar panel sales and installations
Holding tank installations and replacements
Plumbing and Electrical repairs
Propane line repairs and installations
Seam sealing and waterproofing
Custom Trailer security systems
Awning installations and repairs
AirCon and appliance servicing
EasyStart™ Soft Starter installations
Window seals and glass replacement
Door hinge repairs and alignments
Steps and outrigger repairs
Buck riveted panel replacements
Propane service checks and repairs
Customized interior woodwork, wiring, plumbing
Before and after digital photos with any restoration.

Mirror Polishing Services

(Use $200 per linear foot as a ballparking cost)

With the following included, at no additional cost:

Removal of any and all marker, taillights, awnings and hardware, to polish the skin under the attached items.
The stripping of any clear coats, decals or pin and paint stripes, old caulk residue, and sealants.
Rust removal on the exposed A-Frame, Entrance Step, and Rear Bumper, plus repainting with your choice of color.
Mirror polishing the Airstream skin and any aluminum hardware like belt lines, rub rails, and marker light fixtures.
Re-installation and sealing of all removed or new LED lights and hardware.

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.

Time Tested Restorations Contact Form

I look forward to hearing from you! Drop me a line, should you have any questions.

Scheduling:

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

Alumapalooza 11 was moved to Sep 7-12, 2021

The never ending "pandemic" nightmare has my schedule thrown off, but I'm working on my long list of clients as best I can.

This winter/spring I'll be working in Florida.

I typically spend my winters in the south, like FL and TX,

and my summers in more northern states.

Which one would you rather tow?

A 1965 GlobeTrotter polished by Michael Rice of Time Tested Restorations.

A 1965 GlobeTrotter polished and rear frame welded and repaired. New Gray tank and Black tanks installed along with 200 watts of solar panels.

A 1980 Caravelle polished by Michael Rice of Time Tested Restorations.

A 1966 Safari polished for Colin Hyde by Michael Rice of Time Tested Restorations.

1978 Sovereign polished by Michael Rice of Time Tested Restorations.

New Stainless Steel Antenna ball mount by Michael Rice of Time Tested Restorations.

Time Tested Restorations

"I prefer working only on vintage Airstreams”

Reasons I only work on un-polished vintage Airstreams:

Traveling to your location is my business