Subject: Re: [airstream] Plasticote
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 20:54:15 -0600 (CST)
From: wescott50@webtv.net (William Scott)
Reply-To: airstream@airstream.net

A plasticote specialist I met from the factory, explained to me, the formula was changed in 1995. The secret seems to be the cleanliness of the Aluminum before the plasticote application AND (more importantly) the amount and type of hardener in the plasticote. Evidently, and especially in the South, the rate of expansion of the aluminum from night to day and back to night requires the plasticote to expand and contract with the metal. The 1995 plasticote formula dried too hard and then started cracking and crazing and specking white. You may recall the factory redoing many of the jumbo coaches in 96 and 97. What a mess. Personally, I repolish every year or so and leave the skin
Buffed. I hope Jims new finish, now in R&D will be the answer. 2 cents worth for a dime.
Scott
61 Bambi