Phil Sinewe wrote:

>> I must tell the group that the finish that Jim can put on an Airstream is something that you have to
>> see in person to believe. The web page is not joking when it says you can use the skin as a
>> mirror! The equipment he uses is absolutely first rate in all respects, and he knows whereof he
>> speaks in polishing. I would highly recommend spending the money on a first class polish job and
>> sealer or conversion coat, than having anybody spray that plastic trash all over again.
>
> It this true for the new "duller", for lack of a better word, finish? Isn't the shine of the older trailers
> different than the new trailers?

Airstream is up to the fourth or fifth depending on how you count in metals.  From way back until mid 1982 the metal was called bright. It had a minimum of grain and when Jim gets a hold of one it shines like a new toaster. From mid 82 to mid 93 they used what they called dull metal. It had a more pronounced grain. It demands a greater attention to detail when cleaning and polishing. Strictly with the grain. Hard polishing significantly alter the look. It 93-94 they attempted to go to a urethane precoated metal. This metal was has a grayer look. No need to go into the history of the finish. In 95-mid 98 they went back to the dull metal. In mid 1998 they change once again to a urethane prefinished metal. This they refer to as bright metal. With the older metals you feel the texture on a new piece. With this new bright stuff the finish is very smooth and comes with a protective plastic covering on it to protect it until it is installed.

FYI
Charlie