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Silver Streak Digest V1 #45


Silver Streak Digest     Sunday, January 25 2004     Volume 01 : Number 045




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [SilverStreak] ss polishing
[SilverStreak] 70's "Gold"

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Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2004 03:01:14 -0600
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [SilverStreak] ss polishing

Is the "gold" dyed anodizing? It looks like it on my '79. I can't see any
evidence of it being painted on.
If the dye was not UV proof it will fade. Also some air pollution can
bleach the dye.
The reason the anodized aluminum is not shiny is that the sheet metal was
not polished before anodizing. It is plain mill finish, which is the
finish on the rolls that squeezed the aluminum into a sheet.

Are you any relation to the Dupree of Dupree products, maker of the sewer
dump valves formerly Owens Products (on my '79)?

There is no such thing as "natural" aluminum surface from moments after
polishing or cutting. The oxygen in the air immediately forms a thin
coating of aluminum oxide (carborundum) over the bare aluminum. Aluminum
is extremely reactive. It is only that the oxide is very nonreactive that
makes aluminum so durable against corrosion. Unfortuantely the AlOx is
microscopically porous, which allows moisture and, worse, air pollutant
chemicals, to attack the aluminum underneath. Anodization makes a much
thicker coating of AlOx than will form naturally, so it protects better
than the natural coating. It also will absorb dye, making it easy to
color anodized aluminum.
Al Grayson

On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 08:24:53 -0600 "Jim and Dorothy Dupree"
<dottiedup@xxxxxxxxxx.com> writes:
> Hey Gang:
> 
> I have been reading and observing all the comments about removing the
anodizing on the SS rigs.Having owned a "76" airstream for 12 years,
dealing with the chipping, pealing and dull clear coat, I have been so
pleased with my Mod. 3411 Supreme 1985 Silver Streak  which I have had 4
years, I would never even consider removing the anodizing.
> 
> To see natural aluminum, in any construction use is very unusual. 
> Building, frames, window frames, boat accessories etc. are all anodized
as it is the toughest coating found. Powder coating of steel does not
even come close.
> Guess the .next toughest coating material is fiber glass gel coat, but
it too oxidizes without care.
> 
> But to those of us that have chosen the classic Silver Streaks, I just
cannot fathom the removal of the anodizing.
> 
> The gold on some mid "70's" models was produced with bad primer and
material and is very faded to non existent.
> 
> Now to cleaning, ie: polishing; I have tried several formulas, from MEK
and liquid car wax  and silicon mixture, WD-40, Transmission fluid all
which produce a temporary luster.
> 
> I keep going back to a formula that was given to me by the folks at
Hill Top Rv in Red Oak Texas (Dallas Area). They were a SS dealer for
over 50 years and most SS's sold in and around Texas came from Hill Top.
The wife and  son's of the original owner still operate the dealership of
course no SS's !!!.
> 
> The formula is simple and will last several months. It both cleans and
provides the luster. It still requires, elbow grease but not hard
buffing, cuts most black streaks, tar, mold etc.
> 
> I am careful to stay away from the vinyl although it does not seem to
affect it.
> 
> The Formula: 5 parts lacquer thinner and one part olive oil.  Do not
use this on a clear coat airstream!!!!!!!!
> 
> The lacquer cleaner cleans and the very fine film of olive oil seems to
penetrate the anodized alum. It does not seem to catch the dust like
WD-40.
> 
> Tom  has our rig posted on his site under "Dupree Coach"
> 
> Hope this helps. Just try the formula on a panel and see the results
and how long it last. I do try and wash my rig monthly with a good Rv/Car
soap, just to get the road grime off.
> 
> Sorry for such long message but perhaps it will help.
> 
> Happy Trails
> 
> Jim  & Dot Dupree

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Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2004 16:10:35 -0600
From: "Jim and Dorothy Dupree" <dottiedup@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [SilverStreak] 70's "Gold"

Al

When I said "natural" I meant , uncoated nor anodized,which would be what you
would have if the clear coat on an Airstream or anodized finish on a Avion or
SS was removed. Once the aluminum is "bare" then you can actually polish the
surface .

The 70's Silver Streaks, for whatever reason, change in process, dye, etc., by
the company just did not hold up. The 70's models are the only SS's that I
have seen the fading on.

Another unique feature of the Silver Streaks is that no two are exactly alike.
The purchase process, provided for custom order only, floor plan, fabrics,
cabinet and storage design, etc. Then, after purchase the rigs were
manufactured and the customer would go out to California  to pick it up.

 It is interesting to go to the Houston Area SS Club rally, and see 15-20
units which are basically the same on the outside, but so  different on the
inside. The 80's and up models, have a lighter wood finish where most prior to
that had dark wood.

And, price!!!!!, I have the original sales receipt for my 1985, mod. 3411,
ie.: 34'-11", Supreme. $48,500.00. That was a lot of bucks in 1985. I
understand that the last models in "96" a few in "98" were going for over
$100,000.

No,I am no relation to the "Dupree" valve company, although "Dupree" is not
that common of a Sir name.

I enjoy the SS List, thanks Tom for all your efforts and hard work on the
site.

Thanks to all,

Jim Dupree

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End of Silver Streak Digest V1 #45
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