Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams

[Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Airstream started using the white roof sheet concurrent with the change 
to the wide body design.
That redesign effort also included a major change in how they build the 
coach. Pre wide body the shell consisted of aluminum hoop frame ribs 
that were one piece from the floor on one side to the floor on the other 
side. When they jigged up two end caps and the side sheets were attached 
to the jig first followed by the ribs and then the whole thing was 
riveted together.
Today the coach shell is made in 5 pieces: 2 ends, 2 sides and the top. 
The main pitch for the white roof was that it reduced sun loading by 
8-10 degrees inside. Historically it was commonly used pre-air 
conditioning to improve inside comfort.

 As for care and feeding, dare I say it, the roof is easier to take care 
of than the sides. Think of it as the same treatment you use to wash 
your car or truck. Brush, soapy water and rinse. Do be sure the soap you 
use in not regular dish detergent rather a good car or RV wash product. 
Dish detergents these days have ammonia in them which is very hard on 
waxes or Walbernize.

Hope this helps,
Charlie