17' Aluminum Horse Trailer

KJW Detailing

KJW Detailing

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend to Fellow AG's,

I was inquired by a regular of mine to detail her 17' aluminum horse trailer. The business she purchased from suggested that it would only need a wash an wax to return it to its original look, of course after my inspections, I could tell it was oxidized and would need polishing. She dropped it off to be tested and I used Optimum Metal Polish and a Mothers Polishing Ball on the diamond plate, fender, an aluminum siding. The diamond plate and fender polished up to a brilliant shine an the aluminum siding cleaned up well, but could use a more aggressive combo or even a compound.

Here is my question: I gave a quote to the owner and if she agrees, she'll return at a later date to complete the job. I will have to purchase proper metal polishes and pads to properly complete the job. I only have a DA, but I'm not sure that will do the job.

What would you suggest as far as machine, pads, and products to be used.

Also, can OptiCoat be applied to aluminum? I'd try to upswell this if it would be beneficial.

Thanks!
 
I may have underbid, as its my first ever trailer, but my bid was 800. I would have made it 1k, but im close with the family and they has given me plenty of business in the past and continues too.
 
aluminum is tricky. 800 should be a fine price.
I'd go with a rotary though. you need to be a little aggressive with aluminum.
 
Should aluminum be treated the same way as chrome? Or is aluminum more on the steel side?
 
I assumed a rotary would be the best method.

What about products? I know WG make a full product line or is it possible to get away with a one step product like Collinite Metal Wax #850?

I will post a few pictures of the trailer at some point today.
 
KJW Detailing said:
I may have underbid, as its my first ever trailer, but my bid was 800. I would have made it 1k, but im close with the family and they has given me plenty of business in the past and continues too.
Click to expand...

That was my intent when I posted. Seems that WE all underbid on our first xxxx ( trailer, rv, boat, etc...)

hernandez.art13 said:
Should aluminum be treated the same way as chrome? Or is aluminum more on the steel side?
Click to expand...

Chrome has a "point of no return" where scratching and rub through occur, and cannot be fixed by the detailer.
Aluminum is a soft solid that can be attacked by acids, wet/dry sanding, heavy rouges and compounds, pads, wheels, and products that cannot be utilized on other metals.

KJW Detailing said:
I assumed a rotary would be the best method.

What about products? I know WG make a full product line or is it possible to get away with a one step product like Collinite Metal Wax #850?

I will post a few pictures of the trailer at some point today.
Click to expand...

Possible, yes.
Heavily oxidized? Read a few threads and decide your product choice.

:Picture: would be a real treat :dblthumb2:
 
Below are the photos of trailer in which I tested a few areas for the owner and also gave an estimate on. You can see the oxidation that has set in throughout this trailer, although just recently purchased.

*The diamond plate and wheel well where both tested using a mothers ball and optimum metal polish.

*The door had two test done. The first, was located at the upper center of the door. This spot was tested via my gg da, green pad, and klasse aio. This test was performed first, because the store she purchased the trailer at said all it would need is a wash and wax to look new again. The bottom right corner of the door was tested using the mothers ball and optimum metal polish. If your look closely, test two is better than test one, however, you can seen that it could definitely used an additional step of either a harder product or a wool metal pad to completely correct.

The roof is black fiberglass.

Let me know what you think and thanks for looking!
 
Looks like the dealer cleaned it with a brightener. Oxidation actually doesn't look too bad.
Your issue will probably center on the number of pads used, and how to remove the black residue...there'll be plenty to deal with. As far as the OC 2.0, you'll have to find a way before attempting.

If it were me, powerwash, tape off, one step cleaner sealant on the fiberglass. Then 1 cut step, one polish step, one buff step (no product). Topped with 845. 12 hours tops...and that's liberal. Realistically 10 hours, but I like to quote high.

tuscarora dave said:
See the bucket under the sink in this photo? A bucket of flour for aluminum polishing residue removal. Once you try it, you'll always have a bucket of flour handy when polishing aluminum.

011-2.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Vegas Transplant said:
Looks like the dealer cleaned it with a brightener. Oxidation actually doesn't look too bad.

If it were me, powerwash, tape off, one step cleaner sealant on the fiberglass. Then 1 cut step, one polish step, one buff step (no product). Topped with 845. 12 hours tops...and that's liberal. Realistically 10 hours, but I like to quote high.
Click to expand...

When you say brightener, you mean an acid wash correct? I did do a bit of research and found that to be a method of clean...not one I will be preforming though.

What products and pads would you use for each step?

Also, would you do the same steps for the diamond plate and fender wells or different steps?

I do have to say that if I underbid the job, I definitely overbid anyone else she sought out, as she told me their mechanic looked at it and said he could do the job for 400$. Whether this is true or not, IDK, but it certainly wont work to have me reduce my price. That individual can have that trailer all day at 400$...

Thanks for your help Vegas Transplant!
 
I was really hoping that you'd peruse other al. polishing threads and maybe see what other Geeks are using. I'm more advanced on product/processes than AG offerings. I advised Vinny on his first foray into metal polishing. I think that he has done extremely well. But not something you want to learn on a paying job.

Look into the links above that C.Charles Hahn posted on of AG tutorial.
EDIT: I looked back into the links and found his post/link:
How to Polish Metal using Wolfgang Metal Polishes, Wenol chrome and aluminum polish, Flitz Metal Polish, how to polish diamond plating, how to polish

If I had to give to chose a particular product and application method, I'd suggest Nicks thread: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ine-31-finish-cut-metal-restoring-polish.html

It's a fine cut polish. I've never used it, but most fall into this category.
 
KJW Detailing said:
When you say brightener, you mean an acid wash correct? I did do a bit of research and found that to be a method of clean...not one I will be preforming though.
Already done by the dealer. Shouldn't be necessary again.

What products and pads would you use for each step?

Also, would you do the same steps for the diamond plate and fender wells or different steps?
The only thing you should do differently on the diamond plate is to polish in one direction, then reverse and go in the opposite direction, i.e. direction of rotation opposite the first pass. What this does is remove the oxidation and residue left behind on the shoulder of the "diamond". If you look closely at the pic that Nick posted, you can see the pattern where the black remains on the shoulders in the after pics.

I do have to say that if I underbid the job, I definitely overbid anyone else she sought out, as she told me their mechanic looked at it and said he could do the job for 400$. Whether this is true or not, IDK, but it certainly wont work to have me reduce my price. That individual can have that trailer all day at 400$...

Thanks for your help Vegas Transplant!
Click to expand...

I really wish that I could be of more help than just providing links. I just don't do AG style polishing on large panels.

That job could possibly be done by an experienced polisher using just one step: white bar/vented airways on one rotary, chasing the res with flour after raking, and a loose cotton buff, no product on a secondary rotary~no taping or topping...4-6 hours on the aluminum only, with a well satisfied client.
 
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