Aircraft Polish/Sealant/Wax

I thought the docs drove the v tail Bonanzas (Doctor killers)! This Navion won an award at Oshkosh a couple of years ago. I am not real sure I want to tackle something like this. He uses Nuvite which, like you know, is not a clean process.
 
It's cool to see all the plane stories and get advice on cleaning/polsihing them...I fly out of 2W5 in Maryland better known as Special Flight Rules Area. This small mom and pop airport has taken its toll due the GA world falling apart. For now I only get about 50 hours a year in the seat. Not about the fuel costs but the restrictions flying near DC. I will post a photo of the plane on here this weekend of the before and after. I orderd some Collinite and some Rejex plus I have some WG...be interesting to see...and nothing is worse than laying under wing and polishing.
BTW...the umm $$$ planes here are the pretty Cirrus SRs...wayyy out of my league...But they all want thier planes polished. If I do well, just might be able to drum up some business to pay for my fuel!!
Thank you all again...keep up the great stories and chat please!!

Don
 
TLMitchell said:
I'd get a healthy deposit up front. Most Mooney drivers I know are doctors. Only ones that ever tried to stiff me with regularity.

TL
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Luckily the owner is a repeat customer and I work with his son-in-law who is a pilot as well. While he may not be a doctor, he is financially sound so no worries.

warrior151 said:
It's cool to see all the plane stories and get advice on cleaning/polsihing them...I fly out of 2W5 in Maryland better known as Special Flight Rules Area. This small mom and pop airport has taken its toll due the GA world falling apart. For now I only get about 50 hours a year in the seat. Not about the fuel costs but the restrictions flying near DC. I will post a photo of the plane on here this weekend of the before and after. I orderd some Collinite and some Rejex plus I have some WG...be interesting to see...and nothing is worse than laying under wing and polishing.
BTW...the umm $$$ planes here are the pretty Cirrus SRs...wayyy out of my league...But they all want thier planes polished. If I do well, just might be able to drum up some business to pay for my fuel!!
Thank you all again...keep up the great stories and chat please!!

Don
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I'm still concerned about any oxidation that may exist. I know you washed and clayed but if you haven't polished the surfaced either with a chemical cut cleaner or an abrasive cleaner then the oxidation will still be there. This is assuming of course that it is oxidized.
 
warrior151 said:
...and nothing is worse than laying under wing and polishing.
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Au contraire. Try the underside of a Cessna high-wing. When you're done your neck muscles will make an offensive lineman envious. A 55 gallon drum of liniment wouldn't be a bad investment for a job like that. The top isn't much fun either if you're constantly up and down a ladder moving it around.

TL
 
Touche!! True...the only time I need a ladder is to do the vertical tail...

The last good cleaning I used MG Ulitmate Compound...it worked well removing the grundge...It has a nice gloss...just seems to disappear too soon. I just Collinite and looking forward to trying this weekend.
 
Paint coatings are best for aircraft (painted). So stock up on Opti-Coat
 
I thought I'd like to chime in here as well. As a Multi-Engine/Commercial/Instrument Pilot with Airframe & Powerplant ratings - There are aircraft specific compounds and polishes specifically designed for use on these structures. Nuvite for example carries the Boeing & McDonnell Douglas certifications. I could also recommend Rolite Chemical's award winning AP-300 for the aluminum and their Premium Polish & Sealant for an excellent humidity cured paint polish & sealant. I once owned a polished 1947 North American Navion and took quite a few awards with her at EAA and Sun N Fun.... lots of work but let me tell you it is well worth the effort - I didn't use anything other than Rolite products since they have the documentation.

T28Pilot
 
t28pilot said:
I thought I'd like to chime in here as well. As a Multi-Engine/Commercial/Instrument Pilot with Airframe & Powerplant ratings - There are aircraft specific compounds and polishes specifically designed for use on these structures. Nuvite for example carries the Boeing & McDonnell Douglas certifications. I could also recommend Rolite Chemical's award winning AP-300 for the aluminum and their Premium Polish & Sealant for an excellent humidity cured paint polish & sealant. I once owned a polished 1947 North American Navion and took quite a few awards with her at EAA and Sun N Fun.... lots of work but let me tell you it is well worth the effort - I didn't use anything other than Rolite products since they have the documentation.
T28Pilot
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How is the Nuvite best applied? I have never used it but heard it is a mess. I think I may take the Navion polish job as I am never one to shy away from a challenge. Plus, it is one gorgeous airplane that actually saw service in the Korean War flying scout. Love the history.
 
All, Got some Nuvite NuPower II and some Nuvite Glaze PFS...It seems a simple process to put on...and it warns to put Nupower in light coats and no DA. so I tried it on my old 87 F-250 last night and it goes on super easy and wipes off even easier...but it has a strong odor. However, the end result was excellent. I know...photos...that will come tonight. It does remove some swirls and lots of oxidation...I think a better prep would be better. So far...I like for fleet type of vehicles.
 
TLMitchell said:
Hope it's a B350 with the high T-tail, those measely 90s are so small they aren't much fun. :laughing:

TL
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Nah - a nice medium sized King Air 200........ and I just talked to the pilot and he only wants a drywash, boots, spinners, and lite interior done - I was really wanting that polishing paycheck :( HUGE step down in price.
 
B&B Tennessee said:
Nah - a nice medium sized King Air 200........ and I just talked to the pilot and he only wants a drywash, boots, spinners, and lite interior done - I was really wanting that polishing paycheck :( HUGE step down in price.
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Icex on the boots? BF Goodrich has been known to void warranties using anything else. I knew a cheap numbskull that used Future floor wax on 'em because he liked the shine and it lasted forever. Hardened the rubber causing premature failure and BFG said he was outta luck. Pretty expensive lesson.

TL
 
TLMitchell said:
Icex on the boots? BF Goodrich has been known to void warranties using anything else. I knew a cheap numbskull that used Future floor wax on 'em because he liked the shine and it lasted forever. Hardened the rubber causing premature failure and BFG said he was outta luck. Pretty expensive lesson.

TL
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Yeah Ive heard some crazy stories of stuff people put on boots. I use PBS Boot Sealant - made for boots. I dont think most people understand the importance of putting the proper products on aircraft - or the need to tape down static ports and pitot tubes. Very concerning when I hear someone without the proper knowledge detailing a plane for the first time!
 
B&B Tennessee said:
I dont think most people understand the importance of putting the proper products on aircraft - or the need to tape down static ports and pitot tubes.
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Lemme tell ya, it's even more important to remove the tape from the ports & tubes! :eek:

Who needs an altimeter or airspeed indicator anyway? They're just a crutch, I tell ya. Real pilots fly by the seat of their pants. ;)

TL <--- there are old pilots and bold pilots - but no old, bold pilots
 
Collinite Fleetwax 885 is for Marine & Aeronautical. It could just be one of the others relabeled since I've seen a comparison list of their waxes.
 
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