Sanding...

Endless sanding and polishing has yielded valuable information about restoring a Spartan. Fact: Aluminum Polish, when in contact with your skin, can make you sick. Fact: A mirror-like finish can be achieved using only: sanding pads, many hours of elbow grease and a bottle of White Diamond Metal Polish.

'Patina' is the word of the week. Pictures to follow.

Day 17

Continued the tedious but rewarding process of cleaning her inside and out. Removed all remaining traces of insulation with the steel-bristled brush and vacuum so that we can begin the caulking with 5200 Black. Also began polishing the outside (with Maguire's Marine and RV Metal Polish), removing all the little bits of paint from the top and sides (with Dads Easy Spray), and sealing the seams with Capn Tolly's Creeping Crack Cure. As you can see, she's on her way to fabulous!

 Some Tools of the Day

 Polish & Pressure Wash

 Protecting the Lexan from Dads Easy Spray

Polished

 Capn Tolly 

 More Tools of the Day

Day 16

Terrible weather has forced us to slow down on the Spartan and strategize our next move - the weather-proofing. After endless research, of caulks and sealants, we decided on Capn. Tolly's Creeping Crack Cure for the outside seams and 5200 caulk for the inside and larger seams. We also purchased more of Dads Easy Spray to use on the roof before caulking. Next came the labor-intensive task of removing the remnants of insulation still clinging to the frame. The tools of the day included a Putty Knife, Cup-brush drill attachment, Bucket-Head shop vac, steel-bristled brush and most importantly face masks. 
We picked up a bottle of White Diamond metal polish on sale at an auto-parts store and began polishing the outside. As you can see, the difference is amazing!

 The Polish

 Insulation Gone!

 Tools of the Trade

Before and After the Polishing

Day 11

Attacked the spots where the aluminum was corroded with Apple Cider Vinegar, a spray bottle and a Scotch Bright Pad. Round 1 Complete.