One Proud Bird

[Superior Shine]

Today I got to do my first aircraft. Recently I decided to include aircraft detailing as part of my auto detailing business. I thought it a good idea to volunteer at a local aircraft museum to learn my way around them.
Last time there I noticed how bad the finish was on a T6-Texan that we washed. The finish was dull, chalky and stained with grease, oil and bugs.
This particular “bird” wasn’t a fighter or a bomber. It was a trainer. It isn’t as valuable as the other aircraft that is probably why it is stored outside while the more valuable aircraft are stored in a hanger.
My goal was to remove haze from the finish and to leave the surface protected. Aircraft of this type aren’t painted with glossy paint. Most have a satin sheen.
You can see in these pictures how faded and chalky the finish looks.





After testing a few areas with various products, I decided that an application of #66 Quick Detailer would be the ticket.

[Superior Shine]

I applied the #66 with a Cyclo dual action polisher. This plane was allot more work than any car would be. What I would do is to pick out an area and fully polish it before I moved on to another area. This step by step, area by area way of polishing it was the best way to make sure I didn’t skip any part.

Here you can see the difference between a polished area and an area yet to be polished. The area to the left has already been polished.

[Superior Shine]

I choose #66 because of its cleaning-polishing and protection abilities. After I worked it into the finish it was easy to wipe off after it dried.

After almost five hours of work you can see the nice even deeper blue with the satin sheen I wanted to obtain.

[gb387]

Looks good, never really thought of detailing a plane, I wouldn't think there are many people out there that do that. As much as a plane like that costs even if its not valuable as others it still worth it to keep it looking its best.

I have used #66 before and have been happy with the results.

[wlefevre]

Ah yes, the Texas Trainer. Nowadays replaced by the T-36. Anyways, cleaning aircraft isn't all that hard, but there is a whole lot of surface area. Plus the bellys are a real pain. They get all coated with oil, and you usually wind up on back de-greasing it all by hand.
Wish you luck! I've got to go do a Cessna 182 this morning.

Wayne

[rusty bumper]

No doubt the aerodynamics on that plane have improved!

[Beercan31]

Superior Shine

I applied the #66 with a Cyclo dual action polisher.

What CYCLO did you use as far as I know there are 3 types;
1 Model 5 115volt.
2 Model 11A pneumatic.
3 Model 5CE 220 volt, 50 Hz Cyclo Polisher. (doubt you have this one)

Do you feel this unit does just as well as the Porter Cable 7424?
comparing apples and oranges what one did a better job faster?
would you "EVER" use the cyclo ? on an automobile finish?

Thanks in advance
Rich

[Superior Shine]

I am not sure yet about the cyclo. IT IS AKWARD at first. If I had to choose I still like my PC for cars.

[wlefevre]

What did you use to clean off the oil and grease? Especially on the belly and gear?

[Superior Shine]

citri-gel !!!!!!!!!!