Airstream Door light (switching to LED)

I replaced the original overhead door light with LED's yesterday. I cut a strip into four pieces with 6 LED lights each.  I cut out an aluminum plate that fit the inside of the light housing and bent the bottom so that it would attach in the same location in the rear of the housing. Everything worked out perfect. I also used a glue gun to seal all the connections on the led strip to help with any corrosion that may happen. Even with all 24 LED lights on it only comes out to 3 watts

In the next few months everything will be switched to LED's. We have LED running light's that i need to install as well

It will be nice to leave this light on and not worry about it draining the battery power. 

This is with the plastic light cover on. looks great

Starting to shine!

           This was the first time out with the window tint on and it looks amazing! we had so many compliments it really made us feel good about the work we've put into our Airstream so far.

 

First I used aircraft stripper to remove the clear coat. I picked some up at auto zone and purchased some brushes to apply. Use heavy duty rubber gloves to protect yourself when you brush it on. After it bubbles up spray it off (I used a pressure washer). Once the clear coat is removed it’s ready for buffing. I used a 7” buffing pad on a rotary polisher with Nuvite F7 polishing compound. I tried multiple compounds and stand by Nuvite 100%. Nuvite is a little $$ but a little goes a long way and personally I believe it to be at least 3x as affective then other brands on the market. Next you’ll need a Cyclo orbital polisher. It’s the only way to remove the swirl marks left by the 7” buffing pad. I purchased mine used on craiglist.

To clean the black residue left behind by the polishing compound add 2  ounce (+or-) of vinegar in a spray bottle mixed with water. Spray the area and use a microfiber towel. For tough spots use terry cloth but be careful because terry cloth will leave scratches. The best way I found to remove residue is to cover the Cyclo buffer with the microfiber cloth. It works really well and is quicker than doing it by hand. Here is a list of what I used:

Buffing pad: Presta Double or single sided BLACK wool cutting pad
http://www.amazon.com/PRESTA-Single-Sided-Cutting-Buffing/dp/B0082LFSPG

Buffing pad attachment: Quick connect adapter
http://www.autodetailingwarehouse.com/dewalt-polisher-makita-polisher-drive-adapter-DP1900.html

7in Sander/Polisher
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-7-in-Sander-Polisher-9227C/100594840

Cyclo buffer:
http://www.eastwood.com/cyclo-model-5-dual-headed-polisher.html?srccode=ga220010&gclid=CMWBrfz24L0CFS1eOgodX3oAyw

Nuvite polish: F7 cut and finish with S
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/cleaners_znuvite/nuvitenushine.php

Terry cloth and Microfiber cloth

Kitchen ready for veneer

pull out trash can

when the trash can is pulled out, it provides access to the water pump and levers

ready for veneer!!