Wanting to purchase a nice Orbital buffer for use on the Ollie gelcoat.

[Ronbrink]

18 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I already had this feeling, but you have all thoroughly convinced me that there is no way in the world I will ever polish our Oliver!

I find the polishing/waxing ordeal therapeutic, for both me and the Oliver!

[MAX Burner]

4 minutes ago, Ronbrink said:

I find the polishing/waxing ordeal therapeutic, for both me and the Oliver!

Same here - but D calls it a "sickness"....

[Patriot]

45 minutes ago, Ronbrink said:

I find the polishing/waxing ordeal therapeutic, for both me and the Oliver!

Nothing like taking great care of our home away from home. 👍🏻 I find a polished Ollie is much easier to maintain and wash. All good!!

[rideandfly]

Really like using the orbital buffer on Ollie and our other vehicles. Never had time to do a good detailing job on our vehicles, until buying the buffer.  Just finished waxing Ollie’s tow vehicle yesterday. I’m still in the weekend warrior category, but slowly learning about detailing. 🙂

[jd1923]

5 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

I find the polishing/waxing ordeal therapeutic, for both me and the Oliver!

I get it, but I don't have time for waxing, nor the patience for therapeutics! 🤣

Some of you may feel different if you were still working, had 3 trucks, 2 cars, 2 motorcycles, 3 dirt vehicles, a 4000+ SF home on 3/4 acre and 8 gas-powered yard tools to maintain. Spring has sprung and in a couple weeks we will be knee-high in grasses and weeds to whack. I've also been rebuilding our Sundance spa lately, new wet heads on the 3 pumps, new control panel and FLO switch, new skirting is next. There is always something else needed here, so I cannot see hours buffing is utilizing my core competencies. Before it gets too hot this year, I need to pressure-wash and stain two levels of redwood decking, should have done that last year! I may have to also contract this work, if we can afford to.

I'll be getting back to all this work soon, after we leave Sunday, to get away for 3 weeks in the Oliver! What's nice about the Oliver is after some prep work it is ready for camping. Last time out, I was working fulltime 'til the day we left. I had plugged in the day before, so Chris could fill the fridge and I merely packed some clothes the night before. Next morning, I filled water in trailer and TV since the lows were in the 20s, got the TV loaded up with gear stored in our adjacent shed, and hitched up the Oliver. In under 2 hours, we were on our way! I think we can get this down to an hour, nice!

Pickleball is our therapeutic, and so much more fun than power buffing, waxing a vehicle in 2x2' sections, 3 times over. I truly prefer yard work over detail work which can be therapeutic as well.

Our Oliver was new-to-us June of last year and it has been prioritized in our first year of ownership. Going forward it must be just one of the toys, with home and trucks being more important. I don't wax cars anymore, but we do 98% of all maintenance & repair work on our property, every family member included. I don't trust contractors or mechanics to work on our home or vehicles, but I know for sure there are many experience detailers that can do a better "wax job" than me and it's not a safety item. I will spend hours perfecting a brake job, so I know it's done right. And I've been known to drive old cars for years needing paint. It comes to priorities.

Shine on the Oliver would be more important to us, if we had had made the big investment in purchasing a new one. Ours was a bit dull to begin with. In the fall, I hope to find the right shop to put a good shine on her.

[Ronbrink]

57 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

I get it, but I don't have time for waxing, nor the patience for therapeutics

Understood, everyone has their priorities and responsibilities; you definitely have a full plate! I know from reading your posts of the time and effort spent modifying your Oliver and upgrading your TV. I would think getting away with both while spending time with the family to be very therapeutic, as well. 

[Geronimo John]

On 4/18/2024 at 7:00 AM, jd1923 said:

This detailing sounds like prison life working a rock pile. Save money on that buffer.

JD:

I agree.  It's a granite rock pile at that if working it alone.

I'll bring my buffer and I bet you, Art and I could polish and wax your rig in about 3 hours as a team.  Would be a great day two activity (After bouncing around in the Ollies testing springs).  But you would need to bring the beer, suitable to Art's very high standards of course!  🙂

PS:  For those not in the know, Art is a Brewmaster of the highest order. 

[MAX Burner]

22 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

I'll bring my buffer and I bet you, Art and I could polish and wax your rig in about 3 hours as a team.

Whoa!  No need to haul yours around @Geronimo John - we've got the Dewalt 9" variable speed angle buffer with wool pads like CGI uses and one of these Cyclos left over from our AS days - works like a champ:

But... 3-hours?  I'd give is a bit more time than that, we're not young pups anymore like the CGI guys!  But we could certainly get 'er done!

As for the cold ones, I've definitely got that part covered!  Cheers!

 

Edited April 23 by MAX Burner

[Jason Foster]

On 4/19/2024 at 1:28 PM, jd1923 said:

I get it, but I don't have time for waxing, nor the patience for therapeutics! 🤣

Some of you may feel different if you were still working, had 3 trucks, 2 cars, 2 motorcycles, 3 dirt vehicles, a 4000+ SF home on 3/4 acre and 8 gas-powered yard tools to maintain. Spring has sprung and in a couple weeks we will be knee-high in grasses and weeds to whack. I've also been rebuilding our Sundance spa lately, new wet heads on the 3 pumps, new control panel and FLO switch, new skirting is next. There is always something else needed here, so I cannot see hours buffing is utilizing my core competencies. Before it gets too hot this year, I need to pressure-wash and stain two levels of redwood decking, should have done that last year! I may have to also contract this work, if we can afford to.

I'll be getting back to all this work soon, after we leave Sunday, to get away for 3 weeks in the Oliver! What's nice about the Oliver is after some prep work it is ready for camping. Last time out, I was working fulltime 'til the day we left. I had plugged in the day before, so Chris could fill the fridge and I merely packed some clothes the night before. Next morning, I filled water in trailer and TV since the lows were in the 20s, got the TV loaded up with gear stored in our adjacent shed, and hitched up the Oliver. In under 2 hours, we were on our way! I think we can get this down to an hour, nice!

Pickleball is our therapeutic, and so much more fun than power buffing, waxing a vehicle in 2x2' sections, 3 times over. I truly prefer yard work over detail work which can be therapeutic as well.

Our Oliver was new-to-us June of last year and it has been prioritized in our first year of ownership. Going forward it must be just one of the toys, with home and trucks being more important. I don't wax cars anymore, but we do 98% of all maintenance & repair work on our property, every family member included. I don't trust contractors or mechanics to work on our home or vehicles, but I know for sure there are many experience detailers that can do a better "wax job" than me and it's not a safety item. I will spend hours perfecting a brake job, so I know it's done right. And I've been known to drive old cars for years needing paint. It comes to priorities.

Shine on the Oliver would be more important to us, if we had had made the big investment in purchasing a new one. Ours was a bit dull to begin with. In the fall, I hope to find the right shop to put a good shine on her.

We moved to a smaller home with much less land, 2 vehicles and no toys.  In our opinion, less is more.  More time, more camping and more exercise in the proper way, so waxing a trailer is just one of the ten things I must do this year.  I have a diesel zero turn that knocks out the yard in 30 minutes, weed eating is down to 15, and the steaks are ready in 9 on the Blackstone.  

Personally, I would never spend $3000 to have my trailer polished just because I didn't want to do the work.  Much better to grease the elbows and leave that money invested.

[Jason Foster]

1 hour ago, MAX Burner said:

Whoa!  No need to haul yours around @Geronimo John - we've got the Dewalt 9" variable speed angle buffer with wool pads like CGI uses and one of these Cyclos left over from our AS days - works like a champ:

But... 3-hours?  I'd give is a bit more time than the, we're not young pups anymore like the CGI guys!  But we could certainly get 'er done!

As for the cold ones, I've definitely got that part covered!  Cheers!

 

Young or old, you don't have to do it in one go.  

[Geronimo John]

I have had one of these Rupes LHR15ES Random Action Buffer on board and have not needed it.  The Meguires Flagship Marine wax and their boat wash have done such a good job it's not been necessary.   It has over 25,000 road miles on it... in a box... in the basement. 

[Patriot]

On 4/19/2024 at 7:40 AM, Ronbrink said:

I find the polishing/waxing ordeal therapeutic, for both me and the Oliver!

For sure! I usually try and detail XPLOR in early Spring or early Fall in cooler temps. I have to admit although it is a bit of a time bandit, yet satisfying to see the final results of the effort. Parking XPLOR in our “Ollie Hanger” out of the hot sun UV and elements has been a game changer. I always just try and stay ahead of that chalky dull looking oxidation. A work in progress.

Soon off to the coast of somewhere beautiful with my bride for some beach R&R and incredible seafood. 

Onward!
 

Edited April 23 by Patriot

[Ronbrink]

7 hours ago, MAX Burner said:

But... 3-hours?  I'd give is a bit more time than the, we're not young pups anymore like the CGI guys!  But we could certainly get 'er done!

I don’t think @Geronimo John is factoring in the intermittent beer drinking!

[Mike and Carol]

11 hours ago, MAX Burner said:

But... 3-hours?  I'd give is a bit more time than the, we're not young pups anymore like the CGI guys!  But we could certainly get 'er done!

The CGI team (4 young guys) worked on our trailer for about 10 hours.  Power washer, multiple buffers, a lot of hand polishing and no beer drinking!!

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, Mike and Carol said:

The CGI team (4 young guys) worked on our trailer for about 10 hours.  Power washer, multiple buffers, a lot of hand polishing and no beer drinking!!

Mike knows how to get 'er done the right way! 😂

Wish I had an "Ollie Hanger" like @Patriot! You really need to "wax" undercover or in the shade. 

I don't believe I could get a permit for one on my property without spending a fortune. Local government is getting a bit Californian around here. And it's so hard to hide from the sun in the SW. It's another sunny day in Arizona, and our windy season just started. A couple months of wind until everything gets toasty dry out here! Each year we wait it out 'til the summer monsoons come.

[Geronimo John]

On 4/17/2024 at 3:44 AM, Ronbrink said:

I made the chore of ‘upper’ washing and hull maintenance much easier and safer by modifying a scaffold.

Like your scaffold idea.  I personally would need several pool noodles on the trailer side though.

GJ

[Ronbrink]

8 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Like your scaffold idea.  I personally would need several pool noodles on the trailer side though.

GJ

I too would do that if unable to stabilize with cam-lock wheels. I’m careful when positioning and once the cams are set it stays put. With the shape of the Oliver, the only potential point of contact on the sides is where the top and bottom halves are joined. 

However, extra caution is needed forward at the propane cover when straddling the tongue.

The rear is not a problem.

 

 

[Mountainman198]

My trailer has been outdoors 24x7 since new. Looks good still from prior years hand washing and waxing using 3m ultra marine paste wax, however this Spring I noticed the beginning of oxidation along the top leading edge. I have a small orbital but decided to bite the bullet on a Makita 9237 and assorted cutting and polishing pads.  Per #Seadawg’s recommendation I will learn to use it on my 1989 Whaler first. 
 

 

[jd1923]

On 4/23/2024 at 8:04 AM, Mike and Carol said:

The CGI team (4 young guys) worked on our trailer for about 10 hours.

I finally checked out their website, OMG costly, especially where they say, "Starting at $,$$$" which means much more for a hull like ours!

2 hours ago, Mountainman198 said:

beginning of oxidation...

Ours begun a while ago. I have to find a young, eager, local detailer!

[Ronbrink]

@jd1923 I just use some good ole’ elbow grease; cheap, effective, readily available and self-satisfying. There are risks however, and fully understand why many hire out the task. 

[CRM]

16 hours ago, Mountainman198 said:

My trailer has been outdoors 24x7 since new. Looks good still from prior years hand washing and waxing using 3m ultra marine paste wax, however this Spring I noticed the beginning of oxidation along the top leading edge. I have a small orbital but decided to bite the bullet on a Makita 9237 and assorted cutting and polishing pads.  Per #Seadawg’s recommendation I will learn to use it on my 1989 Whaler first. 
 

 

Do yourself a favor and pick up some E6000 adhesive too. I haven't found a brand of wool pad yet where the "loop" section of the pad doesn't pull away from the pad well before the wool section is worn out. The second the edges start to pull away on them I remove them completely and re-glue with the E6000 leaving a 10lb weight on it overnight. Haven't had one that I've re-glued this way come apart yet.

[topgun2]

E6000 is useful for all sorts of stuff in and out of the Ollie.  I always have a small tube of it with me while on the road.

Its available (of course) on Amazon, WalMart, Ace and (probably Lowes and Home Depot too.

Bill

E6000 on Amazon

[jd1923]

Some of you have the Metaltech scaffolding. If not, now's the time!

I'm glad I did not pull the trigger before. Check out the sale at Depot. At this price, I may get two to stack since the 39" extension and other accessories are double this price point!

MetalTech Safeclimb 6 ft. Baker Scaffold with Platform and Included Trap Door, 1250 lbs. Load Capacity I-CISCH1 - The Home Depot

[Ronbrink]

11 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Some of you have the Metaltech scaffolding. If not, now's the time!

That is an excellent savings, thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention! Mine is the 1,100 lb. load capacity model with a solid deck, typically less expensive, but the ‘Special Buy’ on this 1250 lb. model is a real deal!  The MetalTech guardrail system for fall safety is pricey, so I fabricated one using fence railing and gate components. I found this accessory very useful, as well!

Edited November 24 by Ronbrink

[jd1923]

5 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

That is an excellent savings, thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention! Mine is the 1,100 lb. load capacity model with a solid deck, typically less expensive, but the ‘Special Buy’ on this 1250 lb. model is a real deal!  The MetalTech guardrail system for fall safety is pricey, so I fabricated one using fence railing and gate components. I found this accessory very useful, as well!

Ron, I believe it was you who first made me aware of this product. Instead of the safety upper, I bought two scaffolds at this price which are stackable or put them in tandem for a 12’ walkway. This will help with house painting too outside and above stairwells.

Got the tool shelf too and 14” outriggers for greater stability. Nice set and with a 10% OFF coupon in my email, everything was under $500 plus tax. If you don’t have one, apply for a Depot card for the same 10%.

I have two weeks off now. This will all be delivered for free by end of next week. The following week I will finally wash the Oliver after two roadtrips and then will replace the bathroom exhaust fan and remove the large Winegard Dish bug-catcher up top!