Anything damaging about patina?

Is there possibly a purpose to letting your teardrop start to look aged? Less likely to be stolen? Will a patina damage the aluminum? Is it bad for the teardrop to be a little dirty? Just wondering... I'm not overly into cleaning.

 

Lyle,

Some people do chose to go with a natural patina finish. Craig for instance has done this with his. The patina is actually a layer of aluminum oxide which does a great job of protecting the metal on the trailer. Still would need to be careful though of getting a corrosive agent on it like road salt or something. This still would do damage like pitting and such.

Cary

 

Yes Lyle, patina can be significantly damaging to a teardrops value. With a lot of patina and a little dust and mud you would have to haul it all the way to Mexico to get it stolen and collect the insurance. I'm not into cleaning either, it's a pride thing as my tear is a reflection of me as long as I can see my reflection in the tear.

Hilditch

 

Ah, this is where my philosophy differs, I suppose. I am not purchasing it for it's resale value, but to use it well. I might still take your advice with the Woody wax just because it sounds like it will protect the investment a little better and make it longer between a "deep" clean. Anything that means I have to clean it less is good in my books.

 

I'm with you there Lyle. I don't plan on selling for at least 20 or 30 years.

 

Lyle, one of my major beefs with Camp-Inn is that I didn't know I was signing up for a major maintenance issue. I ignorantly thought it would be like a new car that would look new for years if I washed it. My goal now is to minimize maintenance. Hell, I haven't waxed a car in 25 years. I don't need this @*&%! The reality is these tears are not maintenance free and this was more of a surprise than I bargained for. Whine, whine, whine.

Evan, keep the dreams and intentions alive. However, your tear will never look like a vintage Airstream as it is made from different aluminum and I give 50 to 1 on 20 year intentions.

Hilditch

 

Hilditch,
It sounds like you have discovered a way to maintain the exterior of the camp-inn's with a minimum amount of work. That sounds pretty good to me being from the northeast where we can only use the campers for 6 or 8 months. If the Woody wax works the way you say it does, I could do it in the spring when I take the camper out of storage and be done with it for the year. I don't mind doing that to protect my investment. I have been holding off on doing the walbernize this year just because it is a lot of work. I am going to try the woody wax and hope it does what you say it does. I don't need it to be in showroom condition all the time, but I do want to afford it some protection. Thanks for the heads up on the Woody Wax. Here's hoping!
Charlie
PS. Did you restore your tow vehicle or buy it?

 

Charlie, If you follow the directions and use the sealer I believe you will be very happy. Two coats this year & then 1 coat per year will probably work for you.

We bought the '40 Ford Sedan Delivery last fall. It was done 14 years ago & has enough 'patina' for it and the tear. I don't like 'patina'! It did get a new Corvette engine this year and the suspension redone for camping.

Hilditch

 

Thanks Hilditch!
Your tow vehicle and camper look very nice together. You must have plenty of room to bring necessary items with you.
I'll let you know how the woody wax does.
Charlie

 

Tonight this non-issue struck me as being quite simple.

If you want the natural look, don't do anything.
If you don't like the way your unit looks, wash it.
If you still don't like the way it looks, Walbernize it.
If you like the way it looks, put on Woodys to help keep that look.

Hilditch

 

Well said, Hilditch.