Posted 2011-01-23 8:26 AM (#129160) Subject: Acid washing AL trailers
New User
Posts: 3
Hi. I am new to this forum and happy that I found it. My question; I have a featherlite AL trailer that needs acid washed. The nearest place to get this done is a 3 hour drive - one way. Can anyone recommend a product I can purchase to do this myself? ~Ruff
Posted 2011-01-23 11:26 AM (#129167 - in reply to #129160) Subject: RE: Acid washing AL trailers
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
NAPA auto parts usually has acid wash on the shelf or they can get it. If you do it yourself BE CAREFUL. you can cause damage to any plated parts on the trailer. This can be exposed bolts or any other galvanized hardware. Follow the directions exactly.
Posted 2011-01-24 8:28 AM (#129198 - in reply to #129160) Subject: RE: Acid washing AL trailers
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
I have used something called zep-alum..its easy to use just read the directions. Don't use it on stainless steel. You don't need gloves or a haz mat suit. http://webfiles.acuitysp.com/psr/psr_1063.PDF
Posted 2011-01-24 8:36 AM (#129199 - in reply to #129198) Subject: RE: Acid washing AL trailers
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Zeb alum warnings:
"NOTE:
DO NOT use on aircraft or aircraft materials, on anodized or highly-polished metal surfaces (including stainless steel and aluminum), on aluminum or magnesium wheels or wheel covers, painted surfaces, plastic center caps, or allow runoff to contact such surfaces, as irreversible damage or dulling may occur.
Keep product off glass, fiberglass, and ceramic surfaces. Should product accidentally contact any of these surfaces, flush immediately with water.
Repeated use of this product can cause degradation of metal equipment and damage to concrete and metal surfaces."
Posted 2011-01-24 10:07 AM (#129201 - in reply to #129160) Subject: RE: Acid washing AL trailers
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
good thing my trailer isn't a airplane.Yeah..I read the warnings and they are likely written by a legal department. I use the stuff once or twice a year with good results.
Posted 2011-01-29 8:19 AM (#129456 - in reply to #129160) Subject: RE: Acid washing AL trailers
New User
Posts: 3
Thanks for your suggestions. I did do a search before posting this but did not think to do a 365 day search. My trailer is a 10 year old featherlite stock trailer. Nothing shiny on it so hopefully these products will be safe to use.~Ruff
Posted 2011-01-29 8:45 AM (#129457 - in reply to #129456) Subject: RE: Acid washing AL trailers
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by dgRuffian on 2011-01-29 9:19 AM
Thanks for your suggestions. I did do a search before posting this but did not think to do a 365 day search. My trailer is a 10 year old featherlite stock trailer. Nothing shiny on it so hopefully these products will be safe to use.~Ruff
If the trailer hasn't been "washed" in 10 years, then you may need enough product to spray it down a couple of times..... Alot of the cracks, crevises, groves, slats, etc. may take a second application to get it really looking good!!
Acid washing AL trailers
