Aircraft product inquiry

[charlesaferg]

Since there is no "aircraft" section, I`d assume I would find the best advice here.



First off, I landed a job detailing an aircraft after detailing a client`s black Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which looks gorgeous BTW - (pics will be linked at the bottom.)



Anyways, I have done some good research as to the process and other things. What I`m concerned about most is the products that I will need. I know that marine products are for gelcoat and fiberglass, and I`m not quite sure if this will suffice for an aircraft.



I figure that I should buy some heavy cut from megs, and use a heavy wool pad, then follow with a lighter compound and a foam or lighter wool pad.



Also, what is the correct product to use to degrease the underbelly?



Again, I have searched and have read through the threads already present on the board, so any information on these specific topics would be extremely helpful.



Heres the Carrera-

B4

http://a785.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/l_5b07d6b54356960c726b6485339f6150.jpg



After, I apologize for the bad pic, but theres nothing but some dust and a dog hair :P

http://a949.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/57/l_70a1a4a6dadaebf95d712fe6486100e4.jpg



http://a737.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/60/l_921ca6f37bc614f496791a828b3b7fe0.jpg



http://a760.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/12/l_661aafa4edf61b0c34467de8be066f67.jpg



http://a471.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/59/l_68da0284fa64747674097b56a8f2dec6.jpg

[imported_themightytimmah]

Aircraft can be a big pain. Charge accordingly (think of a price and double it.)



We were using Meg`s boat line oxidation remover/heavy wool, then M66/foam for most of our planes. The M66 was wiped off with Aquawax to add additional gloss.



Swirl removal was not a goal, just gloss improvement. We tried 10-15 different degreasers on the bellies before finding that Stoner`s Tarminator and a long handled brush was the way to go.

[SuperBee364]

Heya, Charlesaferg...



My family used to own a 1977 Cessna 172. Dad and I used to keep it detailed back in the day. I also used to work as a Lineman (cleaning airplanes, pumping gas, etc) back when I was learning to fly.



You`ll find that alot of airplanes are finished with Imron paints. Imron is very hard stuff. Most airplane paint jobs are quite similar to the automotive counterparts. Either SS or base/clear coat, but as mentioned, the majority of them are *hard*. And there is a ton of surface area. The surface area of our 172 (including both sides of the wings) was about equal to a 40 foot motor home. Most all the surfaces you`ll be working on are either primed, painted, and clear coated aluminum, or painted plastic (moldings and farings). Pretty much the same as a car.



Your plan of getting heavy, medium, and light cut polishes sounds like a good one. Just think of it as being a big car.



Any good APC should handle the oil/grease on the belly. I bet Meg`s APC would work well.



Just keep in mind that there is a *ton* of surface area. Bill accordingly. :)

[charlesaferg]

I`ll have photos of the plane tomorrow, but it`s a 6 person aircraft. Would you say around 800? Interior, exterior...

[SuperBee364]

Kinda depends on the condition of it. Maybe just tell him an hourly rate, and that it`ll be done when it`s done?

[charlesaferg]

What about cleaning the interior? Do they use wool carpets, or just fire-retardant treated materials? I have extensive experience with automobiles, I just want to cover as many bases as I can. I`ll only be working on what I know, and that will be definitely good enough.

[SuperBee364]

Very similar to cars. Some airplanes actually have astro turf style carpet. Most Cessnas, Pipers, Beechcraft, Mooneys, etc. Use very lightweight and cheaply made interiors. Think GM in the `70`s kinda stuff. You can pretty much plan on treating the interior like a car, too.

[charlesaferg]

That`s what I thought.

I did a tour of a local hangar in Hillsboro, Oregon recently - a friend of mine worked there for a summer. Interesting how I remember all that stuff about the paint and materials.



Oh, if I don`t have any "plexus" cleaner on hand, I wonder what store-bought (auto parts store or whatnot) cleaner I should use on plexiglass... Suggestions?



Ah, once a detailer always a detailer. We`re always thinkin` it aren`t we...?



I appreciate the info very much, and I`ll post photos as soon as I get them in. I`ll explain what I`m thinking, and I`d love more input when I show you guys what I`ve come across.

Again, thanks.

[SuperBee364]

Ah, yes, the plexiglass... What was the stuff we used to use... Hmm. I`m drawing a blank. I`ll have to call up my Dad and ask him if he remembers the name of the stuff. It works really well.

[imported_Puckman]

I remember a product called Prist when I was flying. Kind of like a windshield cleaner and rainx type of product IIRC.

[SuperBee364]

Actually, Prist is a fuel additive. :) Nope, I`m not kidding.

[imported_Puckman]

Had to satisfy my curiosity and you`re right - they do make a fuel additive too but they also have the product I remember. It`s a plexi cleaner spray can type product. I remember the FBO I used to visit had it for sale.

[SuperBee364]

Ah, LoL, I was only familiar with the fuel additive. Was the plexi cleaner any good?

[JonP]

We tried 10-15 different degreasers on the bellies before finding that Stoner`s Tarminator and a long handled brush was the way to go.



I detailed a small 4 person plane back in 03, don`t remember what is was tho, but I used diluted SG on the belly and it wiped the junk right off like nothing to it.

[imported_Puckman]

Ah, LoL, I was only familiar with the fuel additive. Was the plexi cleaner any good?



I thought so at the time but that was before I got into detailing and all the crazy stuff we use. I remember it having a "rainx" type qulaity to it that helped rain bead and runoff well.