I'm the proud new owner of a 68 Apache Eagle (finally) - thanks to Sharon and her family in Pittsburg! I would like to clean the aluminum road cover. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to use?

Also, what is the best way to waterproof the cawnvas? I've read that a some owners use a tarp to cover the canvas. What is the best way to secure the tarp over the canvas?

Thanks for your help. I can't wait to go camping!

-- Lori (typha2@netscape.net), August 24, 2003

Answers

3M makes an aluminum restorer that will really put a shine on aluminum. You can get it at boat yards and marinas. It's a paste that comes in a 3" diam. by 3" high jar. Takes a lot of rubbing, so for such a large area, a powered buffer would be easiest.

-- Jim S (olympia2000@nhlfa.com), August 25, 2003.

I used aluminum paint for the cover. I did have to remove the end pieces, install sealant, then bolt the pieces back on.

A standard water replenant for tents is just what you need. You can buy it at Kmart or other stores selling tents. The real test is too cut a small sample and test burn it for flame retarant. The spray is also a flame retarant.

If you are expecting very heavy rain, by all means put a tarp on top. No canvas tent can take 3 to 4 inches of rain in a 2 hour time period. I know, I had 4 inches in 90 minutes in Big Sur, CA.

-- Gary Kane (Kanega_90502@yahoo.com), October 05, 2004.