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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Restoring Aluminum Window Frames

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Katitude
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USA
31 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/28/2013 : 10:25:03

So, the dreaded aluminum window frames again... Just ordered a product called Everbrite. Anyone used it??
I will be taking before and after picts.. hopefully results come out good. I intend on restoring our 80 Catalina to as close to original (including frames) I am beginning sanding process today.

"I'm the Captain.. that's why"
1980 Catalina 25 SR #1743
Sailng in San Francisco Bay

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2013 : 10:37:54

No experince with Everbrite products though it looks promising. Was curious if your windows leak or not. Most of the early models with aluminum frames are notorious for leaking (including mine) and I would think you would need to address an issue like that before recoating.

Edited by - Sloop Smitten on 08/28/2013 10:38:18

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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4302 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2013 : 17:10:59

We used to use Everbrite when polishing prop spinners on airplanes. Works good.

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Voyager
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5352 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2013 : 19:45:43

Everbrite: Is it just a finish restorer, or does it also seal the windows?

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Katitude
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31 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2013 : 08:30:33

Everbrite is just a top coat for aluminum. Looks great on clean, smooth aluminum. Will not cover up any blemishes, etc. It's kind of a plastic polymer feel to it.
And yes.. windows leaked. Bought the leaky window kit from Catalina Direct. Very difficult to keep sealant off everything. Very sticky, gooey, what a mess. If I ever have to do this again I will use Butyl tape from RV supply. Looks like it worked though. Haven't done a good water test yet. Waiting for it to cure.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2013 : 10:09:00

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Katitude
 . . . is just a top coat for aluminum. Looks great on clean, smooth aluminum . . .
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">We'll be the judge of that, where's the pix?

FWIW, if you ever use teak cleaner on the handrails and eyebrows, becareful not to let it run down onto the aluminum frames else you may well end up with acid streaks on the frames.

Edited by - OJ on 09/05/2013 10:09:28

Captain Mike
Deckhand

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USA
11 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2013 : 19:59:32

OJ, PO did just that. Can you acid wash the whole frame then recoat it with something to take it back to ground zero?

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glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2013 : 06:05:43

A few years ago I had all the ports out to rebuild them. During that time I started the project from hell, and polished all the aluminum pieces on a wheel. I call it the project from hell because it took multiple weeks to complete, and wore out three 6” cloth wheels. I don’t even remember how many of those polish bars I went through. But the final outcome was worth it for me, they shine like stainless. Here is my question. To keep them looking nice I have been using “Meguiar’s - Hot Rim Mag and Aluminum” polish, which I think works well.

Would “Everbrite” be a better choice?

I have recently placed some pictures of my boat in the gallery (Project section) under “Alternative Pop Top Cover” one of the pictures shows the ports.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2013 : 16:25:10

Here's Glen's [url="https://www.catalina-capri-25s.net/cgi-local/MBR_gallery.cgi?Album+2251+141"]Project Pics[/url]

Really nice job!

Paul

Edited by - britinusa on 09/07/2013 16:26:48

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2013 : 16:57:22

When I took my windows completely apart, I had the frames re-anodized. I am not aware of any other products that will etch the aluminum.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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4302 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2013 : 17:04:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by glen
 A few years ago I had all the ports out to rebuild them. During that time I started the project from hell, and polished all the aluminum pieces on a wheel. I call it the project from hell because it took multiple weeks to complete, and wore out three 6” cloth wheels. I don’t even remember how many of those polish bars I went through. But the final outcome was worth it for me, they shine like stainless. Here is my question. To keep them looking nice I have been using “Meguiar’s - Hot Rim Mag and Aluminum” polish, which I think works well.

Would “Everbrite” be a better choice?

I have recently placed some pictures of my boat in the gallery (Project section) under “Alternative Pop Top Cover” one of the pictures shows the ports.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Ports look really nice Glen! If what you've been using is working the way you want don't change.

Who made your cover? It looks really nice, and when you think of it, you really don't need the all the material over the top of the pop-top. That's a lot of material that does basically nothing except maybe make it slightly faster to install the cover.

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glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2013 : 06:22:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 [
Ports look really nice Glen!

Who made your cover?

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I want to thank both you and Paul for you compliments. My wife owns and operates a marine canvas shop, so I passed along your compliments to the one who deserves them, she thanks you also

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4302 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2013 : 21:16:05

Want to make one for me? I'm willing to pay good money?

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Kennyge
1st Mate

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USA
76 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2013 : 10:04:51

This thread got me motivated to do something about my unsightly aluminum window frames. I never really noticed them until the 1st time I had my boat at a dock rather than my usual mooring. I found a tube of Prism Polish http://www.prismpolish.com/ which I had sitting in the garage for god only knows how long and brought it out to the boat yesterday. Spent about an hour working on one of the three starboard side windows. It took a lot of elbow grease but it looks much better. I think if I had a polishing tool of some sort I could of removed more of the deeper pitting. Here are some before and after pics:

Edited by - Kennyge on 09/12/2013 13:33:57

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