| Author | Message | ||
| Neil Kirking (Smitty)
Registered Member Username: Smitty Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2007 Posted From: 24.111.54.103 Rating: N/A |
I have a 1966 gmc5303, that I am convering. Dose anyone have a way too bring back the shine on the aluminum skin?? I tried aircraft stripper and a scrap I cut out for water heater and that didnt touch it and polshing compound too a long long time too wear threw what ever the coating is!! | ||
| norcal kyle (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 134 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.119 Rating: N/A |
I'm not too sure about GM's, but if its anything like the aluminum siding on my Eagle, DON'T MESS WITH IT! its not supposed to shine like stainless steel. if you try to polish it it will strip the coating off and really mess it up. I just use a light coating of brake fluid or 30wt motor oil(which ever I have) about once a month or so and it looks great. just put it on a rag and rub it on till you have a light even coat on the whole bus. I hope this can help.... kyle in norcal 1980 Agle 10 #30223 | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1224 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.195.112.181 Rating: N/A |
Neil - The aluminum on a GMC is anodized with a satin finish. It is not supposed to shine like stainless steel. The anodization helps protect the bare aluminum from corrosion. As you found out with the scrap piece, it takes a tremendous amount of effort to polish through the anodization. Once the anodization is removed, you will have to continually work on keeping it polished, a major job in and of itself. Another alternative is to take that nice bright piece of scrap to an automotive paint supplier and have him match the color, then paint your coach. FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Doug Ritter (Texrbama)
Registered Member Username: Texrbama Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 76.23.156.145 Rating: N/A |
Not for nothing, but I've never heard of the oiling on the alumining. Sould like a good deal. My question, I read a post the other day were some bus nuts was talking about using break oil on the tires. Then others seemed to talk agenst it. Tell me, whats the best way to bring out or make tires look the best. Thanks, | ||
| James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 53 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.1.180.218 Rating: N/A |
When I had my bus painted, the hacks painted the wheels and tires, then wiped the tires off wit lacquer thinner. the tires looked like poopies!! I was at Earl and Dorthys in FL. Earl told me to try the spray tire shine stuff at the auto parts stores,KMart ect. The stuff works like a charm and it is supposed to be good for the tires! I belive that the life of these tires was shortened by the use of the lacquer thinner. They started to weather check after only six years. I would not use any home remidies for my tires. They are too expensive to expieriment with, but that is not based on any facts or experience but only my opininon. The stuff in the spray cans may be brake fluid for all I know. | ||
| norcal kyle (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 135 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 75.62.36.81 Rating: N/A |
Doug, so far the brake fluid/30wt has worked out really well for me. like i said, i just do it about once every 30-60 days or so. keeps my baby looking sharp. the only caution i have is to never EVER do it on a day with even a bit of wind, because until the fluid dries up a bit it will have every single little bug, feather, dirt, pollen and anything else in the air stuck to it. but after it sets for about 30min its all good. kyle in norcal | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 161 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.125.61.116 Rating: N/A |
Try wd 40 on a rag and do a small piece of aluiminum. I used it on my trim and it works (for a while)I will have to test out the 30 wt idea | ||
| Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member Username: Tekebird Post Number: 156 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.59.75.212 Rating: N/A |
linseed oil | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 525 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.117.21 Rating: N/A |
You could use RuGlyde rubber lubricant on the sidewalls if you are concerned about brake fluid or lacquer thinner. The spray foam that runs off without touching that is used on autos is nice to use, and is supposed to have protection against uv rays. When your coach sits out in the sun, the best thing to use are the slip on tire covers. You can go from cheap to somewhat pricey on these, depending on your wallet. The ones body shops use are cheap and available in our size, or you could have some made if it suits you. I believe Camping World sells these also. | ||
| John Zabrocki (John_z)
Registered Member Username: John_z Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 64.61.224.171 Rating: N/A |
What have you found to remove the water spots and streaks from the aluminum? I have had no luck at all getting rid of those. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 118 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.22 Rating: N/A |
Then wait for a dust cloud..... RCB | ||
| RJmule (Rjmule)
Registered Member Username: Rjmule Post Number: 37 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 75.51.66.179 Rating: N/A |
Try using ATF automatic trans fluid, tranny's have O rings and other rubber parts. I have used it for over 25 years and luv it, I also use it on all hoses and plastic in engine compartment,Also use it on my dash. Just a thought. RJmule | ||
| RJmule (Rjmule)
Registered Member Username: Rjmule Post Number: 38 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 75.51.66.179 Rating: N/A |
Sorry, not on alum, Meant last post for tires and rubber. RJmule |