Bus polishing mistakes?

[plyonsMC9]

Thanks for all the pics and information Will.   It seems like the stiffer material on the carpet pads make a big difference.  On my surfaces, that is what I really need - I have a very dull finish on a lot of the panels. 

My situation is that years ago I had paid someone to polish the bus, but basically had to tell them to "stop" since the work was not good.  So, that is where I am at.  Lot of dull semi-polished panels.  Lots of dull S.S.  Yes, I would like the chrome-type finish.  I enjoy doing the work - if only I could see SOME progress.  The sanding idea is also very interesting.  I have a few panels that I know will need to be replaced as they are damaged.  I will go back now and re-read all the posts. I am learning A LOT! 

I would really like to get those bay handles mirror-like!!

Thanks again!  

Phil

[JackConrad]

Phil,
   Just a reminder, if you have any dings or dents in your panels, they will be much more noticeable with a mirror finish. That said, even with a few dings & dents that were there when we purchased the coach, I stll like the mirror look.  Jack

[plyonsMC9]

Jack, did you do all the polishing, including bringing the panels from completely dull to mirror finish, using those pads and just the different grades of polish? 

The only "bricks" of polish I have are brown, white & blue.  Is the black (emory) rougher than the brown? 

Yes, dings, scratches will show.  I'll need to purchase a couple of panels from someplace like IBP, then learn how to rivet.    

Thanks again! Phil

[skolbibp]

Riveting will be like a walk in the park after polishing!

[JackConrad]

Jack, did you do all the polishing, including bringing the panels from completely dull to mirror finish, using those pads and just the different grades of polish?  
   The only "bricks" of polish I have are brown, white & blue.  Is the black (emery) rougher than the brown?  
Thanks again! Phil

 Yes, just bricks of polish and different pair of pads for each compound, and a lot of hours holding that grinder/polisher!
 Yes, black (emery) is the fastest cutting compound I have used (think ground up emery wheel off of a grinder.  If the polishing wheel with emery on it hits a painted surface, paint is gone, almost instantly.  The emery leaves a film on the SS panel.  I use mineral spirits to remove the film before going to what I call red (may be the same as your brown), actual compound in Tripoli.  
 If you work top to bottom left to right, you will sling the compound away from the are you just finished. This saves clean up time and gives you something to admire.  Jack

[NCRealAuctions]

I live in North Carolina & have a MC-8 that needs polishing.  I'm looking to hire someone to do the job.  Any recommendations of who could & would do the job?

[skolbibp]

There are several companies in Florida.  Anderson's Coach Works 407-695-3950, Mirror Image 407-301-3812, and Dazzleing Detail 407-948-9284.  Hope this helps.
Steve

[PP]

I live in North Carolina & have a MC-8 that needs polishing.  I'm looking to hire someone to do the job.  Any recommendations of who could & would do the job?

There's not enough sweet rum in all the islands to ever tackle another bus polishing project, LOL