another Buffalo

[DaveNCari]

Going to look at a 1969 4903 tomorrow.....

Looks to be largely original.....except it is all painted...

I'd have to strip and polish the lower section.....

Empty inside except a few seats...

Dave

[Utahclaimjumper]

 The aluminum siding on GMs is nearly impossible to polish in the traditional sense, General Motors used an aluminum protection system that is extremely difficult to remove prior to polishing, almost to the point of having to grind it off. >>>Dan

[DaveNCari]

I had noticed this on our 4104...

What can you do to overcome the "dulls!"

Obviously...it will never look like a mirror....but how do you maximize what is there

[usbusin]

Our 4104 was anodized aluminum.  Here is what anodized aluminum is:

What is Anodizing?

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, also can be anodized.

The anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is composed entirely of aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide is not applied to the surface like paint or plating, but is fully integrated with the underlying aluminum substrate, so it cannot chip or peel. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing.

Anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminum into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium. A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodizing tank; the aluminum acts as an anode, so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminum atoms at the surface of the part being anodized. Anodizing is, therefore, a matter of highly controlled oxidation—the enhancement of a naturally occurring phenomenon.

[Utahclaimjumper]

 And,,, its even more difficult to make look good if the panels are not perfectly "straight" and dent free, this explains why most really good looking GMs have body filler and painted surfaces thruout for a clean modern look.>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

The Eagle people sure make the siding look good without all the Bondo and paint it must be the rust Dan ,IMO the painting and patching on the GM siding looks tacky up close

[Bill B /bus]

When we had a Buffalo the painter matched the color of the lower panels when he painted the bus. Had the look of the original anodized Aluminum without all the mismatched color of the replacements.

Bill

[DaveNCari]

If we end up with this one...we may just have to go that route.....

DG

[usbusin]

without all the mismatched color of the replacements

Yep, that is the problem I had in replacing panels.  The anodizing was all slightly different.

[Purplewillie]

The great black buffalo...
That ones been for sale for quite awhile
Good luck, I'm curious how it looks up close
Mark

[DaveNCari]

Good to know out had been for sale for along time.....

Maybe I can get it for the right price....

Dave

[Purplewillie]

Good luck Dave
Let us know how you make out, don't have my passport or I would drive down and look it over with you
Mark

[DaveNCari]

Well we went and looked over this one...for the first time. 

It is surrounded by stuff...couldn't drive it or get under it...this time...

But it is still under consideration.....gonna go back when they get the stuff outta the way!

Dave

[DaveNCari]

I really do think I want to save this buffalo from becoming beer cans....

Im going to try a crowd funding plan to help...

I will put it up at www.gofundme.com in the next few days...
"Help save the Big Black Buffalo!"

Dave