Polishing an Aluminum grill and body trim

[JDxeper]

I thought that I would polish the best I can, clean, then use either laquer or clear cote top them off.  Any other suggestions?

[Lefty]

Take them to a facility that does media blasting. Have them cleaned with baking soda, which is far less abrasive than walnut shells or sand (never use sand on aluminum.. unless you want the aluminum to be gone afterwards).. afterwards, you can either polsh them to a shine, have them polished by a professional, or have them powder coated. which would be my choice personally.

[Lefty]

Forgot to add, I've always liked Airstreams.. but the thought of all that polishing is beyond masochistic...it borders on insanity!! I know of owners who have spent upwards of 3,000hrs polishing thiers!! Of course, they do look like mirrors and are far better than they ever were when new. But, that's 3,000 hrs I could be sitting under my awning relaxing...lol