Cleaning up Dormobile roof parts?

[mginty]

Has anyone got any hints on how to clean up the roof and various metal parts?
The outside of the roof has been painted and looks lovely but I'm trying to clear up the inner. It's stripped at the moment and I can't recall what a complete roof looks like so if anyone has a pic on their roof I'd love to see it -especially how the arms attach at each end!
In particular I'm trying to clean:
1) the fibreglass. I read that chrome polish does the trick but the chrome/ metal polish I have isn't doing it.
2) the metal roof support arms. They're a little rusty at the end plates and the arms are mottled. I've lightly sanded it down which is kind of working but what can I treat it with after to clean up the metal? I don't think they should be painted should they?
3) the bellow frame is a bit chipped in places. I'm considering getting it powder coated. Is this a good idea?
4) whilst on the subject how do people clean up other interior metal parts such as curtain runners? Vinegar/ coke and so on?
Finally, when screwing things back on I'm concerned about the new paintwork - ie metal on metal. Are washers or some sort of felt pad a good idea?

many thanks in advance!

 

[Doris]

go to B&Q in the garden / auto chemicals dept and buy something called 'metal cleaner & restorer' - man that is good stuff! brings all your door catches,ali,steel everything up bright - its acidic so don't leave it in too long!!

I gave up with the struts and fittings - just had them powder coated for a clean tough finish.let me know if you want pics of powdered stuff.
Cheers - Rob

 

[mginty]

hmm that sounds like the stuff I need!
does the powder coating not rub off when you raise the roof?
pics would be great if you get a moment.
Cheers

 

[Doris]

maybe not the exact parts you are thinking mate, buddy seats and bed mechanism,but gives you an idea,and the only pics I have a.t.m. (lost me camera! ) I have recently had the roof supports done and I was a bit worried about them sliding in and out with the powder coat on, but they are fine! hth

 

[VeeDubMan]

maybe not the exact parts you are thinking mate, buddy seats and bed mechanism,but gives you an idea,and the only pics I have a.t.m. (lost me camera! ) I have recently had the roof supports done and I was a bit worried about them sliding in and out with the powder coat on, but they are fine! hth

Ooo...they look niiiice!

Was that a costly business?

 

[Doris]

maybe not the exact parts you are thinking mate, buddy seats and bed mechanism,but gives you an idea,and the only pics I have a.t.m. (lost me camera! ) I have recently had the roof supports done and I was a bit worried about them sliding in and out with the powder coat on, but they are fine! hth

Ooo...they look niiiice!

Was that a costly business?

er - Yep! I save up a bit then have a load done at once - cheaper that way. just had the hoops,two struts (inner &outer),strut base brackets,main full length handle,& Dormobile cooker - £115 I decided on Powder coating as the amout of prep,priming,spraying,polishing to get the same effect wouldn't be worth it, it wouldn't be as durable either.

 

[mginty]

They look great! Thanks for posting them as has made my mind up to get mine done.
Do you have some pics as to how the roof bits all join together?
Cheers

 

[Doris]

They look great! Do you have some pics as to how the roof bits all join together?
Cheers

Thanks! I don't actually mate,The bus is in bits packed away while the body work is done but none of the roof bits are difficult to work out/re fit. Is there a particular bit thats giving you grief ?

 

[mginty]

Sorry for the delay in replying...PC died recently...
Not actually at the stage of putting it all back together so not having any grief (yet!) but just wondering where it all bolts in and what size bolts etc.
When you powder coated the base sections, how did the spring bit come out with the powdercoating?

 

[wiley coyote]

Those bunk brackets look the nuts. I recently went down the rub down, primer and self spray route. Looks ok but nowhere near as good as that and i defy anyone to re fit them without scratching the paint. If finance allows i would certainly reccomend the powder. Don't forget do at least do the ends of the poles as well as these will look shite when re assembled as the ends are visable.

 

[Doris]

Sorry for the delay in replying...PC died recently...
Not actually at the stage of putting it all back together so not having any grief (yet!) but just wondering where it all bolts in and what size bolts etc.
When you powder coated the base sections, how did the spring bit come out with the powdercoating?

camera dead atm,but will get some up eventually!!