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[xcaliber]

i am rebuilding this Aluma trailer that my cousin Mike left me. It is aluminum and had been exposed to the weather. The aluminum fenders polished out pretty well but was a lot of work. The floor plate on the body is very tarnished and I don't think Mothers makes a polish that will shine it up. I am thinking about painting the floor plate and polishing the trim. I don't know about painting aluminum and looking for ideas to dress this thing up as a tribute to my cousin. Whatcha all think

[xcaliber]

More photos

[xcaliber]

Another

[Rocket67]

Powder coat is not that expensive and would be better than paint. 

[xcaliber]

could they powder coat the floor plate without taking the trailer apart? The box is welded together and can't be take apart. I can remove the tongue and axle if need be. Also I wonder if the heat would warp the wide panels.

[Gumbo]

Powder coating is a good solution, but like you say not sure if they can just hit the bed.

Another idea would be Rust-Oleum Professional Aluminum Primer, 15-oz. can covers areas up to approximately 14 sq. ft., cleans up with mineral spirits.
After primer drys you could paint it any color you want. The primer prevents the usual problems of blistering, flaking, or peeling paint.

Good luck 

[matap]

What are the side panels made of?  If it's all metal it will be fine.  powdercoating only requires heat temperatures up to 400 degrees and for most applications only 15-20 of that applied heat. 

Another alternative would be to have it powdercoated or you can purchase one of those 'roll on' bedliner kits.  I'm sure it isn't going to see bed truck type use. 

[matap]

I would recommend carpet lining it.  Will keep condensation to a minimum and keep things from rubbing around in there.  Unless of course you have Gumbo in there you won't be able to avoid rubbing.   

[SteveS]

You could do the bed liner roller kit and then put indoor / outdoor carpet on it

[snake]

If the part you're talking about is diamond plate aluminum, it can be polished up even better than new. Use aluminum polish with a mothers powerball on a drill and get it mirror finished.
SSSSSssssnake

[Gumbo]

I would recommend carpet lining it.  Will keep condensation to a minimum and keep things from rubbing around in there.  Unless of course you have Gumbo in there you won't be able to avoid rubbing.   

Don't be shy, just say you want to rub Gumbo It's OK, not going to happen, but just say it

[xcaliber]

I would recommend carpet lining it.  Will keep condensation to a minimum and keep things from rubbing around in there.  Unless of course you have Gumbo in there you won't be able to avoid rubbing.   

Planning on doing that, Paul, after I clean up the out side and rewire it with new LEDs.

[Chad]