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Got a detail shop and will be working on a 7 in the next week or so.

Just wondering what folks use - pad/polish combo for something like this:

I polish Semi truck fuel tanks, wheels, battery boxes, toolboxes, ect. I use a cheapo Harbor Frieght buffer, and the Velcro buffing pads, Just a "high Nap" one, (it'll say on the package what its best for). The compound I use is 3M technically made for paint, (scratch repair), but it works well on the aluminum.

I haven't made it that far on my Locost, so I haven't had any experience with thin aluminum, I would assume the sides/fenders will be fine, but I'd be careful about applying too much pressure on large unsupported expanses (hood).

This is the stuff I use:

This would work for an aluminum intake manifold?

Most aluminum intake manifolds are going to be a rough casted surface. [too rough to start with a polishing compound] unless it is die-cast. Pick up some 3M abravise 2 1/2" Dia pads (looks like scot-brite, but heavier grit) and the arbor/holder that they can screw into. You will just need a couple 120 and 5 to 10 of the 240 grit, depending on the size of the manifold. They should be less then a buck each. You should be able to get the surface to about 85% with the 3M pads. Then use aluminum polish to get the final luster with a couple cotton drums. I have had real good luck with Mothers Aluminum polish. Clean the build up of aluminum oxide left by the polish with acetone. For the small tight areas around bosses you will need a Cratex polishing kit #777 which has various small polishing drums of different grit and sizes. I did a V-6 manifold and it took all day to polish it with a die grinder. Plus when you are done, you look like you have been working in a coal mine. Great fun Dave W

I'm ready to start cutting and riveting on my body panels and I haven't found much information from searching the forum for various options for polishing and sealing aluminum panels. I see one posted. If anyone else has good ideas, good products, etc., please post them! There must be MANY options! I've heard some guys prefer to paint the panels because they think polishing/sealing is too much regular maintenance...true of false?

search the aircraft restoration forums. Tons of info on those about polishing aluminum. Getting a good near mirror finish on aircraft requires a special dual head buffer.