So, we have reached that stage. “The fun bit!” Actually I take it back. It’s fun for about 2 panels then it just becomes hard work. A mate of mine said to me once, “Did ya have to pick a bloody Routemaster, why not a small van…” With a vehicle of this size every step becomes a monstrous task and that is where I really struggled to set a time frame on this build. I originally planed to build the whole Routemaster bus bar in 1 yeah….. Haha!!! Owhh how little did I know. I’m actually glad that I get to do it all over again for Routemaster bus number 2. I now actually know what I’m doing! Anyway, back to the shine!

For those of you that don’t know, once a surface has been painted on a vehicle it needs to go be polished to get that all mighty shine. Now, our Routemaster bus bar is still an old Routemaster. So a super duper, brand spanking, mega sexy paint job can only be achieved if I were to A: Be a pro and B: had replaced every panel. I actually didn’t want to replace every panel. They’re not all arrow straight but that’s what makes her look so good. She’s been on the road for 54 years, she’s not meant to look brand new. Indecently I’m actually very pleased with the finish I got. Its the right amount of “Vintage” and still looks very smart.

I’m not an expert but I did have an entire bus to get it right. So here is what I found..

1. Start with the side you’ll see the least
2. Pick a high quality product, it goes a long way
3. Polish in day light
4. Add water to the surface if you use a machine. It’ll get too hot and burn otherwise
5. Take your time and remember, you can always have another go

Once all was done it was time to paint all the trim pieces and of course the relief band. (the white stripe in around the bus) Actually my bus is totally incorrect because for its era it shouldn’t have a white strip but I don’t care! It looks nice. Bus looks totally different without it. So, I’m sorry purists, white it is…