outdoor 110 plug , 1964 Shasta

Welcome aboard!

Like Vikx, I add exterior outlets on every camper. This was our last project, a 1966 Yellowstone and we placed the outlet under the dining window. We do try to use the older style BELL cover plates, when possible.

I prefer putting any outdoor outlet boxes underneath the trailer close to the wall because if you put it on the side of the trailer, even if it's "a waterproof" fixture, it's still just another place to leak. But most of my customers do not want to lay down on their backs to get to it. Not sure why because you always have to lay down on your back when setting up a trailer anyhow. There's always something you must do that requires it.

My trailer came with a fixture on the side but what was surprising to me was that there was no cover. It was just a 110 fixture. I picked up this vintage bell cover which appears to be aluminum with some sort of powder coat finish on it. I have been wondering if I can just strip the finish off it so I can polish it to a shiny finish. Has anyone done this?

These receptacle covers are likely die cast aluminum or "pot metal". You definitely can sand and polish these down to a bright finish, but it likely won't last long. Most folks would go to the step of plating this material if you wanted something polished and really long lasting. Otherwise, painting like Vikx suggested would work fine.

LOL like toilet paper. They haven't changed in the last 50 years...

Lady W, Maybe you might want to try picking one up at the local lumber yard or hardware store,since they have basically been made the same way to resist outdoor conditions for many years. That way you could try some polishing techniques and see what happens without sacrificing your vintage one to find out.

I would recommend starting with a coarse steel wool and a dollop of elbow grease first, and see how that cuts the factory finish. More aggressive measures could be added if needed. If you have a rotary tool like a Dremel at your disposal, a fine wire brush attachment may work for trimming along the edges of the plug covers and the other fine areas that are hard to reach by hand. Finish polishing with a rub of Mothers Aluminum Wheel polish, clean the residue off well, and maybe try a couple coats of clear enamel paint.
This is all only a guess but I may try this as well, for future reference.