Chrome restoration

[studmobile]

Wondering if there are ways to improve reasonable chrome, for a driver, without the costs of rechroming. In particular, thinking of the fixed vent window surround, bumpers, gauge bezels, or reasonable cast chrome pieces such as trunk hinges or gas cap. What are the issues with using either 0000 steel wool, or bronze wool, or any of the chrome polishes? Do these have short or long term benefits? Thanks, David

 

[Bill Eisinger]

Wondering if there are ways to improve reasonable chrome, for a driver, without the costs of rechroming.

A lot of people will offer up various alternatives such as steel wool, etc but that only takes care of any surface oxidation, etc. If there is any pitting the only alternative is re-chroming...otherwise you'll just end up with shiny pitted chrome.

Also, be careful with the steel or bronze wool...depending on the condition of the chrome you can easily do more damage than good...it may end up shiny but will also have a lot of fine scratched if you aren't careful.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

A lot of people will offer up various alternatives such as steel wool, etc but that only takes care of any surface oxidation, etc. If there is any pitting the only alternative is re-chroming...otherwise you'll just end up with shiny pitted chrome.

Also, be careful with the steel or bronze wool...depending on the condition of the chrome you can easily do more damage than good...it may end up shiny but will also have a lot of fine scratched if you aren't careful.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

Re caroming $$$$$$$

 

[bernd_st]

You can use fine steel wool soaked in nitrous thinner. Just run it over the pitted chrome surface. Let it dry and wipe off the dried remains with a soft cloth. You'll be surprised how shiny the chrome will be afterwards. A good old tip from the trade...

 

[puff4]

Never use steel wool. It will scratch chrome and will also leave little bits that fall into cracks and then later rust. Not good.

Use 000 or 0000 bronze wool. It won't scratch chrome and the bits don't rust. If necessary, you can add a bit of 3M paint polishing compound to the bronze wool and you'll get an amazingly good finish... at least as good as your gonna get, anyway.

 

[bobbo]

Have any of you ever tried vinyl wrap in chrome? Amazon sells 12 inch by 60 inch rolls. Might give it a try as my bumpers are looking pretty sad.